Our authors start the chapter off with the story of the Little Red Hen who couldn’t get help with planting, growing, weeding, harvesting and grinding wheat into flour, but got lots of volunteers to eat the bread. They go on to mention other myths and sayings that establish what are regarded as virtues in America….
Month: March 2024
Misreading Scripture: Rules and Relationships 03
Because of the Enlightenment secularism, the definition of “natural” versus “supernatural” has shifted over the years. What used to be the acts of God have become fewer as decoding the mechanisms caused more and more to be “natural”. R/OB tell us that, “Once we understand a rule of the universe, we cut God out of…
Misreading Scripture: Rules and Relationships 02
The book says it best: Our confidence in a stable and orderly universe leads us to prioritize rules over relationships, but it does more than that. The Western commitment to rules and laws make it difficult for us to imagine a valid rule to which there may be valid exceptions. When we begin to think…
Misreading Scripture: Rules and Relationships 01
Our authors begin the third level of examination of western confusion, the iceberg deep below the waterline. This is the final section of the book. While I mentioned this previously, they now start to talk about apparent self-contradictions in the Bible. Start with this guidance: Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest…
Misreading Scripture: Time 02
R/OB remind us how Matthew jumps from the birth of Jesus to some indeterminate time later when the Magi show up. The idea of the shepherds and Parthian wise men showing up all together makes for good Christmas pageants, but is a critical failure in historical accuracy. Joseph and Mary stayed in Bethlehem at least…
100% Miracle
Let me interject into the series today. Our weekly Skype meeting yesterday was like being lifted on eagles’ wings. I felt like I was in the company of giants, people with so much to share into my soul. It changes me for the better. Nothing in this world can replace the meaningful fellowship of covenant…
Misreading Scripture: Time 01
Most of us are aware of the common western notions about time. There’s a wealth of English figures of speech to indicate that time is treated as a precious commodity. It’s impossible to literally buy it, but our culture is wrapped around the wringer on trying to make the most of it, as if it…
Misreading Scripture: Honor/Shame 03
The New Testament clings to the collectivist and honor-based culture of the Old. When you read Paul’s warning that God on His Judgment Seat will review all our deeds in this life, it might sound embarrassing, but we don’t feel threatened. But to the folks in Paul’s audience, this would be devastating. They would be…
Misreading Scripture: Honor/Shame 02
R/OB advance the warning that our usage — our pool of meaning — for the words “honor” and “shame” are not the same as they are for collective cultures. Shame indicates you know how to behave; that’s a good thing. However, shaming someone is a negative. In a footnote, they refer to Saul’s conversation with…
Misreading Scripture: Honor/Shame 01
The authors tell us: “the entire issue of honor and shame over against right and wrong (innocence and guilt) is a bit of a mystery to us” in the west. It’s simply part of our individualistic culture, while the emphasis on honor/shame is typical of collectivist cultures. Even acknowledging that, it gets worse. Our western…