Scholars and joe-church members have wrestled with the organization of the Bible’s stories for millennia. Already in 160 A.D., Tatian had written the Diatessaron (meaning “Through Four, One”)–an attempt to harmonize the events of the four different Gospels into one long, chronological story. Prominent churchmen like Augustine and John Calvin have also tried their hand at gospel harmonization,Continue reading “Why Isn’t the Bible in Chronological Order?”
Category Archives: Theology
Jesus Doesn’t Need Your Pity
I’ve never seen Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Someone is probably on their way as I write to come revoke my ordination certificate, but nevertheless it’s true. The movie came out when I was in high school. I remember seeing the trailer for it and thinking of all the blood and gore that wasContinue reading “Jesus Doesn’t Need Your Pity”
Bonhoeffer: Why Do We Pray ‘In Jesus’ Name’?
They say the show’s not over until the fat lady sings. Well, for most of us, the prayer’s not over until we say, “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Why do we pray this way? I would dare say it’s a habit for most of us. Or maybe you just do it because you’ve heard other peopleContinue reading “Bonhoeffer: Why Do We Pray ‘In Jesus’ Name’?”
Predestination Is a Doctrine for Your Daily Struggle
Think about the last time you were really struggling. Like really–as in you had a hard time rolling out of bed and facing the day. What truth do you cling to in those moments? When life is filled with defeat, and your spiritual walk feels like a slog, and you are facing opposition from allContinue reading “Predestination Is a Doctrine for Your Daily Struggle”
Divorcing Words from Meaning
When it comes to the Word of God, both conservatives and liberals believe in divorce–the divorce of words from meaning. Conservatives divorce them in this way: the primary function of words is to aid in determining authorial intention. Meaning lies in the author’s intentions. The words are an aid in the discovery, but do notContinue reading “Divorcing Words from Meaning”
The Curious Case of Benjamin
I have this annoying quirk where I can’t let the particulars of Scripture go. When the Bible gets descriptive, there must be some significance beyond satisfying mere curiosity. There are no throw away parts of Scripture, no parts that are just for your information. Unexpected details get my wheels churning. When it comes to myContinue reading “The Curious Case of Benjamin”
The Old Testament Is a Huge Joke
The key to a good joke is an unexpected wry twist at the very last moment. You don’t give the punchline at the beginning or middle of a joke. No, a good joke-teller weaves together a seemingly pointless and at times oddly disparate story (a la “A priest, a minister, and a rabbi walk into aContinue reading “The Old Testament Is a Huge Joke”
