R/OB mention how accents can be the basis for discrimination. In the Bible, we rarely have a clue about how that affected the narrative. It was mentioned once in the Old Testament when there was war between two tribes (Judges 12) from which we get our figure of speech regarding the word shibboleth. But it…
Tag: Richards and O’Brien
Misreading Scripture: Racism 01
In chapter two of Misreading Scripture, R/OB attempt to talk about race and ethnicity. They do a poor job, trying to virtue signal without noticing that the Bible is quite racist. Here’s my point: human are racist by wiring. Infants are racially aware. It is utterly impossible to turn that off, though we have been…
Misreading Scripture: Basic Mores 02
Regarding money, the authors note that Americans have this rather ugly and perverted outlook on the issue of wealth. We believe it’s unlimited. Anyone who works hard enough can get some. Paul said, “If a man doesn’t work, he can’t eat.” With us, it’s “If a man can’t eat, it’s because he doesn’t work.” Since…
Misreading Scripture: Basic Mores 01
The term “Misreading Scripture” is a short version of the title, Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes. Our authors dive right into mores — all the customary words and behaviors of our local culture that are assigned moral impact. Indeed, they are typically learned in childhood so that they are never questioned. It typically elicits uncomfortable…
Let’s Call Them R/OB
Yes, I’m going to jump right into another book: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien (IVP Books 2012; ISBN 978-0-8308-3782-3 print edition). In the Introduction I have already learned something new. In John’s Revelation, the letter to Laodecia mentions hot and cold water, and how the church was…