Results 41 - 60 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# | |||
41 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168262 | ||
Postmodernism around us. John, I am sure "God has you in this study for a reason." As an artist in my 30's, I encounter postmodernism all the time. Maybe you will see it more clearly as you study it, for it shapes TV shows and movies and novels. I even have a children's book of "Goldilocks and the three bears" -- from one side, it tells it from the Bears' perspective; you flip the book over, you have it from Goldilock's perspective. There are two covers (front and back) so neither version is priviledged as the true account. The child must decide, or decide that there isn't enough information - thereby putting the question of "truth" aside, and just enjoy the tension in the story. Let me add: some postmodern elements aren't bad. It's ability to question abuses of power has been good for our world. It's ability to listen to outsiders is akin to our Christian call to care for the orphan, the powerless, etc. These, again, are opportunities. We must be more discerning and less reactionary in our response to Postmodernism. Postmodernism is not a systemic philosophy, but a general term for a range of traits and ways of thinking. |
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42 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168259 | ||
What does "true" mean? Hi Kalos. While I agree with your argument, it has this problem: it assumes the people care about truth. The fact is, many people feel that no one can really know what is true. When they say "this is true for me" they don't really mean "objectively true." They are making a much more modest claim: they just mean that it's at the heart of their experience. People feel bullied by "truth" -- and indeed, with so much corruption in government, media, business etc... people are right in mistrusting "official truths." Personally, I wouldn't bring up the word "Truth" until much later in the conversation... instead, compel them with meaningful experiences. It is important, I think, to start by speaking of God in THEIR OWN language (like Paul did in Athens) instead of trying to reclaim our own language (like the word Truth). Once they start asking questions -- because they are hungry -- then discussion of what "truth" means can follow. JRM |
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43 | What say you? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 168257 | ||
No Private Interpretation. Hi Kalos and Lionheart. You suggest I spend 90 percent fo my time looking for Old Testament doubts. That surprised me, as my main point was to read the entire Bible... so I looked at my posts. My questions have been half new testament, half old. I'm not looking for doubts or trouble, but posting questions from my prayerful and studious reading of the Word. I wasn't saying that the Bible isn't God's Word. I agree with every scripture Lionheart quoted. We will differ, it seems, in the tools used to interpret the scripture. For sure, the Bible is not for "individual interpretation" --- there are interpretations that violate the text, and God's intent for us. I won't say there is only one interpretation, because God has used the same texts in different ways, over the centuries, to his own Glory. My deepest desire is to live in accordance with God's will for my life, and to see other lives called into relationship with Him. Hopefully I'm communicating more clearly than I have been : ) Given our different interpretive tools, I would be interested in your response to the website in Triggers' question, that started this whole discussion... Like, maybe the "daughter-slavery" question that I used in my answer. While we don't have to justify God to human standards... it is our task to witness clearly to the character of God, to spread his Kingdom. The website shows how God is perceived, due to our actions and interpretations. JRM |
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44 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168252 | ||
Postmodern Opportunities Postmodernism is very skeptical of "master narratives" that make universal claims. So, in that way, it is hard for them to hear Christ's call --- for Christ makes universal claims of the grandest kind. You talk about convincing people by reason. But the kind of "apologetics" we are used to, that work in a very reasoned way, often don't work from a postmodern viewpoint anyway. Reason itself is suspect --- if you look at where the "age of enlightenment" or the "age of reason" has brought us. Our challenge is conveying the gospel is very different than it was, say, 30 years ago -- when reasoned arguement was the way to go, it seems. There are amazing entry points, however. People are less closed to the idea of the miraculous, the idea that there is more than a measurable reality. The idea that God can act in creation is not as "heretical" to our society as it used to be. While people balk at master-narratives, they are increasingly open to the personal story. Once you say, "God has changed my life in this way..." people are very open. "I was reading this in the Bible, and it compelled me to do such and such...." Sure, they may put the information in a box labelled "someone else's experience." But they are listening, engaging, and Also, people are hungry. So, in telling a personal story, God can use that story to touch their desire for more meaning. Beneath the cynicism of postmodernists, there lies a hunger for meaning, for justice, for authentic experience. Look, for example, at the protests against the World Trade Organization -- people are trying to envision a better world, and are trying to raise their voices. Personal story (a strategy that Paul used a lot, if you look through the letters, especially Ephesians, or Galatians...) Touching their hunger (like, for instance, Paul in Athens, picking up on their altar to the unknown God) These can lead to more systematic discussions on what who Jesus is, what the cross means, what the Bible is, etc. Here is a book I found amazing: "Colossians Remixed." It looks thoroughly at the book of Colossians -- within the context it was written (Roman Imperialism) and asking questions about the Empires Christians live within today. It also includes a "questioning voice" that is basically your postmodernist... that voice keeps raising questions throughout the book, and the authors respond. In a sense, the whole book is written with that postmodernist audience in mind (the authors are, I think, Inter Varsity worker in Toronto -- so they are fighting the good fight within a sophisticated postmodern culture) |
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45 | 30 minute fun bible study for couples | 2 Tim 2:15 | Just Read Mark | 168206 | ||
Doug... I, too, am not sure what you think of as "fun." This might be totally weird as a structured Bible study, but I bring it up, because it sparked a very interesting discussion with some teenagers I work with. There's been some discussion on this forum about 1 Corinthians chapter 7... it's a whole chapter on whether to remain single or get married. It is actually a great discussion starter. A teenager was griping about being dumped by his girlfriend, and I told him it was just as well, because Paul emphasizes the good in singleness. It lead to a great conversation, as different teens piped in with their stories and experiences. The verses talk about sexuality, faithfulness, holiness. About the burdens of responsibility that can prevent us from being effective for the Kingdom. About the goal of being active for the mission of the church, and evaluating relationships in terms of that goal. I can think of MANY fascinating questions, that would bring scripture and life together. You'd get to know each other, and the Word, much better. This text really makes people think, whether married or single. May be totally inappropriate for your context, but it was good for us. JRM |
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46 | Creative Misquotation | Eph 4:8 | Just Read Mark | 168132 | ||
Thanks, Brad. The very last verse of the Psalm does mention God giving gifts: "he gives power and strength to his people." (Psalm 68:38) I'm not sure that's enough to define the "essence of the Psalm" as "that a military victor has the right to give gifts to those identified with him." The Psalm focuses more on the fate of the enemies, and the celebration of the Victor's people. Interesting, though, to think that Paul is pulling verse 38 into his reading of verse 18. That is helpful. Oh: I also like the comment on taking "captivity itself a captive" NRSV. This is so rich. Thanks be to God. JRM |
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47 | Creative Misquotation | Eph 4:8 | Just Read Mark | 168113 | ||
This verse begins, "Therefore it says..." This is a cue, that Paul is about to quote scripture. The reference - as close as I can figure - is to Psalm 68:18. The Psalm has a conquering Messiah RECEIVING gifts from faithful and vanquished alike. Paul, however, has the Messiah GIVING gifts to his people. I was listening to Eugene Peterson preaching on this passage, and he called it a "creative misquotation" --- that Paul knew that his readers would know the original psalm, and that his change to the ending would have a powerful rhetorical effect. The surprise ending would show the radical understanding of God that Jesus brings us... setting the context for the discussion of gifts that follows. What do you think? |
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48 | Inspired or not? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 168062 | ||
What does inspired mean? Hi Trigger, and Brad. The Bible is inspired by God. It is God's Word. I agree with these statements. There are a range of opinions about what those statements mean, however... so I may not mean the same thing as others on this forum. Also, there will be a diversity of view within the forum --- although they are hard to see at first. It is critical to read the whole Bible. All its parts. Over the centuries, this amazing book has been formed -- with so many voices and histories and songs -- yet it is one Story. To interpret each part, I believe, you need to see where it falls within the great arc between the Creation and the New Creation. Like Paul, I believe our wisdom will pass away as God reveals ultimate reality at the end. (see the end of I Corinthians 13). Our understanding is partial. The Bible is reliable, but there is more to come. The Bible celebrates a union of God and creature --- that we are given physical bodies... that physical creation is celebrated... we are not over-riden by God, but shaped and used by God. The writers of scripture, then, bring their personalities and experiences to bear on their writing. Luke's character and insights are different than Matthews --- they tell the same Gospel story, but in different ways. Those ways enlighten us. We are seeing God WORK THROUGH his creatures. I do not believe their hands were taken over, and God wrote through them like possessed people.... rather, God's Holy Spirit worked through all that they had lived and learned - to produce something true. Sometimes, in this process, we see these faithful people struggling to find the right response for their culture and time. We will find things - wearing certain clothing for instance - that make little sense for today. But we can ask ourselves: what was the motive for that instruction? Where is their faithful heart in this? And then that can be applied today. It is applied as we live within the complete story of scripture, not just isolated verses. Sometimes we will see traces of the Fall in scripture. This can happen a few ways. First, the Bible can show an accurate representation of a fallen thing. The Old Testament often describes scenarios that are horrific, and leave us to draw the conclusion of whether they were right or not. It's often hard to tell, just like in life. The Bible is not a polite book at all. Another thing, however, is that God can move people within their historical context --- not to an ideal position (timeless) but to an improved position from where they were. The slavery question is probably one of those... the cultures around them sold their children into slavery, and so Moses is inspired to put limits on that practice. To the first listeners, it would be radical justice.... to us, it seems like condoning the slavery. But, when we see it in context, we can see the steady advance of the Kingdom of God. I believe God intends every word in the Bible to be there for us, to shape how we think, how we ask questions, how we pray. God has given us every word of it. Even parts that may be culturally "tainted". God's Word is perfect, in that --- as we immerse ourselves in it --- it shows us the direction of God's plan, including the direction we are headed in our future as a planet. Some parts of scripture can "critique" other parts, so we need to look at the big picture of the whole Bible. (For example, Jonah functions as a critique of Nehemiah, I'd suggest. We need to read both, to get the balance right. God made sure both were in there...) We see this plan more accurately, then, by tracing the large themes through the whole of scripture, rather than looking at specific instructions given at a particular point. You asked how I can have a vibrant faith despite the degree of questioning I live with. I have a relationship with the Living God. God is not afraid of questions. My questions do not stop me from loving God, serving God, listening to God. They make me fall into Christ's everlasting arms, knowing that my mind is not enough.... only God can save me. I am His. Also, and this is important.... if you read throught the questions I have posted, those are just the questions. There is so much I am confident about, each day, as I walk the faith. Obviously, if you look over the questions I've posted over several years, you'll get a bit of a slanted look at how I think. I live in the confidence of Jesus my Lord, repenting of my broken ways, walking in his Spirit, attempting to be a slave in love, and enduring in the hope of resurrection. Peace. JRM |
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49 | Sex Is For Whaaa? | Bible general Archive 3 | Just Read Mark | 168053 | ||
Paul on sexual desire. I would guess that your professor is bringing some prior assumptions to bear... so that texts about sexual purity are interpeted in his mind as avoiding desire. So, to find some texts that affirm erotic desire might help. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is addressing the question of whether to marry or remain celebate. While he talks about sex, nowhere does he mention having children. Certainly, he does celebrate celebacy --- which some take as an anti-senxuality stance --- except that he also affirms marriage. I would say that our culture, and church culture, do not celebrate celebacy enough... but Paul certainly makes space for passionate sexuality within marriage. He says if you don't marry, you might fall back into sin (v2) That you should not refuse each other's "marriage rights" --- ie. enjoy the sensuality of being married (v 5). If you decide to marry, by all means, DON'T deny yourselves the sex, unless for a short time, to focus on prayer. That it's better to marry than to burn with lust. (v 9) Hope this helps. JRM PS. Of course, within a Biblical world-view -- which Paul surely had -- the Song of Songs would shape views of sex. You may want to show that to your professor ; ) |
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50 | Cannot mix different cloths in O.T.? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 168043 | ||
Hi Trigger. Too bad about the lost questions. I have had things go missing, sometimes, too -- especially if I was going back and forth between screen to edit what I'd written. A "thread" is simply a chain of messages --- so, when you ask a new question, it starts a thread. When someone answers that question with a scriptural reference, the thread gets placed at that verse --- and all the responses follow after. So, to reply to my answer, you just click on my answer, and write a "follow-up on this note." I tried to find your post by clicking on your name (beside your other posts, in this thread...) That takes me to a screen where I can see what questions you've asked, or what answers you've given. I don't see your missing post in that list, so it must be lost. (By the way --- clicking on a name like that can be a good way to use the site. If there is someone you learn a lot from, you can find what other topics they are writing about.) Some people write their responses on their own word processor (like Word, Word Perfect, etc) and then -- after a spell check even -- past it into this website. That works well -- plus, if something weird happens, you still have it saved on your own computer. I look forward to your questions, if you're up to re-typing them. JRM |
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51 | Cannot mix different cloths in O.T.? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 167711 | ||
Hello Trigger. It's a pretty interesting web page, and goes a lot deeper than just looking at old-testament laws. I think the author of that satirical page should be given some credit. Often, when we talk about the Bible being perfect, we leave the impression that you can flip open the Bible to any page, and get God's answer for today. This leads to the kinds of misunderstanding presented on the webpage. We are seen as hypocritical, for changing our views on mentration, or slavery, but not homosexuality. Each verse must be read in the context of the whole Bible. This was part of Tim's reply: reading the Old Testament through the lense of the New. But Tim's reply doesn't say it all, because slavery (mentioned on the website) is permitted by Paul... yet there are Biblical grounds to oppose slavery. As we work out the themes of the Bible --- including sin, forgiveness, freedom, servanthood --- we will find the correct and Biblical response to the times we live in. The website mentions Exodus 21:7. It talks about selling one's daughter as a slave. Surely, this is a horrific thing. It goes on, to set boundaries around it --- there are some protections for the woman (for instance, she cannot be re-sold to foreigners, and should have the status of a daughter or wife). If the owning master doesn't keep his end, however, there is no compensation to her (verse 10). How are we to see God's Word in this? I would suggest there is a fair bit of fallen culture in there, as Moses and the Israelites struggle to find justice -- but use their fallen culture as a starting point. The desire for justice is there in these words --- yet they fall short of Love and Justice we expect of the Kingdom of God. This verse has much to teach us... but not about how to treat our slaves or daughters. Living within the whole Biblical story -- not just "proof texts" -- will disarm the kind the of argument the website put forward. Perhaps the author really does seek the truth... so we should present the truth in a more compelling way than we have been. |
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52 | Translations of "began" or "beginning" | Acts 1:1 | Just Read Mark | 167590 | ||
Thanks. Well, I guess I should learn some greek, because these kinds of questions come up a fair bit. I found your breakdown of the verbs --- NRSV's changing the verb to a noun --- very helpful. I usually find the NRSV very acurate, noting difficulties in the text when they are there, etc. I find the "Jesus began" to be more evocative as a reader... the sense that the Acts are a continuation of Jesus "teaching and doing".... continuing on to today as well, as we find ourselves in the arc of the biblical drama. But, just because I like it, doesn't mean its true ; ) So thanks for the greek. JRM |
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53 | Translations of "began" or "beginning" | Acts 1:1 | Just Read Mark | 167574 | ||
I've found two divergent translations of the opening verse in Luke. "... that Jesus began to do and teach" (NASB, and others) or "....that Jesus did and taught from the beginning" (NRSV) One makes it feel like the whole Gospel of Luke was the "beginning" of Christ's ongoing ministry. The other states that Luke's Gospel runs from the "beginning" of Christ's ministry, to the point of the ascension. Can anyone shed light on which of these two translations are more accurate on this point? |
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54 | Modern application of slavery texts? | Titus 2:9 | Just Read Mark | 156561 | ||
Well, Mark. I really am enjoying your responses. I must read James again, I think! Submission is a spiritual discipline that can deepen the heart in many ways, and bring a sense of peace in many ways. So often, we are in the struggle to achieve... as a self-employed person, I wonder how submission should be working more in my life. Submission to the Word, submission to the needs of others... I ll have to think about this. Sorry, that was a bit off topic (sort of, but not) To sum up: The slaves task is to submit, not struggle for a change in status. The masters task is to be just, which results in good treatment of the worker, and perhaps release from slavery (and today, certainly)... And the bystander is called to love his neighbour (the slave) and contend for his freedom in whatever way possible. I see wisdom in each part of this. I still think it puts the Underground Railroad in a bad light, because in that case, the slaves made the moves themselves. With support of others, certainly, but mostly by themselvesÂÂ. Unions are another interesting case, where the under-dog struggles to bring change for the betterment of his group. goodnight. |
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55 | Praise Him | Ps 117:2 | Just Read Mark | 156517 | ||
Hi WOS. What you wrote made me think of another text. Paul kept requesting something of God, and Gods answer was no. But the place it brings Paul to is wonderful: And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. You said that, If He never gives us anything else, He is still worthy of our highest praise. In the text I quoted (2Corinthian 12:9), Paul learns that Gods grace is a wonder, even when his request is not granted. I love that passage, and the place of relying on Christ it brings us to. |
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56 | Modern application of slavery texts? | Titus 2:9 | Just Read Mark | 156515 | ||
An application question. Thanks, Mark, for your thoughtful reply. The story of Joseph is certainly a wonder: the way that such horrible deeds are brought to wonderful ends, and how those ends were even fortold in dreams at the beginnning. (In a weird kind of way, the dreams sprarked the jealousies, fueling the brothers cruel actions... so there is a kind of circle here. The circle brings us, at each point, back to God.) But, with the slavery question, I would like to try a modern application. This is not slavery per se, but similar I think. In Guatemala (as far as I understand it), most people live in poverty, and one critical concern is that very few people own land. The landowners are able to treat the workers very harshly, for there is no recourse. Some churches preach that the workers should accept their lot, live orderly lives, and live in the hope of heaven. Other churches preach that the injustice of their country needs to be reformed, and call on parishoners to work toward changing the laws of their society for the good of all. Church leaders advocate for the poor in the public sphere. What are the Biblical grounds for these positions, and is one more sound than the other? |
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57 | Slavery | Titus 2:9 | Just Read Mark | 156425 | ||
Thanks, Mark. What a great ramble! The teaching that we are slaves of Christ is powerful. (I also love it when Paul talks about being in chains for the Gospel, and freedom in Christ, in the same breath. You know that he is experiencing what he preaches. The slavery theme is very similar.) Thank you, also, for putting slavery in some kind of historical perspective. In the Roman world, some slaves were very priveledged (for example, the secretary of a land-owner would be literate and live a relatively comfortable life). Other slaves, however, would be treated very harshly indeed. Paul makes no distinction between various situations... if only we knew whether he meant it as a blanket statement, or if he knew the particulars of the slaves concerned. So here is another angle. Perhaps it is not the slaves place to protest his condition... going along with your statement that, if God has put him in that situation, who is he to object. (I feel a bit awkward writing that, as I am loath to attribute such conditions to God...) But another part of the question is, what should OTHERS do to help the slave. Paul writes Philemon, to encourage him to release his slave. If we are not to stand up for our own freedoms, perhaps we ARE to stand up on others behalf. For most people, controlling a docile worker, will not be moved to gratitude, but to further work load. The passive stand, if taken by everyone, leads to deterioration rather than justice. While you say the Bible downplays issues of social change, the Bible, from beginning to end, is filled with appeals for justice and mercy. This concern for justice - which was very political, when you look at the prophets - provides a powerful backdrop for the question of slavery. |
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58 | Beware "Another" | 2 Cor 11:4 | Just Read Mark | 156421 | ||
Thanks, Mark. I feel your response is very clear, and generous. |
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59 | Beware "Another" | 2 Cor 11:4 | Just Read Mark | 156416 | ||
Hi Victor. I agree with the concern you raised about anti-catholocism. You will find some diversity in the forum (feel free to look though my posts and questions, for example). Why do I check out the forum from time to time, over several years now: because this group loves the Bible. I travel sometimes, and just want to chat about what Im reading with others that love the Bible. I wouldnt bail from the forum, though I would be more tactful... JRM |
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60 | Beware "Another" | 2 Cor 11:4 | Just Read Mark | 156415 | ||
I dont understand why everyone is responding to Victors tone, and not his message. Hes new to the forum, so Id give him some leeway. Please, someone, deal with the issue he raised. Having read your post, Doc, I continue to find it troubling. Instead of expressing any explicit criticism, you just place a description of the Pope in the context of Another Christ and Another Gospel, and the Gospel of Satan. Fact is, the greatest number of Christians in the world are Catholic. And Catholics participate in this forum. So when the Pope points to Christ, we should celebrate it. The true church is not the entire catholic church, or any institution... but God uses that institution mightily. We would do well to heed the Popes criticism about consumer-faith, which is certainly relevant to the North American church. JRM |
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