Results 41 - 60 of 60
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | Missing posts? | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 108759 | ||
I posted an answer and a note, but neither of them have showed up on the home page.... Is there a delay? It wasn't a "quarantined" thread or anything..... how does this work? JRM |
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42 | Thompson Chain Reference: useful? | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 107390 | ||
My favorite Bible (NRSV) is falling apart! I'm getting it rebound, but bought a new version for the interim. It's a NKJV --- but with a Thompson Chain Reference. I'm really excited about this tool, because I've been reading whole books of the Bible for the last few years -- and I'm excited about doing more thematic studies in the coming months. Any stories about the merits or pitfalls of the Thompson Chain Reference? Yours, JRM |
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43 | Who wrote Daniel? | Dan 12:4 | Just Read Mark | 107369 | ||
Many scholar say that there is no evidence of people reading Daniel until the 2nd century BC. At that point, they say, the book rapidly gained acceptance as an inspired book. The book claims to be written around 536 BC, but seems to have been out of circulation for 400 years. Many scholars see this as evidence of a late date of authorship. The verse above, however, talks about the book being sealed up until "the time of the end." Could this be saying that Daniel wrote the book, but it was then hidden from view for 400 years, until it was needed by the faithful who were suffering under the Antiochian persecution, in the 2nd century BC? Please, I am seeking historical evidence about the book of Daniel. I know the book itself is very clear about its authorship (Ie. first person narrative in chapter 8) and that Jesus refers to Daniel. I know the forum is full of knowledgable folk, so I'm seeking help disecting the "historical critical" view of Daniel. Yours, JRM |
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44 | 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. |
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45 | 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? |
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46 | 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 |
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47 | 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? |
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48 | "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! |
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49 | Apostolic Proof-texting? | John 7:18 | Just Read Mark | 86184 | ||
Yes, let's dig into the Word. I have a question about how scripture is to be used -- especially about "proof texting." The authors of the New Testament frequently quote the Old -- celebrating Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecies, and using Old Testament texts to develop and bolster their New Covenant understanding. Often, however, they employ these texts in a way that gives little weight to the original context. It seems they are just seeking phrases that prefigure Christ, even if the quote's setting is incongruous. What do you make of these strange readings? Is this a special knowledge (that Christ imparted on the road to Emmaus)? Or does this show a different mode of reading the Bible -- one that we no longer find acceptable? OK: it's late, and I'm going to bed. So I can't find the examples I was looking for. Some of the texts in Hebrews seem weird. How about, for instance, Hebrews 1:5b? This passage points back to 2 Samuel 7:14. The context seems to point to Christ "The King" --- until it mentions "When he does wrong...." Not "if," .... This is just one example - not the best example. So what do we make of apostolic prooftexting? |
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50 | Echoes of Resurrection? | Acts 12:14 | Just Read Mark | 85808 | ||
Reading this passage (Acts 12:6-17), I am struck by echoes of the resurrection story. Peter is in prison, and is miraculously released. His feeling of liberation reflects Christ's triumph over the grave --- but that is just the beginning of the similarities. He tries to visit his followers. The first witness is a woman of lower social standing --- and the Christians fail to believe her report. (see Luke 24:11) Isn't this entire scene reminiscent of the Resurrection? The story of the maid leaving Peter at the gate is certainly comical -- but I initially wondered why Luke would bother to include it. But now, understanding it as a parallel to the resurrection, it makes a great deal of sense. We are to see all of our lives -- especially our liberation from bondage -- as echoes of Christ's ultimate triumph. We are also convicted by the example of the Christian community: even though they were praying for Peter's release, they met answered prayer with disbelief. What do you think? |
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51 | Scriptures about striving to grow? | Phil 2:12 | Just Read Mark | 85673 | ||
I am looking for scriptures that reflect our active and creative roll in growing in faith. I find that I grow more quickly by seeking, asking questions, and pursuing Jesus. Obviously, this is only part of the picture -- for EVERYTHING depends upon God's grace. But I would love to hear from people -- scriptures that speak to "spurring one another on to love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24) One that I've been thinking about it Phil 2:12-13. I like the sense of working out one's salvation -- especially since it is made clear that it is God doing the work in us. Beautiful. Yours, JRM |
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52 | The "short " ending of Mark? | Mark 16:8 | Just Read Mark | 85311 | ||
Ending of Mark. Thanks Radioman. Most of the "contradictions" you mention have not bothered me, for the reasons you state. But the explanation of the gospel genealogies is VERY interesting -- thanks. I wonder what you think about the question I raised at the start of the thread? Really, there are three elements to the question. 1) how can this gospel account be read in harmony with the others (as historical accounts)? 2) in terms of the message the gospel contains (as a narrative), why would so many copies end with the bleak ending? 3) what do you make of the textual authority of the longer versions? (After all, we hold the "original autographs" to be authoritative, no?) Yours JRM |
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53 | How does email notification work? | Bible general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 85142 | ||
Just a technical question. I get emails notifying me of posts that respond directly to my posts. Now, what happens if I post a question - then the thread goes off in different directions... do I continue to get notified of developments in the thread, or do I have to go back and check? The answer to this might also affect which post I respond to in a thread, I guess.... |
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54 | Punishment for the Traitor / Friend? | Ps 55:20 | Just Read Mark | 84897 | ||
The Psalms so often cut to the heart. This one (55 -- read the whole thing) brings up specific memories for me -- but also raises a difficult question. The Psalm describes betrayal by a close friend -- this is the part I can relate to clearly. The resolution offered by the text, however, is not reconcilliation or forgiveness -- but to hand the treacherous friend over to God's punishment. I yearn for reconciliation -- and understand Christ-like friendship to include the way of forgiveness and suffering. How then should I understand this Psalm? Are there other texts I should look at? |
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55 | Why would we de-value story-telling? | Genesis | Just Read Mark | 84886 | ||
Why does our culture de-value story-telling? Jesus told parables -- do we not see them as authoritative? As words to live by? Why, then, do many Christians resist finding story and myth in other portions of the Bible? John MacArthur says: "Allegorizing means to say that the historical meaning is not the real meaning, and in fact may be nothing but a fabrication." ---- but if the text IS an allegory, it should be read as one - no? ---- why is anything other than "historical meaning" rejected as fabrication? Can God inspire stories as well as history? Can a story convey truth more clearly than historical details? |
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56 | 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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57 | Interpret Jude1:23 - hate sinners shirt | Jude 1:23 | Just Read Mark | 83548 | ||
Hate my shirt? I'd like interpretations of Jude 1:22,23. Reading Jude: what a fierce indictment of falling away. The harsh tone is put in context by a sense of the preciousness of God's gift. So we are to embrace God's gift, recognize when it is being undermined, and finally --- at the end of the book --- reach out to the "wavering" with mercy. How are we to understand the 3 ways of showing mercy, especially the one that involves "hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies" ? |
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58 | Authority, without literalism? | Bible general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 82752 | ||
Bible Literalism? One of the beautiful things about Christ's incarnation is that God tangably entered history. "God with us." But history is complicated, and simplistic readings of the Bible fail to honour the text. I love the Bible, and meet God in the text. But I think its authority does not require literalism. There is metaphor, poetry, symbol. The complicated part is that there is also history. Gretchin Hull has a good book about gender and the bible, and she notes that the bible is sometimes an "accurate description of a falsehood." And even the most literal interpretations surely take some account of context. Look at the Old Testament battles for Canaan, where God tells the army to massacre the entire population ---- The idea is to maintain purity of the faith instead of mingling with pagan cultures. (Deut 20:16-18) But that certainly looks like genocide, from today's standpoint. Jesus said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fullfill it --- that not the slightest stroke of the pen would be removed from the law (Matthew 5:18). Do we keep all the Old Testament laws? But do we consider ourselves to be honouring Jesus' words? How can we read the sacred text in a way that is thoughtful, takes account of context, and simultaneously honours the scripture as authoritative? |
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59 | Interpretations of King Neb's dream? | Dan 2:37 | Just Read Mark | 82393 | ||
Prophecy of Empires. How much agreement is there, about what each of the stages represent? This kind of prophecy seems very hard to interpret. Are there other interpretations we should consider? |
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60 | Empty tomb, but witnesses didn't tell? | Mark 16:8 | Just Read Mark | 82154 | ||
Witnesses to the Resurrection? I've just been reading Mark, and found the active, dynamic picture of Christ very compelling. It is a very urgent telling of the gospel. But I was stumped when I got to the end. I notice there are several discussion threads about the closing verses of Mark (reliability of the longer endings, etc) but no discussion of how to interpret this. The angel proclaims the resurrection, but the 3 women fail to spread the news. This contradicts the other gospels. It also makes me question the truth of the witness: how reliable is their story if they, for instance, don't proclaim the news until much later? Is there something being overlooked here? I find it beautiful that we have 4 gospels, 4 perspectives on the life of our Lord. We do read the Bible as a whole, and yet it is important to listen to each part. (Not read the synoptics as though they were one thing).... But what is Mark saying here? Perhaps it put the responsibility on me, the reader, to spread the good news? |
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