Results 201 - 220 of 294
|
||||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
201 | HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE BIBLE | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 107119 | ||
Rape. Hello chubby. You also mentioned rape. There are several horrific rapes in the Bible -- and it is also used as a metaphorical image by the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel... But in terms of historical narrative, the one that sticks out in my mind is Amnon raping Tamar, his half sister. What is amazing about this passage is how it shows lust grow within him -- it goes from fantasy, to obsession, to plotting, to actual rape. It reveals human lust very clearly. The text even includes Tamar pleading with him, to change his mind. See the 13th chapter of 2 Samuel. Also, the book of Susanna is a good one to look at. Not everyone recognizes this book as part of the Biblical cannon, but I think everyone believes it is edifying to read. |
||||||
202 | Puritans Banned Christmas? | Not Specified | Just Read Mark | 107051 | ||
I have heard that the puritans banned Christmas in England, for a time. Does anyone know their motives, and how it worked out as a societal practice? And why was the ruling overturned? It is interesting to see how Christians at other times have grappled with the issues, and Biblical interpretation, that we are discussing even now. |
||||||
203 | Puritans Banned Christmas? | Rom 8:28 | Just Read Mark | 107054 | ||
I have heard that the puritans banned Christmas in England, for a time. Does anyone know their motives, and how it worked out as a societal practice? And why was the ruling overturned? It is interesting to see how Christians at other times have grappled with the issues, and Biblical interpretation, that we are discussing even now. |
||||||
204 | Who wrote Daniel? | Matt 24:15 | Just Read Mark | 106980 | ||
Belshazzar father??? Daniel 5:2 states that Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar. The historical record, it seems, makes points to other conclusions: "The historicity of Belshazzar is no longer in doubt: he was the son of Nabonidus, the last of the neo-Babylonion monarchs. He was not, it is true, Nebuchadnezzar's son. The succession ran: Nabopolassar (626-605); Nebuchadnezzar (605-562); Amel-Marduk (562-559); Neriglissar (559-555); Nabonidus (556-539); Belshazzar." --- from the Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible. This is only one of the problems with the historical description of Daniel's times. The Babylonionians left a lot of records, so the series of Monarchs is not really in question. |
||||||
205 | Who wrote Daniel? | Matt 24:15 | Just Read Mark | 106974 | ||
I find this passage in Matthew particularly interesting because it takes the prophecies of Daniel into a future time (beyond Antiochus) -- perhaps referring to the destruction of the Temple (Herod's construction). -- also, looking to Revelation. I don't find it particurly definitive, in terms of who wrote Daniel. I think Jesus could speak the language of his day, and of the internal language of the Bible -- which would refer to Daniel as the author, and similarly with the books of Moses. So my question, then, is about relating the authorship of Daniel to external historical evidence. |
||||||
206 | Who wrote Daniel? | Not Specified | Just Read Mark | 106896 | ||
I have been reading Daniel, and really finding so much richness in it. I have also been reading different reports about who wrote the book. I am hoping that some informed folks out there can help me out. The book itself claims to be written by Daniel, in Babylon, during the captivity. Perhaps this is all I need to know, but here are some other things to consider. --there is no record of the book circulating until the 2nd century BC (400 years after the time of Daniel.) Suddenly, at that time, it had a wide circulation and power among the people. -- the prophecies in Daniel relate to that time, and represent very clearly the struggles of the Jews during the Antiochian persecution. (ie food issues as a test of faithfulness, statue of Zeus set up for all to worship, desecration of the temple...) There are historical difficulties with the portrayal of Daniel's time (especially the description of the Medean rule, which doesn't jive with the historical record at all); whereas the themes relating to the Antiochian persecution are vividly clear. So, then, many scholars are dating the book to the 2nd century BC. I hate it when scholars say that, because prophesy is acurate, it must be written AFTER the event.... But in this case, there seem to be a lot of things pointing to a date later than the time of Daniel. Any thoughts? |
||||||
207 | Who wrote Daniel? | Matt 24:15 | Just Read Mark | 106899 | ||
I have been reading Daniel, and really finding so much richness in it. I have also been reading different reports about who wrote the book. I am hoping that some informed folks out there can help me out. The book itself claims to be written by Daniel, in Babylon, during the captivity. Perhaps this is all I need to know, but here are some other things to consider. --there is no record of the book circulating until the 2nd century BC (400 years after the time of Daniel.) Suddenly, at that time, it had a wide circulation and power among the people. -- the prophecies in Daniel relate to that time, and represent very clearly the struggles of the Jews during the Antiochian persecution. (ie food issues as a test of faithfulness, statue of Zeus set up for all to worship, desecration of the temple...) There are historical difficulties with the portrayal of Daniel's time (especially the description of the Medean rule, which doesn't jive with the historical record at all); whereas the themes relating to the Antiochian persecution are vividly clear. So, then, many scholars are dating the book to the 2nd century BC. I hate it when scholars say that, because prophesy is acurate, it must be written AFTER the event.... But in this case, there seem to be a lot of things pointing to a date later than the time of Daniel. Any thoughts? |
||||||
208 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 106889 | ||
Thanks, Taleb. Very cool. I have never heard that before, and the connection to the Temple is very rich indeed. |
||||||
209 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 106738 | ||
Most Christians believe that God continues to communicate with believers. We are to test our listening against the Scriptures. The celebration of Christmas is a fruitful way to honour the birth of our Savior. It draws people together as a group to honour God, as opposed to our individual devotional patterns which may lead us to consider the Incarnation at various points in time. Focusing on Christ corporately is so important. The date of December 25th is not in the Bible, but it is not arbitrary. It is just past the shortest day in the year. I am not saying it is a pagan festival --- I am saying that the date reiterates Isaiah's prophesy "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light." As for the magi, we know that the Bible doesn't say how many there were. Perhaps a dozen started, and only 4 had the conviction to finish? It is speculation. But, on the other hand, look at the symbolism of the 3 -- from different continents (often portrayed as Europe, Asia, and Africa) thus symbolizing the whole world.... or 3 different ages (young, mature, elderly.) These are rich ideas, though not literally Biblical, they are consistent with the message of the Gospel. Don't many Christian authors imagine themselves into the Biblical drama to edifying results? Of course, we don't treat these cultural productions as authoritative. But prayerful production is an important way to serve our Lord. Every time I see a nativity scene, I celebrate. Especially on private lawns. People are making a public declaration of their faith. How much easier to put up a banal snowman or Santa! But no, some people put their faith on display to their neighbours. Let us be flamboyently celebratory this Christmas, stealing the attention from the capitalist frenzy. Let us find ways, united in faith, to celebrate the incarnation on the streets, not just in private devotion. Sing carols door to door that explicitly proclaim who Christ is. I plan to lean into it, for Christ is here and people need to know it. |
||||||
210 | Forbidden fruit represents sex? | Gen 3:1 | Just Read Mark | 87969 | ||
Interpreting Nudity. Hi Reilly and Emmaus. I've been thinking about this from another angle. I agree with everything that has been said -- but I was left wondering "where did this sex idea come from?" There is the fact that God clothed Adam and Eve only after the fall. This could suggest, to some, that their naked innocence was sexually ignorant. In our sexualized culture, we cannot seem to interpret nudity as anything other than erotic -- and thus the clothing seems a critique of their nudity (sexuality of the fall.) Of course nudity has other symbolic meanings. To be naked -- husband, wife, with God -- is a sign of trust, honesty, complete sharing. With sin, we need to protect ourselves, set up limits --- clothe ourselves. The clothing is about barriers between Adam and Eve, and between them and God. The sexuality bit is also played up in paintings of the theme. Sometimes you have nudity as beautiful intimacy --- but other times the sexuality is played up in the temptation scene. Medieval paintings of "Death and the Maiden" -- with both sex (Eve) and Death (the snakelike tempter) -- certainly pack a punch. Thus the person that buys the painting gets to a) feel holy for having such a venerable Bible scene to admonish them; while b) enjoying the voluptuous curves of Eve on their wall. Don't get me wrong --- I think nudity can play a very positive roll in art --- and many of the Adam and Eve paintings are fabulous. But artworks show an INTERPRETATION of the Bible, and we need to return to the source. Sometimes looking at artwork reveals truths in the scriptures that we, or even our whole era, are blind to. Thanks be to God. Yours, JRM |
||||||
211 | how to start reading the bible? | Bible general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 87778 | ||
Dear Rouel --- sometimes we initiate a thread, and it just goes crazy on tangents. As important as the discussions of hell and souls etc. may be, I would hate to be newly in the Word and be bombarded with all of that. Take courage. I think the advice of people that have responded to your actual question is good. There are different modes of reading the Bible, such as: -- intellectual study: figuring out the basic structure of the book, how the historical context works, etc. -- prayerful meditation. Allow God to use specific verses in your life. Write out a passage in a journal, so that you can mull it over longer. Too often, we read every day without actually holding a specific text long enough for it to penetrate to our core. I have been working my way through the entire Bible -- reading the whole thing in 3 years is my plan. I'm not following a "program," but I ballance O.T. and new --- and one book leads me to the next. (ie. the books of Kings mentions the prophet Isaiah, so I read Isaiah after finishing Kings.) Other times, I take one book and read it repeatedly. A short book like Philippians is amazing for this -- and the rewards are great. Other times, thematic study is wonderful. A concordance helps you to find shared words, and then chain-references help you to follow a theme. For example, to study God's covenants (ie. Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus) is SO rewarding. Blessings to you, as you dig in. JRM. |
||||||
212 | Jeremiah in other books. | 2 Kin 24:2 | Just Read Mark | 87772 | ||
Here, in 2 Kings, we have a fleeting reference to "the prophets." I was wondering if Jeremiah is meant here -- considering Jeremiah 26 ff explicitly speaks of King Jehoiakim? My larger question is about the links with Jeremiah and the other books. Here are some connections that have made me curious: 1) The "historical appendix" at the end of Jeremiah is transcribed directly from 2 Kings. 2) Baruch leads me to the book of Baruch. 3) Lamentations traditionally attributed to Jeremiah. Are there other connections I should know about? Yours JRM |
||||||
213 | Who in the bible served idols? | Bible general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 87750 | ||
Levite in Dan, and other tales of Idolatry. Hi there. Your question is indeed broad -- but an interesting one. EdB mentions the tribe of Dan. I think he is refering to an amazing story in the Book of Judges --- see chapters 17, 18. Here, a Levite priest, becomes the priest in a pagan shrine! It seems crazy, how easily the Levite gets sucked in --- he wanted community, a place to live, who knows.... but he turned his back on the Living God, to worship a molten idol. One of the key phrases in Judges is "all the people did what was right in their own eyes." This line ends the entire book (21:25), but it is also in the middle of this idolatry narrative. (17:6) If you look at the books of Kings, it is a "who's who" of idolatry. Each ruler is judged as to his faithfulness -- and a great many of the ruler lead their people astray. Looking at motives can be fruitful, too. I've been reading Jeremiah, the last few days. God's grief and anger about our faithlessness is very graphically portrayed. The Israelites "went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves" (Jer. 2:5). Check out the "slut" imagery of faithlessness in chapter 3. It is very shocking, but reveals the emotional engagement of our God -- the the "jealousy" that is justified. For a general look at idolatry, check out Psalm 115. I find this a powerful psalm. Idolatry can be a way of worshiping ourselves -- but the psalmist critiques worship of anything other than God. May we, like the psalmist, "bless the Lord from this time on and forevermore." |
||||||
214 | Active Homosexuals: Truly Christian? | Rom 1:21 | Just Read Mark | 87245 | ||
Hi Justme. Thanks for your note. This is a difficult matter. Perhaps there are two different circumstances to deal with: those growing in faith who are still involved in some sinful practice; and those already mature in faith who turn their back on what they know. I think people often need to study the Word for some time, to be discipled in the faith, to experience God's presence in worship BEFORE they are willing to transform their key commitments in life. So we should expect to have people in our churches -- seeking the Lord -- who are quite engaged in sinful practices. We should be inviting them, seeking out our neighbours like this. I repeat my question of before: say a gay couple had bought a house together... and raised a child together... how hard it would be to abandon that life! How many commitments and vows would have to be broken! I don't think the person would see his way clear the first day of conversion. Even after giving one's life to God, there is a sanctification process that takes time. In my own experience, there are deeper and deeper levels of sin that have been given to God over successive years. (start off with obvious things like lying; later deal with pride, or insidious materialism...) I am grateful for God's leading, cleansing, and nurture. I think firm patience plays a role. (Not saying everything is OK -- but acknowledging the struggle.) As for the Corinthians passage -- I think it is about someone moving the wrong direction. If someone were to enter into a new sinful relationship -- where they have known the truth and willfully reject it. I fear we are all being a little theoretical. I posted that other question in this thread, about a "faithful response to gays/ lesbians." It seems that people have many opinions but not a lot of experience. I'd love to hear from a Christian that has worked through homosexual struggles -- to find what blessed them in their church community. Just as we have learned how to help alcoholics -- and there are good resources about this -- we need to find out how to help homosexuals. |
||||||
215 | Faithful response to gays / lesbians? | Rom 1:21 | Just Read Mark | 87121 | ||
From my understanding of scripture, I agree that homosexuality is a sin. I also suggest that - in general - the church's treatment of homosexuals is sinful (fear, hypocracy, silence). My question is: how can the church SERVE gays and lesbians? How can we minister to homosexuals in the church? How can we support them in their struggle to change their lives? How should we handle a gay couple that has been together for a decade? What if they have a child? How can we make faith accessable: so that they are not turned away at the door, before they hear the power of the gospel? As someone with several Christian, celebate friends that struggle with homosexual orientations, this issue is critical. I pray for them consistently. But we often feel powerless: although their lives are faithful, I would not characterize their lives as "abundant." There is some barrier that we have not broken through, and I yearn for a clearer picture of what Jesus has for them. Any resources to help? |
||||||
216 | Active Homosexuals: Truly Christian? | Rom 1:21 | Just Read Mark | 87055 | ||
Long road to sanctity. Why do we think homosexuality is any different from other sins? It is always included in a long list of other failings, including sins as common as greed. We do not expect people to be perfect BEFORE they come into the church --- if a gay couple enter the church, seeking, we should not shun them. It could take years of following Jesus for them to sort out how to be faithful. The sanctifying process takes time, as God exposes layer after layer of our darkness IN HIS TIMING. Think about being an alcoholic. There is a mixture of personal choice and genetic predisposition. We have sophisticated support networks to help alcoholics change. We understand how hard their struggle is -- and if they fall off he wagon, we help them back on. Why, then, do we treat our brothers and sisters who struggle with homosexuality with either silence or scorn? This is hypocracy. We have all fallen short, and continue to do so. We are all in utter need God's grace. I am glad the Exodus program exists. I like what Leanne Payne has written as well. Let us learn to understand the struggles of homosexuals, so that we can be effective disciplers and prayer partners. |
||||||
217 | "Word of God" - always written word? | John 1:14 | Just Read Mark | 86865 | ||
When we discuss the Bible, we often call it the "Word of God." I understand the texts about inspiration (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). My question, rather, is about the phrase "Word of God" in scripture. When John's Gospel begins with Jesus being the Word, this is clearly a reference to Genesis. But when people link this to the Bible, is that accurate? Is that what is intended, or a later metaphorical interpretation? With Hebrews 4:12, does the Word of God refer to scripture? How does that work within the context of "God's rest" etc? How about Hebrews 11:3? Hmmm.... 1 Peter 1:23 (and following) is interesting. Wow : there is a wealth in this book, this Word of God. Your help in unpacking it would be appreciated! |
||||||
218 | Am I Wrong?? | Bible general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 86863 | ||
About human brokeness. The Bible is clear about homosexuality being offensive to God. A sin. But Christians really need to think about how to respond in this situation. You mentioned that many homosexuals have experienced abuse in the past. I think this is true and, more generally, that mis-directed desires are a result of brokeness. When we disparage homosexuals, and treat it as a sin more depraved than any other, we are distorting the facts. We are all broken, and fall short of God's glory. (Romans 3:28) We need to pray for the lives of people caught in this mode of desire. If the church cannot live out the gospel in a way that offers them freedom, our message is solely one of condemnation. This is not the gospel. I believe that the church has been so repressive about homosexuality, that we have not learned what is behind it -- or how to disciple and heal. I want SO MUCH for the church to handle gays and lesbians in a way that is sensitive to their hearts, and their personal histories. As for the politics of gay activism -- there is not a conspiracy theory. I think talking about "legalizing sex with minors" is missing the point. Homosexuality and pedaphelia are not the same thing. Gay activists are smart, know how to lobby, and package their message attractively --- look at the difference between a Pride march (the disgusting liscence aside, look at the exuberant costumes, humour, playfulness) and the March for Jesus (sanctity aside, look at the cliches and heavy-handedness)... Say, for instance, that you have strong homosexual desires. If you can do nothing about them --- which is many people's experience -- should you live in shame, or just accept it? This is why gays would be offended at calling homosexuality a "disease" -- it has become something to celebrate and take pride in. If there is no hope of change, find strength in the way you are. While people may not be able to change themeselves, with God everything is possible. We need to learn how to minister in these people's lives. Our track record -- even with faithful Christians within our churches -- is very bad. We need to look at this problem with humility, and try to see how we can reach these suffering people. We need to learn how to love, not shun. We need to find God's heart for their brokeness, and seek after God's healing for them. Leanne Payne's books on this subject are the best that I know of. Her book, "The Broken Image," continues to be quite useful to a Christian friend of mine who struggles with homosexuality. Yours JRM. |
||||||
219 | Can one accept Christ but not the Bible? | Luke 24:27 | Just Read Mark | 86745 | ||
How to read the Word? Thanks, Radioman, for an excellent question. I look forward to reading other responses. In fact, I have been wishing to read a good book about this topic: not a "what is the Bible?" -- but a comparitive "Here are 4 attitudes to the Bible, and the fruit of each way within the life of the believer.." From the phrasing of your question, I suspect you already hold your answer firmly. I see myself having a few traits from the "dubious" side of your question ---- and yet I hold the Bible as my authority. I think a literalist interpretation is a narrow criteria for holding the Bible as authoritative -- God can give us metaphors as well as history. I also think knowing the context is important for interpretation. The finer points of interpretation can be a struggle -- wrestling with the text, with our fallen nature, listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance. There is much, however, that is quite clear. We can be very firm believers, grow in maturity and effectiveness, and still wrestle with the Bible. Wrestling is part of growing. Trust is part of growing as well, obviously. My relationship with the Bible is characterized by both. I have seen communities that believe like I do blossom, produce fruit of servanthood and accountability and deep prayer lives, worship deeply grounded in the Bible -- not sentimental, but rich. There is one area that makes me wonder about the effect of engaging the Bible daily as I do: these communities tend not to experience dramatic physical healings or the "signs and wonders" of the book of Acts. I certainly embrace these things as possible -- and relevant for the people of God today. I just haven't seen those specific gifts developed in the communities where I have been fed. Is this because these communities focus on other concerns (servanthood, justice, etc) or is there something inherent about reading the Bible literally that aids in miracles? The exception -- where I was fed in a way that expectantly prayed for the miraculous -- was a small group led by a man who had seen many miraculous things (with Jackie Pullinger, Hong Kong -- see her book "Chasing the Dragon"). And this man holds a more literalist view of the Bible than I do. To sum up: I think the Bible is crucial for every Christian. The Bible is the principle way we discern Truth from error, learn the character and will of God, and submit ourselves to God's plans. People who reject the Bible create a religion other than Christianity (see Spong's books, for instance, for the invention of new religions under the guise of Christianity.) There are, however, different ways of interpreting the Bible --- as any survey of the history of the Church will show you. These differences needn't be a source of fear: we are all Christians growing in the grace of our Lord. In fact, the differences within Christendom is a strength -- for the different streams within the faith develop depth in different areas of understanding God. May the grace of God surround us all. In Christ JRM |
||||||
220 | My first Poem, Should I keep my dayjob? | Gen 3:21 | Just Read Mark | 86511 | ||
Hey Scribe: I like it. Especially the 3rd couplet. The last line seems a little ponderous. Heavy handed... How about: "And who is this garden priest of Eden? The lamb, upon whom I'm feedin'." Sorry, that's horrible. "The Lamb that saints believe in." But really, I think it needs another edit on the ending - you really need to nail it. Some ambiguity is Ok --give enough that people can think it through. Until then, well, a day job can give you the freedom to create without compromising ;-) |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ] Next > Last [15] >> |