Results 261 - 280 of 294
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
261 | By the bible, is nuclear winter possible | Gen 8:22 | Just Read Mark | 84368 | ||
The Bible, Nukes, and Global Warming. Wow: what a frightening conversation. I do not think the Bible is to be read in this way. What are you suggesting: that we don't need to fear nuclear proliferation, because the Bible says life will go on? Nuclear arms are not a tenable option for the blessed peacemakers. Same question for global warming --- are you suggesting that we can be irresponsible with our use of toxics, because the Bible assures us that life will go on? Aren't we called to be good stewards in this world? Christians need to be active and engaged in these moral issues of our time -- not lulled to sleep. Perhaps the Genesis text is to assure us that, in taking action, this world can be made better than it is. I have heard that some Christians don't worry themselves about the AIDS epidemic that is decimating Africa, because their view of history requires such disasters (predicted in Revelation). These kinds of interpretations are an abuse of the Bible -- we are called to be active, to serve, and to suffer for others. May we work together for God's world. |
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262 | How has ART fed your faith? | Heb 11:1 | Just Read Mark | 84350 | ||
Thanks for the link. I enjoyed Tim Timmerman a lot. There is also an organization called "Christians in the Visual Arts" -- or CIVA. They are a fabulous network of artist. see www.civa.org If you go to this site -- a group of Canadian Christians -- you will see some of my work, among others. http://www.imago-arts.on.ca/gallery.htm I find these sites encourage me in the practice of art that is grounded in Christ. |
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263 | Test yourselves! Examine yourselves! | 2 Cor 13:5 | Just Read Mark | 84349 | ||
Discipleship, not Orthodoxy. Looking though the list of hypothetical statements, I wonder what the core issue is for the struggling believer. There certainly are some doubts there -- but they are raised at the experiencial level, not about beliefs directly. I think that responding with a list of theological "corrections" could miss the point. Religious people "don't like for anything to challange their beliefs, even if what they believe is ridiculous." -- Hey: I'm a Christian, and I often find the attitudes of Christians embarassing -- and perhaps not embodying the mind of Christ. Some of the questions are more about people than God. "Starting to believe that all of what we believe is just plain crazy." -- It can be fruitless to argue from theology, if the person is questioning that authority. Being part of a faith community, where the gospel is vital and lived, is more convincing. " . . . how can [God] expect us to understand or rejoice at things so foreign to us. Why involve us . . . The Christian life, seems to be marred by "living to die". .. -- Again, I think this needs to be responded to in the "engaged with living" example of Christians. If the community is stiffling and inward looking (as Christians can be), it will fuel this kind of cynicism. If, however, people are genuinely freed by the gospel -- free to love despite societal expectations -- then these questions may desolve. "I dont even know if I'm really saved anymore." -- Is this a theological question of "correct belief" --- or a question of practice? By practice I mean dry prayer life, lack of anwered prayer, alienation from community, withdrawal from servanthood, etc. Often our intellectual questions relate to things much deeper in our hearts. To pound away about orthodoxy, and to miss the real motivating issues, can actually lead to cynicism rather than faith. Sometimes people need discipleship, accountability, and a prayer partner who can stand the ambiguity and questions. "I have felt love for him [God] at various times, but mostly, I felt he hated me, so at times, I have hated him, because I was totally confused." ---See, this is more about emotion than theory. "I do not love God for his majesty. I dont know why or how to. I guess because I originally came to him because I needed help. I didn't get it . . . In all that time, I have seen very little of God. Sometimes, I'm not even sure that he exist. " --- Here, perhaps, is a root issue. The person is expressing disappointment in God -- in unanswered prayer. Combine a sense of God's powerlessness with a sense that Christian community is not functioning well... and there is a powerful ground for doubt. This person needs a true friend to work through this struggle, and the root resentments. When someone has a deep cry of their heart -- and God doesn't appear to be answering -- it is a time for the Christians around to support - indeed carry -- that person through their grief. Peace. (P.S. -- I don't understand why Radioman2's post seems to be listed at different points, under different titles -- so maybe I am missing part of the context here. I hope this post is helpful.) |
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264 | John21:1-14 , Luke 5:1-11 | John 21:1 | Just Read Mark | 84137 | ||
Art and Faith Dear Mommapbs, you asked about art and faith through history. I have started a thread dealing with this --- perhaps you'd like to chime in? See note #84119 |
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265 | How has ART fed your faith? | Heb 11:1 | Just Read Mark | 84136 | ||
Hi Searcher. Perhaps that painting by Rembrandt would be a start. There is a book by Henry Nouwen called "The Return of the Prodigal Son" -- it is short, and very good, meditation on that painting. So often, Christians don't participate in shaping culture. But why? Bach continues to draw people to God... we need people doing these things today. I often give lectures about my art-making --- and it is interesting because it opens doors for people. Christians come to my talks, and have their eyes opened about art (and are encouraged in faith as well) and people that love painting come to my talks, and find a fresh, jargon-free entry into the gospel. Indeed, the history of western art is like a great cloud of witnesses, testifying across the centuries. They present their convictions of the unseen (Hebrews 11:1), in a way that draws viewers deeper into God's care. Peace. |
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266 | How has ART fed your faith? | Not Specified | Just Read Mark | 84092 | ||
Faith and Art. I another thead, Mommapbs noted that I am an artist, then asked me this question: "As an artist, can we compare man's relationship with God and art history? In your opinion, which period reflects the greatest awareness of our spiritual relationship with Jehovah? Just wondering about these things ." How are faith and artistic production related? Sadly, Christians often make poor art, because an emphasis on illustrating theology can make work simplistic (art is not axiomatic) -- or worse, sentimental. On the other hand, I love looking at the art of faithful people throught the centuries -- and this is a way for me to keep in contact with the insights of Christians across cultures and times and places. Sometimes we get blinded, stuck in our own little moment. To look at crucifixion themes across 2000 years --- what gets emphasized, what gets diminished --- can be an amazing devotional experience. One of my favorite periods it the reformation and counter-reformation. The greatest reformation painter would be Rembrandt -- who has amazing images of grace. His "Prodigal Son" is amazing. But also his etchings --- technically inovative, and so intimate. He often reworked the same print again and again, sometimes over a 10 year period, so you can see a great development of ideas in these works. The counter-reformation was the Catholic response to the reformation. Where many reformers were iconoclastic (tearing down images, trusting only in the Word) the Catholic strategy was to pump-up the cultural production even more. Some of this work is gaudy and shallow -- but then there are those who were energized by the dialogue with Reformation themes -- and create something profound and wonderful. Look at Carravagio. Now his life seems to have been a mess -- but the historical record is hard to figure out. But he could certainly paint surprising images of grace. Look especially at Saul's conversion, the Calling of Matthew, and Doubting Thomas inspecting the risen Lord. Wow. These are incredible, prayerful works. There is so much I could say. Also about 20th century and contemporary art --- we live in an exciting time. But I'll leave this here for now, and see what responses this querry gets. So my question for you all: What art has fed your faith? |
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267 | How has ART fed your faith? | Heb 11:1 | Just Read Mark | 84119 | ||
Faith and Art. I another thead, Mommapbs noted that I am an artist, then asked me this question: "As an artist, can we compare man's relationship with God and art history? In your opinion, which period reflects the greatest awareness of our spiritual relationship with Jehovah? Just wondering about these things ." How are faith and artistic production related? Sadly, Christians often make poor art, because an emphasis on illustrating theology can make work simplistic (art is not axiomatic) -- or worse, sentimental. On the other hand, I love looking at the art of faithful people throught the centuries -- and this is a way for me to keep in contact with the insights of Christians across cultures and times and places. Sometimes we get blinded, stuck in our own little moment. To look at crucifixion themes across 2000 years --- what gets emphasized, what gets diminished --- can be an amazing devotional experience. One of my favorite periods it the reformation and counter-reformation. The greatest reformation painter would be Rembrandt -- who has amazing images of grace. His "Prodigal Son" is amazing. But also his etchings --- technically inovative, and so intimate. He often reworked the same print again and again, sometimes over a 10 year period, so you can see a great development of ideas in these works. The counter-reformation was the Catholic response to the reformation. Where many reformers were iconoclastic (tearing down images, trusting only in the Word) the Catholic strategy was to pump-up the cultural production even more. Some of this work is gaudy and shallow -- but then there are those who were energized by the dialogue with Reformation themes -- and create something profound and wonderful. Look at Carravagio. Now his life seems to have been a mess -- but the historical record is hard to figure out. But he could certainly paint surprising images of grace. Look especially at Saul's conversion, the Calling of Matthew, and Doubting Thomas inspecting the risen Lord. Wow. These are incredible, prayerful works. There is so much I could say. Also about 20th century and contemporary art --- we live in an exciting time. But I'll leave this here for now, and see what responses this querry gets. So my question for you all: What art has fed your faith? |
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268 | John21:1-14 , Luke 5:1-11 | John 21:1 | Just Read Mark | 84064 | ||
"Peter, do you love me?" Hello Mommapbs -- thanks for your note. I have thought about the Christ's dialogue with Peter a fair bit. I still think that forgiveness is part of it. Of course, we are all forgiven when we turn to Jesus, as you say. But sometimes it is hard for us to accept it, to truely take on the freedom. God does some work - different for each of us - to draw us into wholeness. I guess the main reason I see it as forgiveness is the threefold repetition. It seems like an unsaid acknowledgement of Peter's threefold denial. Peter, I think, was crushed by his denial of Jesus. Now, the risen Jesus is saying "I know what you did, and I still want you to feed my sheep." While the gospels only show Peter receiving this treatment, I think it relates to all of us. Mommapbs -- as for your comments about "The Rock," I do agree. Peter was called the rock because he professed Christ as the Messiah --- and it is that proclaimation that is at the heart of the church. Still, Peter is a significant figure at the beginning of Acts, so it works both ways. |
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269 | 2 wifes for a man, 2 husbands for a wife | Eph 5:31 | Just Read Mark | 83945 | ||
Adultery and polygamy. Hi there. It seems to me that sexual ethics were revealed and refined over time. The meaning of "adultery" as described in Exodus 20:14 seems to be about not violating marriage agreements -- ie. don't sleep with another person's spouse. It doesn't seem to say anything against being faithful to multiple wives. In nomadic or war-torn cultures --which the Israelites often were --- polygamy enables more children to be born despite a low population of men. Polygamy can be a way to ensure that women are cared for, knit into the fabric of society. Again, I am not condoning polygamy. I am just saying the Bible is complicated, and we shouldn't simplify. The New Testament is very clear on how we should proceed (one woman, one man). Peace. |
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270 | who did luke write to | Luke | Just Read Mark | 83887 | ||
Theophilus. It may be that Theophilus was not an individual at all. The name literally means "Loves God" -- so perhaps it is a symbolic use of the name. Perhaps he addressed it to all who love God (you and me included.) | ||||||
271 | 2 wifes for a man, 2 husbands for a wife | Eph 5:31 | Just Read Mark | 83886 | ||
Polygamy. Yes: we want to affirm one husband with one wife. But the Bible is a gritty and complex book -- and marriage ethics are not so clear. Of course, Solomon's many (hundreds of) wives were part of his falling away. But was it because of the number of wives, or because they came from different religions --- so he compromised? David had multiple wives --- Nathan makes it clear that his indiscretion with a married woman was wrong, but there is no comment about wives in general. He was a man after God's own heart. What about Jacob? No examples of women having multiple husbands... sorry about the inequality. Am I arguing for polygamy: certainly not. The New Testament is very clear on the subject. But God works, and reveals himself, amid the diverse cultures of this world - including relationship practices. |
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272 | John21:1-14 , Luke 5:1-11 | John 21:1 | Just Read Mark | 83834 | ||
Catch of Fish. I think these stories intentionally echo each other. In Luke, Jesus is calling the disciples. This miracle calls them into the life of following Jesus. The miracle in John happens after the resurrection. The disciples are still unsure of how to proceed -- they have no direction since the crucifixion. They have returned to their old lives of fishing in Galilee. But Jesus calls them again, echoing the way he called them in the first place. This is, then, a second miracle that intentionally recalls the details of the first one. The resurrection appearances often echo things Jesus did during his ministry -- for example, he is recognized by how he breaks the bread at Emmaus. (Luke 24). Also -- the element of "calling" in this John text is strengthened by what follows: Peter is forgiven for his betrayal, and is called to build the church. In my reading of the gospels, I always find that the miracles function at a symbolic level. Not to say that Jesus didn't perform the miracles, but rather that Jesus is so concerned with meaning that his miracles provide symbolic views of God's character. Thus, the feeding of the masses reflects the feast of heaven... the healing of the blind man in John's gospel becomes a teaching opportunity about spiritual blindness, and so on. The miraculous catch of fish point to the abundance and effectiveness in serving God. Does that make sense? What do you think? |
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273 | God's intent for man | Deut 30:20 | Just Read Mark | 83773 | ||
Blessings and Curses. Hello Wrightmor. I love this text, and it's good to look at it again. It strikes me that this is the culmination of the Pentateuch -- the climax in a way. And, in the books that follow, we see Israel be blessed when they pursue God, and we see calamity - even exile - when they pursue false roads to a full life. I like your parent image. That ties in with Hosea 11 as well. Peace to you. |
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274 | Prov 31 Does it apply to modern woman? | Prov 31:10 | Just Read Mark | 83707 | ||
A previous post sheds some light on this text as well. See post# 12319. I like it. It blocks out major traits from Prov. 31, and compares them to the life of Ruth. |
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275 | Prov 31 Does it apply to modern woman? | Prov 31:10 | Just Read Mark | 83706 | ||
Working Women. For most periods of history, women have worked. The rules about women in the "domestic sphere" only became dominant with industrialization in Eurupe. We should not think of "a woman's place in the home" as normative. The virtuous wife of Proverbs bought land, had employees, and was involved in all kinds of economic transactions (as beautifully described by Jappii, above). She has considerable influence in her family and society. Obviously, the kinds of jobs have changed from spinning etc. - but the point seems to hold. Women deserve praise for their work: "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (v. 31.) There you have it: affirmative action in the days of Solomon! |
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276 | Interpret Jude1:23 - hate sinners shirt | Jude 1:23 | Just Read Mark | 83703 | ||
False Teachers. Yes, Radioman2, the text is about people of faith who have turned away. But we are surrounded by people who fit this description, don't you think? People we need to reach out to. Of course, the corruptions of our era are a little different (I don't see too much licence happening during our love-feasts, for instance) but they are still present. So, it seems difficult to use such harsh language against people in our midst. Then again, let's not be sentimental. Loving, but not soft. |
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277 | Interpret Jude1:23 - hate sinners shirt | Jude 1:23 | Just Read Mark | 83702 | ||
Counting Pronouns. By the way: I've never heard of counting pronouns as an interpretive tool. While it is playfully fun to thank the Trinity for multiples of 3... well.... it sounds like a risky line of inquiry. I smiled, and praised God as I read your note. Peace. |
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278 | Interpret Jude1:23 - hate sinners shirt | Jude 1:23 | Just Read Mark | 83701 | ||
Thread of grace. ..Thanks, Ray. You have elaborated on the "thread of grace" that surrounds the critique of false of teaching. I, too, love verse 24. "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy ...." So the whole book is a critique of those who have tasted God's grace and yet fall away. It is not condemning those who don't believe, but those who have believed and then corrupt their faith. But here is the assurance, that Christ will keep us and hold us safely. We need not despair and say, "Who then can be saved." |
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279 | Interpret Jude1:23 - hate sinners shirt | Jude 1:23 | Just Read Mark | 83608 | ||
Judgement and mercy. ..... Thanks: it is good to see those other renderings of the text. At first, Jude struck me as very harsh indeed -- describing people as "autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted".... wow: what an image. The language is vivid and brutal. I now see the thread of grace more clearly, particularly the word "mercy" (NRSV) that occurs again and again -- even in the openning address of the book: "May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance." Beautiful, how this seemingly formal opening ties into the core themes of the book. So, Radioman2: may mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance! |
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280 | Interpret Jude1:23 - hate sinners shirt | Jude 1:23 | Just Read Mark | 83590 | ||
Hi Radioman. The Zechariah text is particularly good, as it includes - not only the shirt image - but also the bit about the "brand from the fire." That seems to confirm that the text was in Jude's mind. I guess the reason I raised the issue was that there seems to be contempt in the tone. To hate "even the garment" --- the garment polluted by the person --- seems to imply a contempt of the person. Eugene Peterson's paraphrase seems to take a "love the sinner, hate the sin" approach: "Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven." Is that really what the text is saying, or is that softening the violence out of it somehow? How do we know when the "mercy mixed with fear" approach applies? |
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