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Вміст надано Douglas Jacoby. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Douglas Jacoby або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
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On this episode of Advances in Care , host Erin Welsh and Dr. Craig Smith, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia discuss the highlights of Dr. Smith’s 40+ year career as a cardiac surgeon and how the culture of Columbia has been a catalyst for innovation in cardiac care. Dr. Smith describes the excitement of helping to pioneer the institution’s heart transplant program in the 1980s, when it was just one of only three hospitals in the country practicing heart transplantation. Dr. Smith also explains how a unique collaboration with Columbia’s cardiology team led to the first of several groundbreaking trials, called PARTNER (Placement of AoRTic TraNscatheteR Valve), which paved the way for a monumental treatment for aortic stenosis — the most common heart valve disease that is lethal if left untreated. During the trial, Dr. Smith worked closely with Dr. Martin B. Leon, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Chief Innovation Officer and the Director of the Cardiovascular Data Science Center for the Division of Cardiology. Their findings elevated TAVR, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, to eventually become the gold-standard for aortic stenosis patients at all levels of illness severity and surgical risk. Today, an experienced team of specialists at Columbia treat TAVR patients with a combination of advancements including advanced replacement valve materials, three-dimensional and ECG imaging, and a personalized approach to cardiac care. Finally, Dr. Smith shares his thoughts on new frontiers of cardiac surgery, like the challenge of repairing the mitral and tricuspid valves, and the promising application of robotic surgery for complex, high-risk operations. He reflects on life after he retires from operating, and shares his observations of how NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia have evolved in the decades since he began his residency. For more information visit nyp.org/Advances…
Zoomunion: David's two houses
Manage episode 459216632 series 2899764
Вміст надано Douglas Jacoby. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Douglas Jacoby або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
Manage episode 459216632 series 2899764
Вміст надано Douglas Jacoby. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Douglas Jacoby або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
ทุกตอน
×"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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1 Zoomunion: “Dogs & Chains,” or “When The Going Gets Tough,” or “The Two Faces of Conviction” 20:30
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
"Zoomunion" offers 100s of video sermons, all following into the Lord's Supper. Access all previous ZOOM communion sermons HERE . To join us LIVE this Sunday (1900 UK time). To get the most out of the message, please watch the previous episodes.
NOTE: This episode contains a translator. For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

1 Miscellaneous: Culture War 1:24:14
1:24:14
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Подобається
Подобається1:24:14
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

1 Miscellaneous: Counter Cultural Christianity, Part 2 1:34:48
1:34:48
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Подобається1:34:48
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ YouTube channel .
D
Douglas Jacoby Podcast

1 Miscellaneous: Grace and Ungrace - Episode 3 1:08:40
1:08:40
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For additional notes and resources, check out Douglas’ website.
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Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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1 Miscellaneous: Grace and Ungrace - Episode 2 1:09:59
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Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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1 Miscellaneous: Jacoby/Kinnard-Sermon on the Mount 1:52:07
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Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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1 Miscellaneous: The Wolf Will Lie Down with the Lamb 1:07:28
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Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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1 Miscellaneous: Interview with a Jihadist from Aaron Taylor 1:07:57
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Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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1 The Bible & Bible Study: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth 1:05:44
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For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. THE QUESTION: Why did the man Jesus come to earth? Why not a woman: the daughter of God—a female Messiah? JESUS CAME AS A SON NOT BECAUSE: Male is better -- Galatians 3:28 contradicts this. God is only analogically masculine, not sexually masculine. When we pray Our Father, it’s not because God is male – since he isn’t a sexual being. If this intrigues you, please hear the podcast on The Shack . Random genetics (50/50). LAMENTABLY, WOMEN WERE DISCOUNTED IN THE ANCIENT WORLD Christianity hadn't transformed attitudes towards minorities, the disenfranchised, foreigners, the needy, women--since Christianity did not exist yet. Jesus entered a Jewish world. Would be discounted in Roman eyes: “Only foolish and low individuals, and persons devoid of perception, and slaves, and women, and children, of whom the teachers of the divine word wish to make converts” -- Celsus in Origen, Contra Celsus, 3.49 "...Augustus confined women to the back rows even at gladiatorial shows: the only ones exempt from this rule being the Vestal Virgins… No women at all were allowed to witness the athletic contests…" -- Suetonius, Twelve Caesars, Augustus 44. Would be discounted by Judaism: "... happy is he whose children are males, and woe to him whose children are females." -- Talmud Kiddushim 82b "But let not the testimony of women be admitted, on account of the levity and boldness of their sex, not let servants be admitted to give testimony on account of the ignobility of their soul, since it is probable that they may not speak truth, either out of hope of gain, or fear of punishment." -- Josephus Antiquities 4.8.15 "Sooner let the words of the Law be burnt than delivered to women." -- Talmud Sotah 19a "Any evidence which a woman [gives] is not valid, also they are not valid [to offer]. This is equivalent to saying that one who is accounted by the rabbis as a robber is qualified to give the same evidence as a woman." -- Talmud Rosh Hashannah 1.8 Yet some Talmudic passages are more positive towards women, like Niddah 45 and Ketubot 2.6-7. (Compare to Islamic view: Female legal witness worth half that of a male “because of deficiencies of a woman’s mind.” -- Hadith of Bukhari, 3.826) BUT BECAUSE ONLY A MAN COULD FREE BOTH MEN AND WOMEN Liberates males from stereotype (and rut) of maleness: "strong, dominating, independent, self-sufficient" Jesus taught Paul the important lesson, that "Christ's power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus taught, and lived out, servant leadership (Mark 10, John 13). Jesus was emotionally vulnerable (e.g. John 11:35). He was connected to others, not a lone wolf. Delayed his ministry till he was in his 30s—as oldest of 8 or more children and head male in a family. Worked with and through others. He knew men need friends, support. Jesus in this way is the paradigmatic male--showing us men how God meant for us to live all along. Doesn’t just model it, but walks us through it. Women typically understand this better than men—they're more relational. Probably “macho” isn’t the word you’d first apply to Jesus, but in a way he was far more masculine than most men today who are viewed as powerful. It takes strength not to go with the flow (get drunk at a party). Physical fitness – manual labor as stonemason or carpenter; then walking all over Palestine for 3 years! Jesus also showed great emotional strength: It takes strength to forgive (Luke 23). It takes strength to be patient when others repeatedly let you down. It takes strength to receive ugly censure without lashing back, or at least defending yourself. Jesus taught that true greatness doesn't lie in how others serve you, but in how you serve others. We need this message to sound out not only in our communities, in the government, and in the workplace, and even in the church, where the charismatic alpha-male senior pastor paradigm is dominant! In short, women were expected to be nurturing, caring. One not expected to behave this way—namely, a man—was able to create a more subversively powerful example of love in action. Jesus frees women too, in several ways. He shows that gender doesn’t determine worth or rank. Treated women with highest respect – unlike the world. Completely pure in how he viewed women: they were not objects, but subjects. Traditional way of blessing women depended on childbirth – Luke 11:27 – Jesus contradicts this. Discipleship: Luke 10 – called women to spend some time away from daily chores to sit at his feet as disciples. See also Luke 8. John 4 – the Samaritan woman is more the evangelist than the 12 apostles! CONCLUSION Of course there’s more to be said: We haven’t even discussed the doctrine of the Trinity – how Jesus Christ was eternally the Son of God. (God couldn't send a "daughter" if he didn't have one.) or the scandal that would have surrounded an itinerant woman preacher gathering disciples… And we've only just begun to work through the implications for the current feminist controversy. I acknowledge the influence of Stanley Grentz's Theology for the Community of God, pp.289-292. For me his work was seminal, and helped me begin to think through this issue. In short, Jesus, in order to accomplish his mission, had to be a man. Not because men are better than women, but because otherwise life-bringing his message would have been: discounted diluted or obscured And the most effective modeling could only take place—in a patriarchal society—by a man. Hopefully this perspective will prove useful to you in your evangelism, in answering questions from outsiders but also from insiders.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Historicity Three possibilities Mythological Existed, but the Bible has reinvented him Existed, portrayed accurately in the Bible Jesus (2 BC-33 AD) v. Tiberius (emperor 14-37 AD), within 150 years of their lives. Jesus: 42 sources – 9 secular + 33 Christian Tiberius: 10 sources, including Gospel of Luke. (To be fair, there are also dozens of coins of Tiberius, naming him or portraying his image.) Historical facts accepted by most scholars (whether or not they believe in Christ) Born shortly before 1 BC (date of death of Herod the Great) From a large and poor family in the tribe of Judah Remained single Skilled in manual labor and physically tough (though of normal appearance) Critical of established religion, he aroused the wrath of the priesthood Executed by crucifixion (virtually no one survived this punishment) under Pontius Pilatus (26-36 AD) His first followers believed he’d been raised from the dead, and was the Messiah (anointed one) Insider testimony New Testament Written approximately 50-100 AD. Sources of the New Testament (like 1 Cor 15:3-5, as well as various hymns, like Phil 2:5-11 and Eph 5:14, and sayings, like Acts 20:35) Numerous aspects argue against fabrication. Conversion of skeptics like James the brother of Jesus and Saul of Tarsus Hostile testimony (see below) Criterion of embarrassment Admission of ignorance in Mark 13:32 Rejection by his own family (Mark 3:20; John 7:5). Having the Messiah go to the Cross -- a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks! Patristic writings (extrabiblical) 1st C: 1 Clement (96 AD) 2nd C: Ignatius (107 AD), 7 letters; Polycarp (69-155), letter to Philippians & martyrdom account; Justin Martyr (100-165), Apology [Defense]; and many more! Thousands of pages during the early church period (30-325 AD) We could virtually reconstruct the entire NT from quotations in early sources. Outsider testimony Josephus (37-100 AD) – brother of James; claimed of Messiahship Mara bar-Serapion (73) – Syrian Stoic, writing to son from Romans prison: crucifixion of Jews’ wise king; loss of kingdom Thallus (52) – commented on daytime darkness at time of death of Jesus Phlegon (80-150?) – crucifixion; darkness; earthquake Suetonius (69-122) – instigation by “Chrestos” in time of Claudius (41-54) Tacitus (56-120) – Nero’s persecution, July 64 Pliny the Younger (61-112) – asked emperor Trajan how to deal with Christians (112) Lucian (115-200) – wise man; crucified in Palestine Celsus (2nd) – ridiculed Christianity -- a foolish religion for foolish people Talmud (200-500) -- trial and crucifixion; charges Jesus with sorcery ( Sanhedrin 43a). Conclusion Myth? – No, since Jesus is rooted in history. “Good teacher”? – No, for this teacher claimed divinity. Unless that was true, he would have been dishonest – and hence not a good teacher. Same as other religious founders? – not at all! Confucius – civil servant who made shrewd observations; a sage, not a religious leader Buddha – agnostic / atheist; no individual existence; at the end, no relationships Muhammad – did not claim to be God; did not do miracles (so the Qur’an) Jesus was neither myth nor fabrication. The possibility that makes the most sense is that he existed, and his remarkable life was fairly and accurately portrayed in the Bible.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Cool quotes on doubt : The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth. -- Pierre Abelard There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking . -- Alfred Korzybski "... both the believer and the unbeliever share, each in his own way, doubt and belief, if they do not hide from themselves and each other the truth of their being. Neither can quite escape either doubt or belief; for one, faith is present against doubt; for the other, through doubt and in the form of doubt." -- Pope Benedict XVI Sometimes doubts can do good in us. It can purify false beliefs that have crept into our faith. It can humble our arrogance. It can give us patience and compassion with other doubters. It can remind us how much truth matters. -- John Ortberg Scriptures referred to: John 20:27 Psalm 139:14 Colossians 3:16 Mark 9:24 Further: Chapter 12 ("Double Minded? Dealing with Doubt") in Compelling Evidence for God and the Bible: Finding Truth in an Age of Doubt From Facts to Faith, vols. I, II, and III (audio series, available from IPI)…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
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For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. In this podcast I am reading the original (pre-edit) draft of chapter 5 of A Quick Overview of the Bible: How All the Pieces Fit Together. The book was released in February 2012. Harvest House allows me to read aloud one chapter of any book I have written. Since what I read is not the final version, there may be some small differences between it and the published version. You can also read the first 10 pages or so at this link . (Of course we're hoping you'll decide to get a copy of the whole book!) The lesson answers the following 10 questions: 1. The OT God seems unfair, unpredictable, capricious. Is he really just? 2. Does God show favoritism? Wasn't anyone on the planet saved before he chose the Jews? 3. Wasn't Yahweh hot-tempered? 4. But still, didn't the Hebrew God play rough? 5. Why isn't the OT God "nice" like God in the NT? 6. It almost seems as if God is just waiting for us to trip up. Isn't he a bit of a sadist? 7. Why was the Lord concerned only with the outward behavior? The NT God looks at the heart. 8. Wasn't the old covenant a covenant of works? Since no one could measure up, they were always "in the doghouse." 9. Was the Lord just experimenting in the OT? Why didn't he get it right the first time? 10. How could God approve of so many inhumane institutions? Why didn't he overthrow them, instead of endorsing them? In connection with Q.10, please click here for the podcast on Slavery.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. 12 questions are covered in this podcast. (The chapter has 27 questions and answers in all.) When was the earth created? Does the Bible tell us how old the world is? Is the Big Bang Theory compatible with the Bible? Was the world made in seven literal days? Are evolution and the Bible compatible? Did Adam have a belly button? Was Eve made from Adam's rib? If so, does this support make chauvinism? Who was Cain afraid of? Who was his wife? Did ancient humans really live for hundreds of years? Who were the Nephilim? Is there geological evidence for a global flood? Where is Noah's Ark? Did it survive? Is there archaeological evidence for the Tower of Babel?…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Life of Nietzsche Born, 1844 in Röcken, Prussia. Father and both grandfathers clergymen. Father dies, after suffering mental illness, 1848. Leaves theology school, 1865. Physical and mental collapse, 1879. Writes The Antichrist (vitriolic anti-Christian polemic), 1888. Enters state of vegetative insanity, 1889. Dies, probably of syphilis, 1900. Nietzsche's better-known writings: The Birth of Tragedy (1872) Meditations (1873-76) Thus Spake Zarathustra (1878) Beyond Good and Evil (1886) The Antichrist (1888, pub. 1895) The Will to Powe r (1901, posthumously) "God is Dead" Nietzsche was brought up with/around a certain degree of faith -- which he rejected. No God, no morality. [Note 1: Classical Buddhism correctly understands that moral distinctions are false: there is no God, and category distinctions are empty.] [Note 2: Without God, there can be no ultimate meaning, since nothing transcends this life, this world.] Beyond Good and Evil (excerpts, unless otherwise noted) Morality: IV.108. "There is no such thing as a moral phenomenon, but only a moral interpretation of phenomena.” 291. "The whole of morality is a long, audacious falsification." Insight: 146. "He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee.” 156. "Insanity in individuals is something rare—but in groups, parties, nations, and epochs it is the rule." 175. "One loves ultimately one's desires, not the thing desired.” Selfishness: IX.259. "Exploitation is not immoral; it's the will to power, which is life." 273. "A man who strives after great things, looks upon every one whom he encounters on his way either as a means of advance, or a delay and hindrance—or as a temporary resting-place. His peculiar lofty BOUNTY to his fellow-men is only possible when he attains his elevation and dominates..." 242. “... the democratising of Europe is at the same time an involuntary arrangement for the rearing of TYRANTS..." 287. "The noble soul has reverence for itself." 265. "At the risk of displeasing innocent ears, I submit that egoism belongs to the essence of a noble soul, I mean the unalterable belief that to a being such as "we," other beings must naturally be in subjection, and have to sacrifice themselves. The noble soul accepts the fact of his egoism without question..." Christ and his teaching: 269. "It is possible that under the holy fable and travesty of the life of Jesus there is hidden one of the most painful cases of the love of martyrdom: the martyrdom of the most innocent and most craving heart, that never had enough of any human love, that DEMANDED love, that demanded inexorably and frantically to be loved and nothing else, with terrible outbursts against those who refused him their love; a poor soul... who had to invent hell to send it there those who WOULD NOT love him--and that at last had to invent a God who was entirely love... He who has such sentiments... SEEKS FOR death!..." "It is inhuman to bless when one is being cursed.” (See Matt 5:44 and Rom 12:17-21). “Jesus died too soon. He would have repudiated his doctrine if he had lived to my age" ( Thus Spake Zarathustra, 1885). “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great intrinsic depravity, and the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means are venomous enough, or secret, or subterranean and small enough—I call it the one immortal blemish on the human race.” ( The Antichrist, 1888) Nietzsche on women: “Man shall be trained for war, and woman for the recreation of man: all else is folly.” “The happiness of man is I will. The happiness of woman is He will.” “Thou goest to women? Do not forget thy whip!” “Woman is by nature a snake…” Advocated active sexual lifestyle, though seems to have lived a more or less chaste life. Nietzsche's predictions about the coming century: It will be the bloodiest century yet. A pall of insanity will fall over the human race. His own life seems to embody this second prediction. See Matt 7:20 -- by their fruit we will know them. When considering any philosophy, religion, or viewpoint, ask whether its proponents live by -- or are even able to live by -- its basic tenets. Some tyrants inspired by Nietzsche: Adolf Hitler (Germany): “Nobody can doubt that this world will one day be the scene of dreadful struggles for existence on the part of mankind. In the end the instinct of self-preservation alone will triumph. Before its consuming fire this so-called humanitarianism, which connotes only a mixture of fatuous timidity and self-conceit, will melt away as under the March sunshine. Man has become great through perpetual struggle. In perpetual peace his greatness must decline.” -- Mein Kampf Hitler sought a philosopher to back up his program Preferably a German Nietzsche's "will to power" was a perfect fit with the National Socialist program Benito Mussolini (Italy) The fascist despot longed for a return to power and the glory of ancient Rome Hitler presented Mussolini with a personal copy of one of Nietzsche's books Ho Chi Minh (Viet Nam) Fidel Castro (Cuba) Idi Amin (Uganda) Conclusion Clarity of thought: No morality if there's no God. Nietzsche may be the most consistent atheist. Christians, fight for the truth! The atheist system doesn't work. Authenticity: “Promise me that when I die only my friends shall stand about my coffin, and no inquisitive crowd. See that no priest or anyone else utter falsehoods at my graveside, when I can no longer protect myself; and let me descend into my tomb as an honest pagan.” (1879). Unfortunately, few pagans have the courage to follow their convictions to their logical conclusions. If they did, Christianity would be even more the obvious and only choice for our world.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. If you liked chapter 2, consider reading the previous chapter. The publisher has made chapter 1, "Clearing Away the Debris: Arguments Against the Reality of God," available to read at no charge: CHAPTER 1 . To order the whole book, click ENTIRE BOOK . This includes 13 chapters, 3 appendixes, and further resources. (Since Compelling Evidence doubles as an evangelistic tool, why not order several copies?)…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. PERSECUTION Passages: 2 Tim 3:12; John 15:18-21; Matt 5:10-12; 1 Pet 4:3-4; Luke 6:22-23, 26; Heb 10:32-39 Examples: Verbal opposition (slander, mockery, abuse, misrepresentation, false accusation), confiscation, social exclusion, exile, being sent to the mines, torture, execution. MARTYRDOM Scripture: Rev 12:11 Martyr < martus , witness Confessors were willing to die for their faith (refused to back down), whereas martyrs confessed and were killed. One example is Nicholas of Myra. 1st & 2nd century martyrs: Jesus, Stephen, 7 (or more) of the apostles, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Polycarp, the martyrs of Lyon—and many more! Martyrs who lived mainly in the 3rd century: Lawrence (225-258), Sebastian (255-288), Lucy (283-304), Catherine (287-305) FINAL THOUGHTS Beware exaggeration and sentimentality. Pray for fellow believers: in approximately 80 countries (out of the world total of 195) it is dangerous or extremely inconvenient to be a Christian. Sign up for weekly updates from persecution.org.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Most of us have heard of the Inquisition, but may be sketchy on the details. Yet this is important stuff - an aspect of history that we definitely don't want repeating itself. Definition According to the Oxford English Dictionary , the Inquisition is "An ecclesiastical tribunal established by Pope Gregory IX c.1232 for the suppression of heresy. It was active chiefly in northern Italy and southern France, becoming notorious for the use of torture. In 1542 the papal Inquisition was re-established to combat Protestantism, eventually becoming an organ of papal government." Inquisition < Lat. inquirere, to inquire, and inquisitio (noun form). The inquisitor is the one making the inquiry. Ecclesiastical: pertaining to the church ( ecclesia ). Tribunal: Each session was more or less a session of court. The ecclesiastical authority, after examining the alleged heretic, hand the him (or her) over to the civil authorities, knowing full well what punishment would be inflicted. Heresy: not primarily about false teaching, but about division (Gk. haeresis ). A threat to the community at least as much as a threat to doctrinal purity of the church. Combating Protestant teaching, as well as in the suppression of Muslims and Jews (esp. in the 1400s). Origins It is theoretically possible that some early Christians took severe measures to ensure doctrinal conformity, yet there is no evidence of this in church history until the early Middle Ages. In 385 AD Priscilla and six of her followers were beheaded at Trèves (France). Yet this event postdates the great apostasy. The church had been sliding into worldliness and biblical error for several generations. The church state was a monstrous hybrid, a creature that ought not to have existed. Before 1100 AD, local clergy maintained doctrinal discipline. At times erring members were imprisoned (without torture). Execution was rare. France and Italy It is arguable that the First Inquisition at Languedoc, in Southern France, in 1184, although the Inquisition had not been established as a permanent institution until the 1230s, under Pope Gregory IX. Life in prison was offered to those who recanted, execution for those who did not. The Inquisition was strong not only in France, but also in Northern Italy. Inquisitors were typically drawn from the order of Dominican monks, although Franciscans also served. These men were natural choice, given their grasp of church doctrine. (It could also have been unwise to have the parish priest put the members of his own church on the rack!) Spain, Portugal, and the New World Many have heard of the Spanish Inquisition, "An ecclesiastical court established in Roman Catholic Spain in 1478 and directed originally against converts from Judaism and Islam but later also against Protestants. It operated with great severity until suppressed in the early 19th century." ( OED ) Isabella and Ferdinand are better known for their interactions with Christopher Columbus, beginning in 1492, as well as for their expulsion of the Jews from Spain (also in 1492) along with resumption of the Reconquista (Reconquest), the effort to reclaim land and loyalty from the Muslims, dwelling in Spain since the 8th century. Many Jews and som e Muslims pretended to be Christian, in order not to be captured. The last execution of the Spanish Inquisition took place in 1826, of a schoolteacher who was a deist (one who denies the God of the Bible, miracles, the incarnation, etc -- more or less than worldview of many of the founding fathers of the fledgling American republic. The Inquisition was established in Portugal in 1536. From there is reached Goa (southwest India) in 1560. The Spanish Inquisition was taken to the New World, especially notorious in Peru and Mexico. Galileo Galilei Galileo ran afoul of the Inquisition in 1633. It is not true that he was executed for promoting his idea that the earth orbited the sun, although he was censured (and censored) and placed under house arrest. Many intellectuals -- all intellectuals were Catholic in Italy and other European countries, so this was hardly a case of the Church vs. Science! -- probably agreed with Galileo, yet preferred the public not be informed of the latest scientific discoveries. They feared that a crisis of confidence might be triggered, particularly as the ignorant were unable to understand the science or theology. The church, in other words, was protecting the power structure. Persecution of Witches Pope John II opened the Vatican archives to external historians, which resulted in the confirmation of a number of executions of witches during the Inquisition. Perhaps the totals are higher, but the official count is 59 witches killed in Spain, 36 in Italy, and 4 in Portugal -- 99 all together. (Protestants killed a small number of witches, perhaps fewer than 40, in the America during the colonial period.) Torture and Execution Although mutilation was technically forbidden, in 1256 Pope Alexander V created a loophole for the inquisitor. There were many methods of torture: Forcing liquids (sometimes scalding) down the throat The rack Thumbscrews Metal pincers (red hot) Strappado Burning As for execution, heretics were often burned at the stake. In the past I had heard that 100,000s had been executed -- and unfortunately repeated this figure -- yet the true total appears to be in the 1000s. (An exaggeration by opponents of the Catholic Church?) To see what the Bible says about execution, listen to my podcast on Capital Punishment (website membership and login required). The Inquisition in the 21st century The Inquisition still exists today, though without the torture and death. Its current name (since 1542) is the "Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith." Lessons for today Uniformity must not be mistaken for unity. Church and state were separate in the early Christian period, and that separation was (and is) for the good of all. Jesus specifically forbade us to lead by authority and power as worldly leaders do: no lording it o ver others! Where there is a high degree of social solidarity (tribal regions, chiefdoms, traditional societies), leaders will need to wrestle with these issues. Don’t just surrender; history need not be repeated. Foster a spirit of tolerance and respect. We ought to represent others fairly -- individuals as well as groups. Demonizing of Jews, Muslims and heterodox Christians still takes place, both without and within the church. Let's take teaching ministry seriously, but leave final judgment to God. Let's strive for an atmosphere of openness, welcoming questions and dialogue. Conclusion It is easy to condemn the Catholic Church for its extreme measures. While shock is merited, we in the modern age are likely to underestimate the seriousness (and fear) with which dissent was viewed by secular and ecclesiastical leaders, from the Middle Ages until relatively modern times. Since dissent constituted sedition, heresy was taken with the utmost seriousness. This was not an age of freedom of speech or equity in law, but an age of social solidarity. Inquisitorial measures were adopted not so much for the good of the heretic as for the good of society, by instilling fear in order to maintain conformity. Such practices are forbidden to followers of Christ.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Definition : Simplified historical overview: 300s-600s -- Most of the Holy Land is part of the Eastern (Byzantine) Roman Empire. 600s -- this territory becomes part of the Caliphate (Islamic). 1000s-1100s -- Christian warriors and peasants (all strata of society participated) strive to take back the land, establishing Crusader States, along with multiple fortifications. 1200s -- Christians for the most part give up the dream of reconquering the Holy Land, instead targeting their crusades on fellow Christians and other perceived enemies. Massive military attempts to recapture "Christian" territory, especially in the Holy Land, from the Muslims. Pilgrimage meets (Old Testament) holy war. The journey of faith is a biblical pilgrimage (Hebrews 11). Even so, traditionally pilgrims were supposed to travel unarmed. Up to 100,000 Europeans took part in these efforts. Source of word: Latin crux , cross. How many ? There were four major crusades, though many more took place even after these concluded in the 13th century. First Crusade, 1095-1099 Second Crusade, 1147-1149 -- Crusader States established Third Crusade, 1189-1192 -- setting of the film The Kingdom of Heaven Fourth Crusade, 1198-1204 -- focused on Constantinople (capital of the [Eastern] Roman Empire), and Orthodox Christians, more than the Muslims Subsequent crusades E.g. Northern Europe and Spain Last Crusade (Venice vs. Ottoman Turks), 1684-1699 Motivation ? Various: plunder, glory, peer pressure, family honor, wanderlust, etc. Motivation must have been strong, esp. for those who spent a fortune in provisioning. (Imagine having to spend $100,000, or $300,000, to fund (and arm) yourself and your servants for the journey -- which could take many months! This isn't like shopping for a last-minute travel deal!) Forgiveness. "Plenary indulgences" promised by the pope. As Douglas Groothuis remarks, "Claims made by popes that the soldiers dying in a crusade would be guaranteed heaven are entirely unbiblical and, in fact, resemble Islamic claims more than anything found in Holy Scripture" (Christian Apologetics, IVP Academic, 2011), 112. If there had been no crusades, would indulgences have been the flashpoint of the Protestant Reformation? It's interesting to ponder... Analysis The crusades were a radical departure from basic Christian values. Pilgrimage / holy war hybrid Uncritical use of scripture -- combining OT holy war with Christianity. Precedents? Augustine (354-430): "Just War" theory. Byzantine conquest of southern and central Italy in 6th century. Attitudes Before 13th century, crusaders could not believe that Muslims would want to become like the Christians, since the Muslims were so much more advanced culturally and economically. Easier to rationalize warfare over persuasion. "The Franciscans and Dominicans saw no contradiction or opposition between crusade and mission" (Daileader, 158). King Louis IX of France: Christians should let attempt to defend the faith, "except with his sword, and that he should thrust it into the scoundrel's belly, as far as it will enter." French theologian Peter Comestor (d.1179), when asked by the Patriarch of Jerusalem whether crusading was really permissible in light of biblical teaching. In response, Peter told the patriarch to "act in a manly way, be composed, and shed the blood of Christ's enemies." Example and teaching of Christ? Jesus did not teach or exemplify violence towards those who rejected his message. In contrast, Muhammad both preached and engaged in violence. Muslim tolerance only if paid jizha (tribute money). Otherwise, jihad! Below: The scimitar is the curved sword historically wielded by Islamic warriors (as opposed to the more conventional swords of the Crusaders). Ends & means? Crusaders claimed to be doing God's will. So why after 1291 did the crusaders fail to hold on to Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land? The Crusades were ultimately unsuccessful. These were a colossal failure, not "blessed" by God! Conclusion : Let's be informed. Make it a goal to become generally familiar with key developments in church history. Remember that the 4 major crusades spanned the years from the late 11th to the 13th centuries. Let's be sensitive. Be careful about language. "Crusade" is an unpleasant and even scary word for some people, especially Jews and Muslims. Understand the bitter root that has taken hold among many Muslims -- the violence response on their part is not justified but it isn't irrational. It makes sense. Let's be humble. We need to "own" the evil of believers -- false and true -- through the history of the church, for instance the Inquisition and the Crusades. Let's not act all "holier than thou." We don't know for sure what we may or may not have condoned -- whether living in Spain during the worst 3 centuries of the Spanish Inquisition, or in Nazi Germany, or the century plus after the year 1000. Let's be convicted. While remaining humble, we should take a stand on the issue of treatment of one's enemies, since Jesus so emphasized this (Matt 5). When the church on the whole embraced the way of violence, beginning in the 4th century, they were abandoning the call of Christ. The Crusades are a disgraceful blotch on the history and the memory of the church of Christ. Further study : Basic: Wikipedia article History Channel Program Intermediate: "How the Crusades Changed History" (24 half-hour lessons by Philip Daileader), published by The Teaching Company. Note: While it is true that many been killed in religious wars, far more have perished in the 20th century alone at the hands of atheistic regimes: some 39 million in war, plus 169 million more in state-sponsored execution, genocide, or persecution (total 210m).…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Here are the links for the major classes given in the 2015 Biblical Study Tour. The theme was "Finding God When the Church is Adrift," and the teaching took place in the very cities where the early history of the Protestant Reformation played out. Our route took us from Wittenberg to Zurich to Geneva -- that is, from Luther to Zwingli & the Anabaptists to Calvin. Every Biblical Study Tour is designed to strengthen faith, build connections among believers eager to learn, and bring the Bible to life as we transport ourselves back into history. In 2015 we explored all sections of the Reformation, including the most radical reformers (the Anabaptists). It’s inspiring how valiantly believers struggled to break out of medieval Christianity into a more biblical faith. Some are video, some are audio: Introduction to the Reformation (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) Flashpoint: Fuel For the Reformation (Rolan Monje, Manila) - AUDIO FILE Luther: Man on Fire (Gilbert Kimeng, Lagos) + Comments and Q&A Zwingli: The Limits of Compromise (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) The Radicals: Anabaptists (Steve Staten, Chicago) + Q&A session Calvin: No Compromise (Joey Harris, Augusta) BST 2015 Reformation Summary and Q&A (teachers) - AUDIO FILE…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Here are the links for the major classes given in the 2015 Biblical Study Tour. The theme was "Finding God When the Church is Adrift," and the teaching took place in the very cities where the early history of the Protestant Reformation played out. Our route took us from Wittenberg to Zurich to Geneva -- that is, from Luther to Zwingli & the Anabaptists to Calvin. Every Biblical Study Tour is designed to strengthen faith, build connections among believers eager to learn, and bring the Bible to life as we transport ourselves back into history. In 2015 we explored all sections of the Reformation, including the most radical reformers (the Anabaptists). It’s inspiring how valiantly believers struggled to break out of medieval Christianity into a more biblical faith. Some are video, some are audio: Introduction to the Reformation (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) Flashpoint: Fuel For the Reformation (Rolan Monje, Manila) - AUDIO FILE Luther: Man on Fire (Gilbert Kimeng, Lagos) + Comments and Q&A Zwingli: The Limits of Compromise (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) The Radicals: Anabaptists (Steve Staten, Chicago) + Q&A session Calvin: No Compromise (Joey Harris, Augusta) BST 2015 Reformation Summary and Q&A (teachers) - AUDIO FILE…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Here are the links for the major classes given in the 2015 Biblical Study Tour. The theme was "Finding God When the Church is Adrift," and the teaching took place in the very cities where the early history of the Protestant Reformation played out. Our route took us from Wittenberg to Zurich to Geneva -- that is, from Luther to Zwingli & the Anabaptists to Calvin. Every Biblical Study Tour is designed to strengthen faith, build connections among believers eager to learn, and bring the Bible to life as we transport ourselves back into history. In 2015 we explored all sections of the Reformation, including the most radical reformers (the Anabaptists). It’s inspiring how valiantly believers struggled to break out of medieval Christianity into a more biblical faith. Some are video, some are audio: Introduction to the Reformation (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) Flashpoint: Fuel For the Reformation (Rolan Monje, Manila) - AUDIO FILE Luther: Man on Fire (Gilbert Kimeng, Lagos) + Comments and Q&A Zwingli: The Limits of Compromise (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) The Radicals: Anabaptists (Steve Staten, Chicago) + Q&A session Calvin: No Compromise (Joey Harris, Augusta) BST 2015 Reformation Summary and Q&A (teachers) - AUDIO FILE…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Here are the links for the major classes given in the 2015 Biblical Study Tour. The theme was "Finding God When the Church is Adrift," and the teaching took place in the very cities where the early history of the Protestant Reformation played out. Our route took us from Wittenberg to Zurich to Geneva -- that is, from Luther to Zwingli & the Anabaptists to Calvin. Every Biblical Study Tour is designed to strengthen faith, build connections among believers eager to learn, and bring the Bible to life as we transport ourselves back into history. In 2015 we explored all sections of the Reformation, including the most radical reformers (the Anabaptists). It’s inspiring how valiantly believers struggled to break out of medieval Christianity into a more biblical faith. Some are video, some are audio: Introduction to the Reformation (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) Flashpoint: Fuel For the Reformation (Rolan Monje, Manila) - AUDIO FILE Luther: Man on Fire (Gilbert Kimeng, Lagos) + Comments and Q&A Zwingli: The Limits of Compromise (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) The Radicals: Anabaptists (Steve Staten, Chicago) + Q&A session Calvin: No Compromise (Joey Harris, Augusta) BST 2015 Reformation Summary and Q&A (teachers) - AUDIO FILE…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Here are the links for the major classes given in the 2015 Biblical Study Tour. The theme was "Finding God When the Church is Adrift," and the teaching took place in the very cities where the early history of the Protestant Reformation played out. Our route took us from Wittenberg to Zurich to Geneva -- that is, from Luther to Zwingli & the Anabaptists to Calvin. Every Biblical Study Tour is designed to strengthen faith, build connections among believers eager to learn, and bring the Bible to life as we transport ourselves back into history. In 2015 we explored all sections of the Reformation, including the most radical reformers (the Anabaptists). It’s inspiring how valiantly believers struggled to break out of medieval Christianity into a more biblical faith. Some are video, some are audio: Introduction to the Reformation (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) Flashpoint: Fuel For the Reformation (Rolan Monje, Manila) - AUDIO FILE Luther: Man on Fire (Gilbert Kimeng, Lagos) + Comments and Q&A Zwingli: The Limits of Compromise (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) The Radicals: Anabaptists (Steve Staten, Chicago) + Q&A session Calvin: No Compromise (Joey Harris, Augusta) BST 2015 Reformation Summary and Q&A (teachers) - AUDIO FILE…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Here are the links for the major classes given in the 2015 Biblical Study Tour. The theme was "Finding God When the Church is Adrift," and the teaching took place in the very cities where the early history of the Protestant Reformation played out. Our route took us from Wittenberg to Zurich to Geneva -- that is, from Luther to Zwingli & the Anabaptists to Calvin. Every Biblical Study Tour is designed to strengthen faith, build connections among believers eager to learn, and bring the Bible to life as we transport ourselves back into history. In 2015 we explored all sections of the Reformation, including the most radical reformers (the Anabaptists). It’s inspiring how valiantly believers struggled to break out of medieval Christianity into a more biblical faith. Some are video, some are audio: Introduction to the Reformation (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) Flashpoint: Fuel For the Reformation (Rolan Monje, Manila) - AUDIO FILE Luther: Man on Fire (Gilbert Kimeng, Lagos) + Comments and Q&A Zwingli: The Limits of Compromise (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) The Radicals: Anabaptists (Steve Staten, Chicago) + Q&A session Calvin: No Compromise (Joey Harris, Augusta) BST 2015 Reformation Summary and Q&A (teachers) - AUDIO FILE…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Here are the links for the major classes given in the 2015 Biblical Study Tour. The theme was "Finding God When the Church is Adrift," and the teaching took place in the very cities where the early history of the Protestant Reformation played out. Our route took us from Wittenberg to Zurich to Geneva -- that is, from Luther to Zwingli & the Anabaptists to Calvin. Every Biblical Study Tour is designed to strengthen faith, build connections among believers eager to learn, and bring the Bible to life as we transport ourselves back into history. In 2015 we explored all sections of the Reformation, including the most radical reformers (the Anabaptists). It’s inspiring how valiantly believers struggled to break out of medieval Christianity into a more biblical faith. Some are video, some are audio: Introduction to the Reformation (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) Flashpoint: Fuel For the Reformation (Rolan Monje, Manila) - AUDIO FILE Luther: Man on Fire (Gilbert Kimeng, Lagos) + Comments and Q&A Zwingli: The Limits of Compromise (Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta) The Radicals: Anabaptists (Steve Staten, Chicago) + Q&A session Calvin: No Compromise (Joey Harris, Augusta) BST 2015 Reformation Summary and Q&A (teachers) - AUDIO FILE…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. EVANGELISM IN THE SECOND CENTURY Challenges to evangelism Apostles now gone – tendency to get more and more involved in disputes Persecution: from Jewish to Roman False teachers (Marcionites, Gnostics, Montanists) Evolving priesthood (spectator shift) Success! Other nations, but little work outside the bounds of the Roman Empire. Church of the East (per comments in previous podcast) Continued to reach all strata of society (women, slaves – who even served in leadership, and intellectuals – like Justin Martyr) The martyrs greatly inspired others. By 200, up to 1-3% (my guess). By 300, perhaps 10% of Empire. Learn more about this from the main AIM Church History series (2000 years in under 10 hours) and the Early Church History set (about 7 hours). Conclusion We can't always imitate their methods, or recreate the culture of the first 2 centuries, but we can imitate their faith. As in 1 Corinthians 11:1, imitation relates to following Christ, not necessarily methods… As Tertullian put it, around 200 AD, “The blood of the martyrs is seed.” They spoke out, because they believed they had something worth sharing.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. EVANGELISM IN THE FIRST CENTURY Introduction Definition of evangelism: spreading the good news 30—Pentecost, 200 – end of century of intense persecution. Will begin with Acts/NT, then move into 2nd C. Matthew 28: Every people, not every nation (in the modern sense of the term) Mission & purpose (Luke 10:20; Matthew 22:37-40). I have 2 impressions on reading Acts: (1) evangelism was not particularly organized, yet (2) it was vibrant. Impressions Natural: Acts 2 – root (v.42) v. fruit (vv.43-47). Acts 8 – word preached publicly by principal leaders, privately by others. Acts 2:47, 4:4 – little interest in counting. Acts 21 – yet terrific growth (myriads = tens of thousands?) Vibrant: Acts 4, 5 – couldn’t help speaking! Acts 8 – Spirit working with them, coincidence of Isaiah 53. Beyond Acts (outside Bible lands) India (Thomas), 52 AD+ Syria-Persia-China (Thaddaeus and Church of the East) Britain (some archaeological evidence) Spain (Paul, Romans 15: see Isaiah 66) Further considerations: Challenges Persecution False teachers (Judaizers, Docetists [Gnostics]) Slander (cannibalism, incest, lawbreaking) Countercultural – yet this also made evangelism more clear-cut, since Christianity clearly stood out as an alternative lifestyle. Further considerations: What helped them Counter-cultural (adopted children, sold themselves into slaver, bribed prison guards, forgave enemies...) Homes as centers of evangelism. First church buildings about 230 AD. Hospitality – essential for overseers, since presumably they headed up the groups that met in their homes. Preached a person, not a system (2 Corinthians 4:5) Next podcast: Part II of Evangelism in the Early Church , 30-200 AD, which covers the 2nd century.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. "The most successful book series in history: approximately 450 million copies sold internationally. Translated: 67 languages. The film series by Warner Bros.: $7.7 billion worldwide...." -- from magazine.pepperdine.edu, May 2013. Why Potter? Writers like C.S. Lewis ( Narnia ), J.R.R.R. Tolkien ( Lord of the Rings ), and many others aim to awaken a sense of the spiritual in young readers. They also help secular thinkers discover their inner longing for the things of the spirit. This is a good thing. Protagonists in Harry Potter resist the dark world -- and the dark Lord -- just as we should. These books would be evil indeed if readers were urged to emulate the evil characters (Voldemort, Malfoy). Such novels help the relativist to believe in the good and evil, far better than an academic lecture or sermon ever could. An additional advantage is that these books get children reading. Moreover, if it's wrong for us to read books about dragons, sorcerers, and magic, then the book of Revelation would have to be excluded! On a related note, in the words (I think) of G. K. Chesterton, "Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed." My interpretation: Fantasy isn't an inherently bad thing -- unless the message takes away hope. It is yet another way to open people's minds to the truth. John Granger's intriguing essay: I found this article by John Granger (no relation to Hermione) so intriguing that I thought it would make for a great podcast. After seeking the proper permissions, I am pleased to read it to you. Is Harry Potter here to stay? And is HP a good thing, or a bad thing? See what you think. Content warning: This article is penned by a brilliant literary critic. (He's a lot more cultured than I am!) To read the entire article at Christianity Today, click here . Source: Article from Christianity Today, July 2011: "Harry is Here to Stay," by John Granger. Read with permission of Christianity Today . Borrowed with the blessing of John Granger. "The Dean of Harry Potter Scholars" -- TIME Author of The Deathly Hallows Lectures Author of How Harry Cast His Spell: The Meaning Behind the Mania for J.K. Rowling's Bestselling Books. Read more at www.HogwartsProfessor.com/johngranger.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Suzanne Collins' trilogy The Hunger Games Catching Fire Mockingjay About Panem Panis et circenses (Latin for bread and circuses), coined by Juvenal, c.100 AD. Note: circuses refer to (extremely violent) chariot races, gladiatorial spectacles, and so forth. Iam pridem, ex quo suffragia nulli uendimus, effudit curas; nam qui dabat olim imperium, fasces, legiones, omnia, nunc se continet atque duas tantum res anxius optat, panem et circenses (Satire 10.77–81). The parallel between Panem and the ancient Roman Empire, which controlled the masses through bread and circuses, is thus made explicit. Protagonist: Katniss Everdeen. Antagonist: President Snow. 10 Biblical themes Freedom Peace. This is the way of the Lord, not war. What sort of society finds violence amusing? Hope Vanity: the shallowness of the masses, as well as of the powers-that-be. This is biblical: truth exposes the manipulation, hypocrisy, and self-interest of human power structures. Social justice Compassion: action, not just feeling. Sacrificial love (Katniss takes the place of her sister Prim). Leadership (though the protagonist is more of a Moses figure than a Christ figure) The need to be engaged, not withdrawing emotionally but staying in the fight. Minor biblical allusions (e.g. twelve districts, or thirteen minus one ) Mini-article in Christianity Today ( Christ in the Hunger Games, September 2012, p.86) "When The Hunger Games released to theaters in March, many dismissed it--and the popular book trilogy before it--as a grisly story about "kids killing kids." But the books, and the film... are so much more. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the stories are a scathing--but engaging--social commentary,decrying not only violence but human trafficking, totalitarianism, and the unchecked power of evil. But there's also sacrificial love, mercy, hope, and redemption. "For Christians, there are biblical parallels, especially in Peeta Mellark, a key character who consistently displays unconditional love; he's even willing to die for a friend. A baker's son, a young Peeta risks his well-being to give a starving girl the gift of bread. Later, as a teen, he risks his life to save the one he loves. In one scene, he takes a wound that was meant for another, then "buries" himself in the ground to hide. Three days later--imagery alert!--Peeta emerges from a cave with renewed vigor and hope. The film is rich with discussion fodder for discerning families with older children." -- Mark Moring, CT senior associate editor An anti-war piece? War is not glorified; death is tragic, people count. One can make a strong case that The Hunger Games is an anti-war polemic. "I [Katniss] no longer feel any allegiance to these monsters called human beings... Because something is significantly wrong with a creature that sacrifices its children's lives to settle its differences. You can spin it anyway you like.... But in the end, who does it benefit? No one. The truth is, it benefits no one to live in a world where these things happen."— Mockingjay, p. 377. Why you should watch/read The Hunger Games To understand what younger people are being exposed to. This is vital if you work with youth ministry, or are a parent or grandparent. With 26 million copies in print (as of May 2013), how can we afford to ignore it? It's an easy conversation starter for evangelism. It's captivating, and the message is worth thinking about.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. To listen to a biblical exploration of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice, click on the link. I hope you'll enjoy my short podcast (14 minutes). Note: If you haven't read the novel, or watched any of the various film productions of the book, you will probably want to skip this podcast. Themes commented upon: human nature, truth-telling, judging, conceit, parenting, characters, manners, conceit, romance, change... Scripture referred to in the podcast: Ephesians 4:1-2, 15, 15; 6:4; Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 2:1ff; James 1:19, 2:1-3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Timothy 3:7; 1 Samuel 16:7. A few 19th century novels I have read recently and can recommend: Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo; Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities; Victor Hugo, Les Misérables.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Christian should be engaging culture Divergent is the first novel in Veronica Roth's trilogy: Divergent (2011), Insurgent (2012), Allegiant (2013). Although it is not an explicitly Christian book, in the acknowledgments Roth writes, "Thank you, God, for your Son, and for blessing me beyond comprehension..." The author is inviting us to think biblically about the important themes treated in her novel. Thinking Christians need to engage culture. This means we need to rise above the level of mere entertainment. Processing movies, books, TV series, music etc. theologically will enable us to enter into productive conversations. The appeal of Divergent: The younger generation (especially adolescents). Yet whatever your age category, all of us should strive for youthful vigor. As the scriptures say, the righteous will continue to bear fruit even in old age (Psalm 92:14). Those who fear social rejection. All who feel pressure to fit into a niche, a pre-assigned category, a pigeonhole. Those who are nervous about the emergence of a totalitarian state. A sketch of society in post-apocalypse Chicago: Factions Abnegation Amity Candor Dauntless Erudite The factionless The divergent Slogan: "Faction before blood" Spiritual messages in Divergent: Love is more valuable than mere knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1). Social pressures are real and strong. The world says "conform" (Romans 12:2). Yet pressure can bring out the best in us. Moreover, we are supposed to conform -- to the character of Christ (Romans 8:29; Philippians 3:10). Keep a firm grasp on reality (1 Samuel 10:22; Acts 26:25). Beware selfish ambition (Galatians 5:21; James 3:16; 3 John 9). Don't just follow the crowd (Exodus 23:2; Mark 15:15; Acts 19:32). Face yours fears; don't give in to them (Joshua 1:9; Psalm 27:1; John 14:27). Life an adventure (dauntless). Deny self (abnegation). Speak the truth (candor) in love (amity). Learn all you can (erudite), and let all these virtues lead to being more and more like Christ (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:3-11). Yet don't be satisfied with only one area of strength. Strive for all the spiritual virtues (2 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:10-14). Beware the narcissism inherent in celebrating self. The "me generation" has become the entitled generation. Although we shouldn't fear being different (diverging), we should never diverge from the Lord's morals and standards for our lives. Rather, our lives should converge on the life of the One who lived the perfect life. Our true hero is perfectly balanced. Tris is admirable because she embodies a blend of selflessness, courage, and intelligence -- as does Jesus. Yet even Tris falls short. But keep the amity and the candor, and every other spiritual virtue, and we will be following Christ. The film points to Christ -- even if "through a glass, darkly" (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV).…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Download the PDF of the notes for this podcast .
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. This podcast is a book review, examining Todd Burpo's Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2010), 162 pp. Why the story seems genuine The credibility of the author is enhanced for three reasons. 1. The author (Colton Burpo's father) is a Christian pastor. 2. The writer is highly personable, and shares a lot from his own life. 3. He repeatedly emphasizes how he and his wife tried not to lead their little boy on--not to put words in his mouth. Moreover, this is a subject nearly everyone is interested in. 1. The story resonates with popular culture: spiritual experiences are in, even if (for many) church and doctrine are out. 2. It's an easy read-- you can finish in a sitting. The medical context of the “visit to heaven” 62 - During emergency appendix surgery the boy had an unusual experience, while under anesthesia. The visit lasted 3 minutes, according to the little boy, into which it sounds like a day’s activities were crammed. 78 - He did not die Miraculous knowledge? 61 - He had knowledge of his parents praying for him, and of his mother being on the telephone, and their being in separate rooms. He rose above his body – a common experience during surgeries and near-death experiences. 63 - Jesus had a rainbow horse. 65 - Jesus wore white clothes and a purple sash. 67 - There were red marks on his feet and palms. 145 - The boy later points out Jesus in a sketch by Akiane Kramarik, Prince of Peace (73). 73 - Jesus has light eyes and streaks in his hair, which appears to be permed (!). He was with Jesus, whom he recognized, as well as the father (who was “really big”) and even the Holy Spirit. Jesus loves the little children. 72 - There were many other humans in heaven, esp. children, many of whom Colton later named. But what about John 3:13? 73-74 - The dead (humans) sport wings and halos – and sounds like something out of a children’s book, like The Littlest Angel. There are a few other questionable statements, biblically speaking, such as a literal battle of Armageddon. 86 - He saw his deceased grandfather, though as a younger man. (This man had died before Colton was born.) 123 - Later recognized him in a picture of him in his 30s – did not recognize him in later pictures (died in early 60s). 90 - Colton's mother was shocked, because she has not thought her father would be in heaven. He'd apparently "accepted Christ" 28 years before his death, but did not tell his family members. 94 - The boy talks to his dead sister (fetus of 2 months).This really tugs on the heartstrings of the reader (and the boy’s mother). See also 96, 128-129. 100 - There are literal thrones. 101 - Jesus on the right side of God, the archangel Gabriel on the left. 105 - Heaven is the New Jerusalem of Revelation. 126 - He sees power shooting down on his father when he preaches (Spirit) – like the common evangelical notion of being “anointed” by the Spirit whenever a minister preaches the word of God. 133 - Angels carry swords in heaven. 139 - The battle of Armageddon is apparently to be fought with swords and bows & arrows (little boys’ toys?). 152 - There are dogs in heaven. Explainable? It's easy to rationalize most of the details. Even the theology: Trinitarian God, for example. A nearly-four-year-old would have heard a great deal of talk about God and the Bible. It's not so easy to account for the details of miscarried sister and grandfather, assuming they are not fictive or exaggerated. Yet we weigh the work as a whole. We are not required to accept everything in the book just because one or two details cannot be explained away. Why the book fails to persuade (me) 1. All the details sound like they’ve come from children’s Sunday school pictures. The story supports evangelical theology – e.g. immediate transport to heaven, literal battle of Armageddon, taking the picture of the New Jerusalem to be heaven, conversion through “accepting Christ” – not likely to appeal so strongly to other Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox, or non-denominational Christians. 2. The account flatly contradicts the testimony of the Old and New Testament and the early Christian writers. 80 Paul went to heaven – but in 2 Cor 12 Paul goes to paradise. Not a single detail of the experience is related, only its ineffability. Yet Colton Burpo found no trouble describing everything he saw, which makes the passage his father cites as a parallel disconfirm his son’s experience. 3. 88 - The author admits a history of mental illness in the family (his father). Perhaps this is relevant. 4. Although it's certainly a very interesting story, in many places feels hokey Two experts weigh in David Bercot (a personal friend and expert on early Christianity): a. This account contradicts the evidence of the early church. b. Why didn't Lazarus ever say anything about this death experience (John 11)? c. Hallucinations are not uncommon when people are under anesthesia. d. In the past there have been clear instances of fraud, too, though this doesn’t seem to be a case of that. Gary Habermas (apologist, historian, philosopher of religion), private correspondence: “I don't say we know exactly where NDErs may go, heaven or otherwise. But there is an incredible amount of evidence that something objective is happening.” Conclusion Something happened, and I have no desire to explain it all away, but the details don’t correspond particularly well with the Bible. Despite the often expressed opinions of the pastor-father, I am afraid the account does not impress me as celestial. Whatever little Colton experienced, it was not the “visit to heaven.”…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Ron Moseley’s book, Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church (Clarksville, Maryland: Messianic Jewish Publishers, 1996) is an interesting read. I have met representatives of this movement before, and read a number of their books, especially once I came into direct personal contact with this school of thought on my first trip to Israel. This school of thought is well described by the term Messianic Judaism , a movement within evangelical Christianity that has been in motion for half a century now. This review is not only a critique of Moseley's book, but also a challenge to the Messianic movement as a whole. Excellent Many things Moseley and his associates emphasize are correct -- even excellent. Jesus and Paul were Jews. Most Bible readers forget this, and this seriously affects their ability to interpret the scriptures. There's great benefit in setting aside time for study, worship, and cultivating an awe of God (p.42). Yet this is no proof that we need to observe the Jewish calendar. Slowing down and stopping normal work one day a week, attending seminars; going on retreats, having daily devotional times, and so on can serve this purpose equally well. The Jewish background of NT teaching is brought to light, often in a captivating way. The Pharisees’ teaching was similar to Jesus’ (p.91). I might go even further: if we were to compare our own spiritual heritage to the many Jewish sects active in the first century, theirs is unquestionably the group with which we have most in common. Possibly correct A number of his ideas may be on track, but lack support. I think it is fine for Bible teacher to share his ideas, but only with a confidence in proportion to the evidence itself. This attitude Moseley repeatedly fails to exhibit. His comments on the tzitzit may be right (p.21), though it strikes me as a bit of a stretch. Yet I like this view. John hesitates to enter Jesus’ tomb because of his association with the high priestly family (pp.24-25). Could be. But then there are other reasons for which he didn’t enter (fear, deference to Peter, being out of breath…). Peter chopped off Malchus’ ear to disqualify him for the priesthood, or to insult the priesthood of Caiaphas (p.25). This strikes me as speculative, though I did mention the possibility in my (premium) podcast on Malchus. I think it is more likely Peter was trying to kill Malchus than maim him. Matthew 8:21-22 may refer to secondary burial (pp.27-28). I am familiar with the practice of secondary interment, and have shown ossuaries on many of my tours. Yet such an understanding of Jesus’ words does not significantly affect the point Jesus is making, that we are to let nothing, even family obligations, come between us and him. He claims that coins falling into the temple collection containers in effect “sounded the trumpet” (p.28). Yet what is the reference? This sounds like pure speculation. There are many such claims in this book. "Leaven” means giving God your second best (p.110). To prove this, he cites only a secondary source; there is no proof for this assertion. The problem with the teaching of the Pharisees was that it could spread so far and affect so many, not that it was second best. RM’s interpretation weakens the point Jesus and Paul make when they resort to this metaphor in their teaching. Definitely wrong Yet the patent errors in the book are often not minor, but major. Moseley claims that the “new covenant” is not better than the old, but only an extension of it, or a call to observe it (pp.36, 57). That is certainly not how I and Bible scholars read Jeremiah 31! The Hebrew writer does not put down the old covenant – the fault lay with the people (Hebrews 8) – but he definitely says the new is better. Moseley’s group believes that the NT was written in Hebrew, yet I am aware of no evidence. Even among early Christians, the only tradition circulating of which I am aware is that Matthew was originally written in Hebrew (the view of Papias). I believe Semitic thought patterns are discernible in most of the documents of the Greek NT, and without doubt Jesus taught primarily in the language of the people of Palestine, but there is not a shred of manuscript evidence for an original Hebrew NT. Luke 16:16, commenting on the Law being proclaimed until John, is claimed by Moseley not to indicate any fundamental shift vis-à-vis the Torah (p.41). Moseley is correct that we are under grace and still obligated to obey God’s laws; Protestant Bible teachers often stumble over that one, falsely pitting Paul against James, for example. Yet there is more than one way that the Law can remain the word of God for us. I would put it this way. For the ancient Jews, the Torah was the word of God and the law of God; for us, the Torah is still the word of God, yet not the law. “Replacement theology” makes its first appearance 160 AD, with Justin Martyr (p.60). What about Matthew 21:43? Here Jesus says the kingdom will be taken away from the Jews. The moral principles of Torah still apply today (p.50). Please listen to hear my series (“Night of Redemption: A Study of Exodus,” October 2011). We are called to go well beyond the moral level of the Jews. There is a trajectory in the Bible, from paganism to Judaism, and from Judaism to Christianity. The law leads us to Christ, after which point we are mature enough no longer to need it (Galatians 3:21-26). One obvious example is how we treat our enemies. While there are parts of the OT where grace is shown to enemies, in other parts the Jews are told to kill them, even to exterminate them without mercy. Jesus raises the bar. No longer are we permitted to kill, take revenge, or even resist the evil person. How to implement Jesus’ teaching in Matthew (also Paul’s in Romans 12) may be difficult, yet that does not entitle us to ignore it. Since the Torah was an “everlasting covenant”, it still applies today (p.62). This view shows a lack of understanding of Hebrew idiom, which is unfortunate for one who promotes himself as an expert. Here let me share an excerpt from my paper on Terminal Punishment , which I believe is germane. “We have to let the Bible define its terms... [T]here are a number of scriptures where words such as 'forever,' 'eternal,' and 'everlasting' do not entail a sense of infinite duration. For example, the following list is based (only) on the Greek root aion *, which appears in the LXX and the NT numerous times, with the general sense of (world) age, forever, always, eternity, etc. In none of the following cases does the word aion * bear the sense of infinite eternity. [Whether for the Greek aionios , the Hebrew ‘olam, or the Latin aeternalis, the point is that 'forever' isn’t always literally forever, at least in Hebrew thought.] Genesis 6:4—'Men of old' (giants/ungodly persons/fallen ones/sons of Cain) did not live infinitely. Jeremiah 25:12—Destruction of Babylon (though not literally destroyed) Genesis 9:12—Perpetual generations Exodus 21:6—The man or woman would become one’s servant'“forever' (!) Leviticus 25:34—Perpetual possession of fields Deuteronomy 23:3—“Forever” means the tenth generation 1 Samuel 2:22—Young Samuel was to serve at the house of the Lord 'forever' 1 Chronicles 16:5—'Forever' ~ 1000 generations—also Psalm 105:8 Ezra 4:15, 19—Israelites had been 'eternally' resisting political domination Psalm 24:7—'Ancient' doors Proverbs 22:28—'Ancient' boundary stone Jonah 2:6—The prophet was confined in (the fish) 'forever'" Moseley claims that “fulfill” in Matthew 5:17-19 means to correctly teach (p.64). Yet when prophecies are fulfilled, they are not merely “correctly taught.” Rather, their words come true, or a deeper parallelism becomes manifest. “Out of Egypt I called my Son” (Matthew 2:15, quoting Hosea 11:1) is fulfilled when Jesus’ family returns from Egypt. When Jesus fulfills Psalm 22, Psalm 69, Isaiah 53, and so forth, he is not “correctly teaching” them—though he may have—but rather bringing to pass the plan of God, and bringing to light the truth of God, in accordance with what had previously been written. Christians knelt for prayer, so in reaction the Jews stood (p.60). The ancient literary and archaeological evidence refutes this claim. The preferred position of the early Christians was standing. Moreover, the orans (plural orantes ) is well known from ancient art. The ethical requirements of the OT are the same as those of the NT (p.70). Not so, as I mentioned above in my comment on warfare. Back when we lived in the DC area, I pursued this notion, and wanted to include it in my part of the DPI book on the Sermon on the Mount. Tom Jones and Gordon Ferguson shot me down—and I’m glad they did. Back then I was trying too hard to find in the old law justification for many current practices. The point: between the covenants there is not only continuity, but also a radical discontinuity. Certain parts of the law were to be kept by Gentiles (all of it by Jews), in effect creating two levels or standards of commitment (p.79). There is no evidence that Gentiles could be saved through part of the covenant! RM’s exegesis of Acts 15 is questionable. Then he claims to have found, out of the traditional total 613 laws in the Torah, many of which still apply to Gentiles (33 positive commands and 135 prohibitions). He overreaches. Let me give two examples. We are to show reverence when enter the house of worship (Leviticus 19:30). I’m all for that, but in Christianity there is no church building (originally). He also states that Deuteronomy 24:15 requires employers to pay workers their wages when the job is done. Yet the passage refers to daily wages, not payment for completing a job. In short, Moseley’s method smacks of arbitrariness. In connection with the Feast of Tabernacles, rituals involving water and light had been neglected (p.135). Moseley says that this was part of the ceremonial law. There’s only one problem: it’s nowhere in the OT! Acts 2:38 refers to Gentile baptism (p.143). Proponents of another eccentric view teach that Gentiles were to be saved by faith alone, and Acts 2:38 baptism was only for the first generation of Jewish converts. In Acts 2:39 the phrase “those who are far off” refers to Gentiles (not the distant descendants of the audience), a point illustrated in such passages as Ephesians 2:17. RM’s understanding of conversion is lacking. The Messianic movement often claims that the NT was originally written in Hebrew. On this assumption, they rely on a reconstructed Semitic text of the NT, even though no such ancient manuscripts have survived. Claiming that the Greek NT is less accurate than the "lost" [and hypothetical] Semitic original, they dismiss verses that are problematic for their position. Be aware that no evidence exists for an original "Hebrew Testament." This is pure conjecture. Overstated There were some points I wasn’t sure which category to place in. They contained some truth, but were pushed too far. Maybe these should be listed under a “maybe correct” heading, but I chose to list them separately. Augustine championed Marcion (p.40). Augustine (354-430 AD) would have vigorously protested this allegation! Marcion (c.140 AD) rejected the OT completely; Augustine relied heavily it as he promoted his relatively novel ideas, such as original sin and Christian military service. Paul did not intend Greek readers to interpret nomos (law) in the normal way (p.59). It is true that we must discern whether the word means law (generally), the Law of Moses (which is both law in the common sense and Torah in the sense of instruction [< yarah ], or principle. Yet to assume that his Greek-speaking letter-readers (and –listeners) would grasp the Hebraic nuance without specific instruction is wishful on Moseley’s part. 2 Corinthians 5:17 referred to conversion to Judaism (p.126). Even if it was once used that way, this is not the way Paul is using it here. Earlier in the letter he’d said that a veil hangs over the eyes of the Jews. If anything, Paul is calling people not to be taken in by the specious arguments of his opponents. RM’s view also ignores the eschatological dimension of Paul’s teaching. We participate in the age to come—the new creation—when we are created anew in the image of our Creator. We cannot read, understand, or expound the Bible unless we become Jews (p.160). I guess we’re all in trouble. I have sought Moseley out on the web. One link I found especially useful, as it shows us how others have received this eccentric fringe position. Conclusion Moseley is certainly right to point us to the Jewish origins of Christianity. In my own teaching I often emphasize that the first generation of Christians leaders were predominantly Jewish; that every apostle was Jewish; and even that Jesus was a Jew, not a Christian. Yet, as I have tried to make clear, he grossly overstates his case, is careless in his use of sources, and at many points shows that he does not grasp what was radically new in Yeshua’s teaching. Further, the horrific proofreading of the book (it is fraught with jarring errors) does not do his position any favors. This "messianic" teaching has gained traction in many churches worldwide. Why is this so? One suspects it is not only because it is interesting, illuminating many facets of scripture that are difficult to understand without background information or training in theology. Given the generally low quality of preaching and teaching (meaty, biblical exposition), it is not surprising that many find this alternative to be far more compelling. Where the word is not carefully expounded, ground is being prepared for heterodox teachers. As Paul points out to Timothy, "Certain persons... have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions" (1 Timothy 1:6-7). Further study: Article on Velvet Elvis (Rob Bell's book). Article on Follow the Rabbi (by Ray Vander Laan) If you've never read a good book on biblical interpretation, try Fee & Stuart's classic work . The two premium podcasts on Sabbath and Holiness. Audio series on Exodus , including material on the applicability of the law today, may also be helpful.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. The book critiqued in this podcast is Through the Eye of the Needle: The Doctrine of Non-Accumulation, by Roger Hertzler. The basic idea Our society and the church are materialistic. Christians have ignored the clear teaching of Christ that we are not to store up treasure on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). "Christ says that nothing on earth has any real value except that which can be converted into Heavenly treasure before we die" (77). What's helpful: Indeed, the Bible teaches that we are to provide financially for the generation behind us, not the generation following . (That is, we are to take care of our elderly parents, not leave an inheritance for our [often] adult children.) The greatest legacy we can leave them is spiritual, and in fact we may be hurting them if the most significant thing we leave them is our money (56). However, see Proverbs 13:22 and 2 Corinthians 12:14. Older people will have no problem giving away their money and possessions when they know that the rest of the church will provide for them. The teaching of the church in the Patristic era, for example: "How can they follow Christ, who are held back by the chain of their wealth? . . . They think that they possess, but they are possessed instead. They are the bondslaves of their money, not the lords of their money. They are slaves of their profit" [Cyprian, c. 250 AD). While some of the views of the 2nd and 3rd century church go beyond the teachings of Jesus (usually in the direction of strictness), the spirit of their radical discipleship is evident. From Hertzler's chapter entitled "An Exchange of Values": "... [The] enemy is “a wrong value system.” It is a value system that tells us the things of this world have genuine value (as opposed to being worthless). It tells us that having much of this world’s wealth is somehow better than having little of it. None of us are exempt from the effects of this erroneous value system... The world says that stocks, bonds, gold coins, land, and savings accounts have real value. Christ says that nothing on earth has any real value except that which can be converted into Heavenly treasure before we die. The world says that financial security is something we all should strive to achieve. Christ says that financial security is something that will destroy our faith and steal our love. The world says that it is honorable to leave your children financially well off. Christ says that such a move would endanger their souls, because a rich person will hardly enter the kingdom of God... If you can completely internalize this upside-down value system, it will revolutionize your life. That which you used to think was important will now seem trivial. Your passion will become the kingdom of God..." There is not doubt that Jesus warned us in the strongest possible terms of the potential of wealth to blind, numb, and choke us (Luke 8:7,14; Revelation 3:14-19). What seems off-base: Biblical interpretation Dismisses Mark 14:3-9 in passing without dealing with the fact that the actions of the woman in anointing Jesus' feet were, by the author's criteria, wasteful (60). After all, hadn't Jesus taught us to sell our possessions and give to the poor (the heart of Judas' objection [ Mark 14:5; John 12:6])? Little flock of Luke 12:33 -- apostles or all Christians (59)? How can we discern who Jesus is referring to? (I admit it seems to me this is for all Christians, but even then the passage has to be interpreted.) The Parable of the Talents is exegeted carelessly, even though the author's conclusions seem on track (49). This does not inspire confidence in his method. Zacchaeus appears in a note, but nothing in the body of the book explores this man, perhaps because his example does not support Hertzler's thesis (102). Unduly radical implementation? Wesley used his own life as an example: “I gain all I can” in profitable labor; “I save all I can” by frugal living; and “by giving all I can, I am effectually secured from ‘laying up treasures on earth.’” These were no idle boasts: As Wesley’s royalty earnings grew, his self-imposed annual personal budget stayed at 30 pounds, until 98% of his income was given away. He lived up to his promise that “If I leave behind me ten pounds . . . you and all mankind bear witness against me that ‘I lived and died a thief and a robber’” (67). Advice [for Americans]: Clean out your retirement accounts (80). Give up your financial goals. Join a church that teaches and practices the doctrine of non-accumulation (82). If you haven't been giving at all, start immediately with a tithe (10%), whether you think you can afford it or not. And many other pieces of advice... (83) Okay to keep $20,000 in the bank if you are "a business owner who needs to make payroll every two weeks," but wrong for "a laborer who is just trying to prepare for a 'rainy day'" (81). I think such advice contradicts the NT teaching that we should aim to do something useful with our hands so that we may give to those in need. Earning more you are able to help more; this much seems obvious. And allowing your money to grow increases your ability to give. Distinction between tools and investments, but discerning the difference is somewhat arbitrary. "... at a minimum, Jesus' command to 'sell and give' applies to those assets that qualify as investments." Does not take culture sufficiently into account. Everyone accumulates, even Hertzler. The line between accumulation and non-accumulation is not always obvious. Reminds me of those who push a tithe on gross income. Sounds like a great idea, but how can it be implemented across the board? Are we to strive to recreate the standard of living of the first-century Mediterranean world? Conclusion The book serves a valuable purpose: making us think about the biblical teaching on possessions. Yet it is simplistic, ill-suited to the real world. Moreover, it over-interprets the teachings of Christ. Perhaps rather than focusing on the negative ( non -accumulation), we should emphasize the positive qualities I am sure are behind Hertzler's thesis: generosity, hospitality, sacrifice, mercy. For God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6). No one on his death-bed laments, "How I wished I had made more money." Death, the great leveler, confronts all of us with the truth (see Psalm 49). Rather, people say, "How I wished I'd spent more time with my loved ones... I should have lived my life in the light of eternity." For reminding us of the worthlessness of human wealth in the light of eternity, Hertzler does us a great service.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Avatar is a term from Hindu theology, though it is also common in computer and virtual reality applications. Click here for the origins of the word. "Jake" visits Pandora through an avatar, a 10-foot tall blue-skinned alien, though in fact it is Jake and his American friends who are the real aliens! The plot centers around the exploitation of a pristine planet by Americans, and how their efforts are ultimately thwarted, but only after they have brought tremendous destruction. What was cool Extremely visual, colorful. Special effects excellent. Just as the main character, Jake, enters the world of Pandora, so we feel like we are entering that world. Emphasis on ecology. Depiction of the connectedness of all life. Brutal exposé of the US military-economic machine. Symbolism: Navi (like Hebrew and Arabic words for prophet ) "Unobtanium" Eywa (the deity) sounds like the Hebrew word for Eve, or living. The planet named Pandora patently portends problems for those who ignore etymology. Parallels between Joshua/Rahab and Jake/Neytiri. Click here for more. Jake as incarnation – develops empathy. Effort to understand others. What was off Mother earth ( Gaia ). Worship creation in place of creator—Romans 1. The Bible teaches that idolatry puts us on a slippery slide, morally. Creator is a she . While occasionally in the Bible feminine imagery is used of God, usually it is masculine. Not that God is masculine; he is beyond gender. Making the earth female is actually a form of sexism. Romanticization, of indigenous peoples, e.g. in Amazonia. As far as imperialists, colonizers: one corrupt civilization supplanting another. (Not to justify how the Europeans laid claim to the Americas, enslaving, killing, robbing those who had already been here for 10-15k years.) Natives are more advanced than their would-be conquerors? Hmmm…. Not in terms of technology. But they were, insofar as they were more moral than the their exploiters. Jake and Neytiri do not marry; they mate . Woolly-minded thinking of the New Age movement. To illustrate: Gnosticism is an ancient religion that is now popular, through the intrusion of eastern religion in the west. Its prophets include Tolle and Byrne . (Click to see my comments on their bestselling books.) For more on this movement, click here . Most useful This film makes us think about missions, emphasizing the importance ot awareness, making the effort to under to understand and connect with other. It does a masterful job promoting ecological awareness. Finally, it serves as a poignant warning against materialism, which offers an elusive dream. Achieving true happiness and meaning through wealth is "unobtainable"!…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. I. THESIS Jesus was a zealot, advocating violence to overthrow the occupying Romans as well as the corrupt priesthood. For Jesus, the Kingdom of God is very much of this world [144]. John 18:36 has been totally misunderstood [117]. The kingdom is political. Jesus intended that the twelve tribes be reconstituted for a single purpose: war [123]. Jesus was a violent man. The God of violence is “the only God that Jesus knew and the sole God he worshipped” [122]. However, later Aslan seems to backtrack: “Nor can Jesus be labeled a violent revolutionary bent on armed rebellion…” [79]. Yet Jesus failed to reestablish nation of Israel [19]. The church changed the true Jesus into a more heavenly figure with merely otherworldly interests. They “transformed Jesus from a revolutionary zealot to a Romanized demigod, from a man who tried and failed to free the Jews from Roman oppression to a celestial being wholly uninterested in any earthly matter” [171]. The apostle Paul was the leader of this reinterpretation. “[Paul’s] conception of Jesus as Christ would have been shocking and plainly heretical, which is why, around 57 C.E., James and the apostles demand that Paul come to Jerusalem to answer for his deviant teachings” [190]. The early church followed suit, and replaced the zealot Jesus with a heavenly figure [144], putting Paul's letters into the N.T. Today we have the wrong N.T., thanks to Paul’s influence [215]. Yet the Messiah was to be the Prince of Peace. "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore" (Isa 2:4). (Joel 3:10 – preparation for war.) "He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore" (Mic 4:3). How would the church have survived through 60 years of disillusionment, given they knew Jesus’ mission was a failure? In short, Jesus was a revolutionary zealot. Not just a radical man with an amazingly spiritual message, but a violent encourager of murder, rioting, and violent takeover. II. STRENGTHS & INSIGHTS Style His no-nonsense approach (despite the many erroneous claims) leaves no doubt as to where the author stands. I find this preferable to the ambling, highly qualified language of many religious writers. Aslan uses highly florid language, which makes reading him rather enjoyable -- provided the reader recognizes the many rare words he uses. Historical background Good job describing various sects of the Jews and zealots and pseudo-messiahs. Great analysis of the working relationship between Pilate and Caiaphas. Nice explanation of the origins and thinking of the Samaritans. Historical insight Poor farmers of Galilee subjected to indignity of turning over earnings to rapacious priests! [92] Demolishes the Roman Catholic notions of the virginity of Mary and the papacy of Peter [35]. Helpful reminder that the Temple served as a bank [7]. Unlike other itinerant wonder-workers in the ancient world, Jesus healed gratis [103]. The Romans' victory over Israel in the First Jewish War (66-70 AD) wasn’t merely over the Jews, but over their god. John the Baptist's popularity perhaps increased through his not relying on his priestly privileges [82]. (John was a Levite, born to Levite parents -- see Luke 1.) Aslan admits that it is more likely the Gnostics borrowed from Christianity when they constructed their esoteric doctrine and myths, rather than the other way around [261]. The belief in a dying and rising messiah did not exist in Judaism [165]. (Right--but that doesn’t mean the Messiah couldn’t die or rise! What about Isa 53?) Things you may want to know Interesting parallels between Jesus' Transfiguration and Moses' ascent on the mountain with his three companions [131]. Cicero: “barbarian superstitions” of monotheism. Tacitus: “while they permit all that we abhor.” Josephus notes 24 sects in and around Jerusalem. And he calls Annas (Ananus) “the great hoarder of money” [198-199]. Bible difficulties Critics keep us on our toes! Two examples: Philip’s wife is Salome, not Herodias. A solution ? Also, the well-known difficulties surrounding Luke’s census of Quirinius [30]. III. APPROACH Arguments from silence John the Baptist doesn’t realize who Jesus is in Mark 1. This means that the story has been jazzed up in the other gospel accounts [87]. There is no cliff in Nazareth over which to push Jesus. Aslan is saying that since he does not think there is such a cliff in Nazareth, it didn’t exist. But topography can change. Besides, I have seen such a precipice in Nazareth. The nighttime trial of the Sanhedrin was illegal -- therefore it didn't take place. [157]. Yet the Sanhedrin felt urgency in dealing with this situation before Passover. Barabbas couldn’t have been released because the custom is “nonsensical” [149]. Yet Pilate negotiates with the crowd over Jesus' possible release. Why would such a custom contradict what we know of Pilate? Speculation “So when Stephen saw the gaggle of hirsute men and ragged women huddled beneath a portico in the Temple’s outer court—simple provincials who had sold their possessions and given the proceeds to the poor….—he probably did not pay much attention at first” [164]. Paul wasn’t asked by the high priest to hunt down Christians… [183] Yet by Paul's own admission (Acts 22:4-5), “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.” Fondness for quoting liberals at far end of theological spectrum. Calling into question uncontroversial points , e.g. that Acts is part 2 of Luke [167]. Leading statements : Jesus’ brothers named after great heroes of Judaism (implying a radical revolutionary tendency ran in the family) [230]. Shock statements that aren’t quite true… but are later clarified, once the shock has been felt -- usually a few paragraphs later. E.g. the Romans walking up cliff side of Masada, “shields up, swords drawn” – as Aslan makes clear, he well knows it took many weeks for the Romans to advance up that side of the mountain [57]. Or that the meeting between Pilate and Jesus is ludicrous…. A reasonable argument can be made for it having happened. Aslan claims the “trial” before Pilate “beggars the imagination” and is “pure legend” [148]. There was no “trial” before Pilate [241]. Yet the gospels never say there was a trial. Further, while at first Aslan mocks the idea, later on he states that for a potential political prisoner, Pilate might well have made time to see him -- and John Meier makes a compelling case for the position [244]! Assertions without proof Jesus Christ Jesus could not have understood the "Son of Man" as a divine figure (as in 4 Ezra) [144]. But what about Daniel 7? Mark 9 tells us that Jesus’ transfiguration affected only his clothes [251] (which it doesn't) -- therefore his body (unlike Moses' -- Exod 34) wasn't glowing. There are no OT messianic prophecies that say the Messiah will do miracles [248]. Really?! How about Isaiah 42, 60, etc? More than a few biblical scholars have openly labeled Jesus a magician [108-109]. I know of only one (Morton Smith). All the miracle stories of Jesus have been embellished [104]. Daniel’s Anointed One isn’t killed (Dan 9:26), but only cut off [166]. Yet it's not clear whether "cut off" implies death, so there's no room for dogmatism here. Jesus didn't stay in the desert for a time of testing, but in order to spend time learning from John the Baptist [89]. Apostles and other leaders Matthew isn’t Levi [97]. Yet two names were common (e.g. Simon Peter, John Mark). Jesus recruited from among “the fishing village’s disaffected youth” [96]. But why can't Simon and Andrew be the same age as Jesus? (Rob Bell wants them to be teenagers, but he goes too far.) Few if any of the apostles agreed that Paul was a disciple [184-185]. Paul never recounts his Damascus Road experience, which is a fabrication of Luke [184]. Yet see Acts 22. The fact that the three accounts (Acts 9, 22, 26) have minor differences suggests Luke wasn't making up the story, nor was he concerned to rewrite it to make it less problematic. None of the apostles spoke Greek [193]. Jesus and his disciples were illiterate peasants [203, 226]. Aslan should read Alan Millard's Reading and Writing in the Time of Jesus . The Jerusalem Christians didn’t evangelize – they just blended in [263]. Yet Acts 4, 5, 12! James took no baths [197]. The church in Rome fell under authority of the Jerusalem church [203]. Some assertions have weak proof, e.g. that Stephen led the independent Hellenistic community [181], and that the Hellenists held that Jesus came not to fulfill the law, but to abolish it (!). Or that the Church of Jerusalem was demolished in 70 AD [150, 212]. James and the Jerusalem Christians stayed in Jerusalem, awaiting coming of the Lord, and so were killed by Titus’ army. But that would mean that they ignored Jesus' prophecy [Luke 21:20]. IV. TONE Mocking, Sarcastic Stephen’s “long and rambling diatribe” [168]. Luke is Paul’s sycophant [184-185]. On 500 soldiers accompanying the prisoner Paul: “This is absurd and can be flatly ignored” [266]. But there's a plot afoot involving 40 men determined to kill Paul. The conspirators are armed, armed disturbances were somewhat common in Palestine, and the Romans know it. What number of soldiers does Aslan think the officer should have dispatched: 40? 100? 150? Might not the number of conspirators have been snowballing? Is this not a case of better safe than sorry? Reactionary comments -- which are frequently overstatements “With the help of his disciples he blocks the entrance to the courtyard, forbidding anyone carrying goods for sale or trade from entering the Temple. Then, as the crowd of vendors, worshippers, priests, and curious onlookers scramble over the scattered detritus, as a stampede of frightened animals, chased by their panicked owners, rushes headlong out of the Temple gates and into the choked streets of Jerusalem, as a corps of Roman guards and heavily armed Temple police blitz through the courtyard looking to arrest whoever is responsible for this mayhem, there stands Jesus, according to the gospels, aloof, seemingly unperturbed, crying out over the din: ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of thieves.”’” [74-75] Cleansing of temple caused a “riot” in the Court of the Gentiles [147]. Jesus’ apostolic band was “armed with swords” [146]. But there were only 2, and Jesus discouraged their use – hence the unanimous pacifism of the early church. The “brief but bloody tussle” although two swords weren’t enough [78]. “Thus, on a bald hill covered in crosses, beset by moans of agony from hundreds of dying criminals, as a murder of crows circled eagerly over his head waiting for him to breathe his last…” [159] Disunity and strife suppressed The early Christians were fearful of John the Baptist’s continuing influence: “frantic attempt to reduce John’s significance” – and the truth that “Jesus very likely began his ministry as just another of his disciples” [89]. In Acts Luke “paints a picture of perfect harmony between Paul and the council’s members…” [191] Gal 2:11 = “fierce public feud” [266]– yet no evidence Peter lashed out in return, or rejected Paul’s correction. Superior attitude Even in the vocabulary: 98 lucubration; 108 Lugdunum (ancient Lyon) As though this were his own insight: “To the Jews, a crucified Messiah was nothing less than a contradiction in terms. The very fact of his crucifixion annulled his messianic claims” [178]. Credit belongs to Paul more than to Aslan. Or the observation that wisdom is personified in Wisdom of Solomon as a woman (Sophia), in order to better connect with those with a Greek philosophical background [179]. But this is in Proverbs, and is well known to those who read the Bible. “Two decades of scholarly research” [xx] – perhaps absorbed from the ultraliberal institutions where he did his study? (Harvard University, U Cal Santa Barbara, Santa Clara University -- Jesuit) Negative feeling Palpable hostility towards biblical Christians. Aslan admits his anger – “I angrily discarded my faith as if it were a costly forgery….” [xix]. Paul’s anger at James and the original apostles “seeps like poison through the pages of his later epistles” [207]. One wonders if Aslan has projected his own negative emotions onto Paul! V. ERRORS Well over 100, not even counting all the mistakes highlighted in other sections of this podcast! Life of Jesus Phil 2:7 doesn’t support the incarnation – because Jesus is one of God’s first creations, the "firstborn" [189]. But what about Ps 89:27? "And I will appoint him to be my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth." The incarnation is rejected [88], as well as the divinity of Christ. But what about Mal 3, Ezek 34, Ps 110, and many other passages? Jesus was a tekton (builder, carpenter, mason...) only in Mark 6:3 [34]. Aslan has forgotten Matt 13:55. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” suggests arson [89]. Aslan assumes "the Kingdom of God is at hand" means that the end of world is near [80] –a common mistake among those unfamiliar with the already/not yet of Christian theology. The Parable of the Sower is mainly anticlerical [101]. Yet the parable is about loving one's neighbor. The Temple in Jesus' time was 500m x 300m – this was the complex , not the temple proper. (To be fair, in John's gospel, however, sometimes the entire Temple Mount complex is referred to as the temple.) Jesus was joking when he told the leper to go show himself to the priest, since the leprosy was gone. Aslan seems to have misunderstood Lev 14 [112]. There would have been no need for a large band of soldiers to snatch Jesus -- yet later Aslan admits a sizeable crowd went to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus [153]! He seems to be changing his mind, or rethinking, even as he is writing his book. After confessing he's the Messiah, Jesus then muddies everything by identifying himself with the Son of Man in Daniel (Mark 14:62) [144]. Aslan seems unable to grasp the two sides of the Messiah, Lion and Lamb (Rev 5) -- the same mistake so many of Jesus’ Jewish contemporaries made. When the crowd (manipulated by Annas and Caiaphas) is manipulating Pilate – “We have no king but Caesar!” -- Aslan claims they couldn't have said that [152]. Pilate is portrayed as a righteous but weak-willed man in the gospels [47]! He is increasingly exonerated in the gospels [151]. He tries to save Jesus because he thinks he may be the Son of God (!) [152] The crucifixion required three iron spikes [159]. Actually, the skeletal evidence of crucified persons indicates the Romans used four nails. Crucified people would hang on the cross for hours [159]. Actually, days were a more common. Mark wasn’t interested in Jesus’ resurrection [29]. Really? What about Jesus' predictions of his resurrection, several of which Mark records? Our author claims the series: Last Supper—Betrayal—Arrest—Sanhedrin—Herod & Pilate—Cross—Burial—Resurrection is what it is for liturgical reasons [153-154]. But what else could it be if Jesus was betrayed? Re: Luke 24:44-46 – there isn’t a single line of scripture on the suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day of the Messiah [177]. But the resurrection is prefigured in Dan 6; Gen 22; Ps 16; Ezek 37 and more clearly identified in Dan 12 and the DSS 4Q521. The apostles Paul was uninterested in the words of Jesus [187]. Common claim. What about Acts 20:35? 1 Cor 11? Quite a few allusions to Jesus’ words? James forces Paul to (hypocritically) back down from his anti-Torah position, taking an oath and joining others in this vow (Acts 21:23)….[195-197, 208-209]. But what about 1 Cor 9:20? "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law." Besides, Paul has a positive view of the law (read Romans). He argues that the gospel is for the Jew first, then the Gentile (Rom 1:16) – and this is in one of the letters Aslan agrees Paul actually wrote. Further, Paul’s custom was to share the gospel with the Jews, through speaking invitations at synagogues… When he wore out his welcome, then he turned to the Gentiles. If he were as anti-Torah as Aslan insinuates, it is doubtful he would ever be invited back for a second lesson! Paul disagrees with James over salvation [206]. They use the same passages to prove opposite things (James 2; Romans 4). But works and faith are two sides of a coin. Aslan's position is based on an old and tired argument. Paul required nothing for salvation but faith in Christ [215]. Aslan claims Rom 10:13 contradicts Matt 7:21 [187]. Aslan misses Paul’s point in 2 Cor – which he calls "Corinthians" (proofreader lapse?) – when he makes Paul call the Jerusalem apostles "servants of Satan…" [192]. But Paul's opponents valued prestige, comfort, honor; they did not suffer. The "super-apostles" Paul excoriates cannot be the Jerusalem apostles, who it seems were nearly as poor as Paul! Re: Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem: He is mistaken for the Egyptian – and this is the only reason he was taken into custody by the Romans [194-195]. But Paul denied being this person, and the text makes it clear that once corrected the commander still decides to refer the case up the ladder of command (Acts 21:39). After his meeting with the Jewish leaders in Acts 28, "Paul vowed from that moment on to preach to none but the gentiles, ‘for they will listen’ (Acts 28:26-29)” [196]. Yet the text indicates a mixed reaction -- some Jews were persuaded by Paul. True, in Acts 28:28 Paul says he will focus on the Gentiles, but not only the Gentiles. In fact, this isn't a change of missionary strategy for Paul, since that has been his method all along: first the Jew, then the Gentile... James (presumably unlike Paul, who cared little about earthly matters) truly cares for the poor [272]. What? Gal 2:10! 2 Cor 8-9! Simon Peter “swore he witnessed the resurrection with his own eyes, as did many others among them…" [156]. This is false. There were no eyewitnesses of the resurrection, unless the Roman soldiers were able to see what was happening (which seems unlikely). Many witnessed Jesus after the resurrection, however. Later Christianity Aslan confuses the Circumcision Party (as in Titus 1 and Acts 15) and Jewish Christianity [186]. James loses credibility to Paul because of the nascent doctrine of the virginity of Mary (James being Jesus’ brother) [202]. An interesting possibility, and there may be some truth in it, but biblical Christians accord equal respect -- and obedience -- to the teaching of both James and Paul. The Ebionite movement continuing to teach the theology of James [272]. Yet biblical scholars note that this movement wasn't really a Christian movement, since they rejected Christ's divinity. In Zealot Aslan seems to believe that James believed in the Second Coming of his brother -- in contradiction to the Ebionites. Judaean Christians shared with none but their fellow Jews. Love thy neighbor means one's fellow Jew [121]. But what about Luke 23:34, Luke 10:25-37? Matthew 5:38-48? Ancient languages Greek errors: Matt 11:12 – the kingdom “operates by force” [251]. In Acts 15, Aslan has krino mean “I decree” rather than "It is my judgment" [270]. Overstated! He spells basileus (king) as "Baselius" [234]. Hebrew: He denies that in Isa 7:14 ' almah is virgin. Yet the point is that that was how the ancient Jews understood it, as evidenced in the LXX, where 'almah is rendered parthenos . Aslan writes Xristos and Yesus ha Xristos – confusing the two languages! Latin: dinarii should be denarii. Aslan claims Pilatus means “skilled with the javelin” [46] -- yet at most this means "armed with a javelin." Other: the kingdom of Medea [139] should be Media . Dating & Chronology Paul’s conversion 37 AD [265] (more like 32 or 33 – which Aslan admits, citing Martin Hengel). Phil about 49 AD [170 AD]. But Paul hadn't even visited Corinth that early. Philippi wasn't a city visited on the First Missionary Journey! 1 Cor written 50 AD [175]. This is too early -- See the Gallio Inscription . Peter and Paul were executed 66 AD [196]. He should have given a range of acceptable dates, since the persecution began in 64, and Nero died in 68. All four the gospels were written after 70 AD [75]. But most scholars put Mark c.65 AD. (E.g., the fire and other details of 70 AD are missing in the prophecy of Mark 13.) Paul wrote only 7 letters….. [264] Aslan makes it sounds like Nero sends Vespasian after Masada. (I had to read this section three times to figure out what was going on!) Simple proof-reading would have caught that [60-61]. Gospel of Thomas in late 1st or early 2nd century. More likely dates to the late 2nd C. Eusebius’ church history Aslan puts in the 3rd C – yet it was probably written in the 320s. All scholars consider his Historia Ecclesiae a 4th-century work. The Sepphoris synagogue(s) date to the 5th and 6th century. Yet Aslan implies that the Byzantine period synagogue was there in the 1st century [38]. Aslan fails to mention that, as he paints a picture of cosmopolitan and wordly Jews. Jesus had a two -year ministry. John's gospel suggests a ministry of 3 or 3.5 years. Old Testament / Judaism errors Aslan mocks the notion that the law was given through angels, as Stephen claims in Acts 7 [168] Later, however, he but admits the idea does come into Judaism (as we see in Gal 3:19). Passover celebration is mainly a political act [144]. While there are political nuances, it was far more than a mere political statement. Aslan uncritically accepts the tradition that when serving in the Holy of Holies the high priest was tied to a rope, in case he died while on duty [9] , without letting the reader know that this is in doubt. The tradition might be true, but it is a mistake to present a possibility as a fact. His view of the Conquest is extreme (utter annihilation) [15]. The O.T. depicts a replacement of the Canaanite population through war, flight, conversion, and intermarriage. David spoke about himself in Ps 16, not the Messiah [166-167]. Yet that doesn’t mean the application is wrong. In general, the early Christians used texts to prove Jesus was the Christ that were widely accepted in Judaism. VI. [OUTLANDISH] QUOTES Paul insists he is far superior to all the other apostles [185]. “Simply put, Paul does not consider himself the thirteenth apostle. He thinks he is the first" [186]. About the Gospels: “Factual accuracy was irrelevant. What mattered was Christology, not history” [154]. Yet Christianity is a historical religion—a faith anchored in history. If God did not visit our world, if Jesus did not take our sins on the Cross and rise from the dead, then our faith is vain. “Simon Peter was “displaying the reckless confidence of one uninitiated in the scriptures” [166]. Yet I’m not so sure those lacking training would have been as confident as Simon Peter. After all, he was learned in that he had received three years of training from the best teacher on earth -- far better than the typical course of being a disciple to a rabbi. “Paul had no idea who the living Jesus was, nor did he care" [187]. “Paul’s breezy dismissal of the very foundations of Judaism was as shocking to the leaders of the Jesus movement in Jerusalem as it would have been to Jesus himself” [186]. “The story of the zealous Galilean peasant and Jewish nationalist who donned the mantle of messiah and launched a foolhardy rebellion against the corrupt Temple priesthood and the vicious Roman occupation comes to an abrupt end, not with his death on the cross, nor with the empty tomb, but at the first moment one of his followers [like Paul] dares suggest he is God” [169]. But Paul was thoroughly Jewish. The idea of Christ’s divinity was not easily digestible -- especially to a Jew. VII. CONCLUSION The thesis – that Jesus was a failed revolutionary – is a failed thesis. It is deeply flawed. Aslan makes the same mistake made by those who rejected Jesus as true Messiah in his own day! Aslan admits that once he rejected Christianity he was “confused and spiritually unmoored” [xix]. This shows in his book. One appropriate adjective for the thesis / book: tendentious. Zealot received many accolades—I notice that none are from biblical scholars. Should people read this book? Although I cannot recommend the book as a source for solid information, there are some interesting parts. Further, so much is skewed that many Christians will be put off by Zealot. They will feel belittled. However, teachers, preachers, and other church leaders should know their Bibles well enough to be able to refute these claims, to give truth and confidence to those who may be rattled by teachers like Aslan. That means someone needs to wade in and devote some time to untangling the critics' arguments.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Great lines: "The gods are angry" [Lucius]. -- " One of them is [Clavius]." "Did he say anything?" [Clavius] -- "It is finished [centurion]." "I believe Yeshua will embrace you (Clavius) as a brother, even as you slew him" [Joseph of Arimathea]. "I pray not to thee today, divine Mars, but to the God of the Hebrews, Yahweh. Hear me. Take back your favor in defense of these people I seek, and relinquish them to me. If you do this with clear and recognizable signs, I found two temples for you and initiate games in your honor" [Clavius]. "They... are... everywhere!" [Bartholomew, on being asked where the disciples are hiding.] "But in the end, what does it matter? In a few years, that'll be us (a corpse)" [Pontius Pilate]. "Welcome, Clavius. Come join us, brother; there are no enemies here" [Yeshua]. "I have seen two things which I cannot reconcile: a man dead without question, and that same man alive again" [Clavius]. "My right hand turned against me. How could he follow [Yeshua]?" [Pilate] -- "Perhaps it's true" [Lucius]. -- "Well, if it is, I'll kill him again" [Pilate]. "I don't have every answer; we're astounded, too!" [Peter, to Clavius] "I don't even know what to ask" [Clavius]. -- "Speak your heart" [Yeshua]. -- "I can't reconcile all this with the world I know" [Clavius]. Room to improve: Although grace is abundant, I would have liked a little more on repentance. Jesus is warm and accepting, smiling and encouraging, without any anger or rebuke. Perhaps he could have been a little more serious. On the other hand, he interacts relatively little with the religious establishment -- those whom we know he would have been strongest in his denunciations. At the end, Clavius walks off on his own -- he's an independent Christian. What about Christian community? Pentecost is missed out completely. The biblical consultant(s) made many errors, unless the screen writers paid little attention. Remarkable accuracy of detail often gives way to inaccuracy or unnecessary speculation. Strong points: The characters are real people. Believable dialogue. It was interesting seeing the foolishness of the cross through the eyes of a Roman soldier. Risen stimulates us to re-vision the events surrounding the life and death of Jesus. Good development of idea of Kingdom of God not being based on power. Jesus' bodily resurrection. (It's not rationalized or spiritualized away.) No attempt to undermine faith (common in documentaries and even in some films about Christ), or promote sectarian doctrine. Clavius is forced to choose -- good! We can all relate to him. Even though he still has some changing to do at the end of the film, so do we... None of us has arrived.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Note: These thoughts on Yann Martel's book (2001; motion picture 2012) will certainly mean the most to those who have read the book or seen the movie.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. What was cool Nearly all the theology is orthodox (God, man, the atonement, righteousness judgment, justice, spirituality...) Especially good is the exploration of the dynamics among the members of the Trinity. Deity is neither male nor female, though he initially appears to the protagonist as female because his own father-wound is so deep. The Shack helps us wrestle with the problem of pain, and often on a very personal and emotional level. What was off The notion that God does not punish -- that sin is its own punishment (p.122). While there is some truth to this point, the book misses the punitive aspect of divine judgment. "Spending eternity in hell" (p.16) reflects traditional eschatology. For more, see Fudge, The Fire that Consumes, or my paper on Terminal Punishment . It is implied, though not stated, that all roads lead to God (p.184). Sounds right in the modern ear; comes rather close to a "politically correct" take on tolerance, in contrast to Jesus' own teaching in Matthew 7:13-14. Some will find overly literal interpretation of some of the poetic parts of the Bible (e.g. 136). Interesting... Reference to The Matrix (p.126). Compare "Papa" with "the oracle." In Maori religion, the earth mother is called "Papa" (a complete coincidence). This book will be of special interest to fathers, and in fact to anyone coming from a background of family dysfunction. Conclusion For those who value spiritually connecting with others, reaching out to unbelievers, this book is good news! The book may be written in 2007, but it will be hot for a long time. The Shack is making many people think about God. May it continue to do so!…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Introduction One spring day towards the end of 2004, Australian Rhonda Byrne discovered a secret - the secret laws and principles of the universe . Almost immediately her life was transformed, as she began to put into practice what she had learned. And in that moment her greatest wish, and mission, were to share this knowledge with the world. In The Secret, a book and video and website, Rhonda Byrne offers us a better way of life. If we can envision what we want, truly believing it will happen and willing to act on our dream, then it will happen. We'll get what we desire. We can see debts disappear. We can lose weight. We can become millionaires. (No wonder it's so popular!) It was also made into a pretty nice feel-good movie (despite some questionable philosophy). "You are God in a physical body. You are spirit in the flesh. You are Eternal Life expressing itself as you. You are a cosmic being. You are all power. You are all wisdom. You are all intelligence. You are perfection. You are magnificence. You are the creator, and you are creating the creation of You on this planet." ( The Secret, p.164. New York: Atria Books, 2006). Guests on Oprah, backing up Byrne's claims, share rags-to-riches stories. If you want to be like them, you will want to know "The Secret." Byrne promises things will go our way -- the universe will work for us -- when we learn the secret. As I tuned in to Oprah, I heard the following words from guests on her show: "We have an absolutely unlimited power within us... We are all just energy... Thought and feeling control the flow of energy." "We all have our own magnetic power... The thoughts we think -- our feelings -- send out a wave into the universe, and anything that's vibrating in a similar level gets attracted into our life." Thus "we create our own reality, attracting into our lives the things we want, which means that our thoughts are the most powerful things about our lives." This is because of a fundamental law in the universe: "What you focus on expands... Our thoughts, feelings, actions all have to be firing at the same time..." There are "no coincidences – everything happens by principles and laws in our universe... This is "a time when spiritual traditions and science are in total agreement." Those who discovered the path before us include Einstein, Newton, Edison, Plato, Carnegie, Churchill, and the Buddha! This is "so exciting – now the secret has reached mass appeal!" New Age As I see it, yes, mass appeal will result whenever you offer people whatever they want. Now I'm aware that Oprah is an amazing woman who has accomplished some pretty amazing things. She has given hope to millions, and has become a highly respected voice and source of inspiration. And yet in my opinion, and to speak bluntly, The Secret, promoted on her show, is taking millions for a ride. After all, you can't change reality just by thinking. One of my website readers wrote in, "Having been a young adult in the '70s and not yet a Christian, I was into the metaphysical movement now known as the New Age movement. It is all the same self-focus, greedy, mind over matter mumbo jumbo, and to top it all off, The Secret is really old news. There is a book called Three Magic Words (written about 30 years ago) that is full of all the same ideas, and in the end the three magic words are: ''I am God.'' This book gives you the notion that you have the same power that God has, so why would you need him anymore." Prosperity theology What makes it so sad that professing Christians are buying into this is that what is being proclaimed on the talk shows is essentially the same as that being peddled by preachers of prosperity theology . (They are those who chant, "Name it and claim it.") This is also called the word-faith movement. Mark 11:24 says that if, when we pray, we believe we have already received, it will be ours. But Jesus is speaking in hyperbole (deliberate overstatement for effect). He also said that if we pray with faith we can move mountains. (Again, an instance of hyperbole -- no mountains have ever literally been moved.) For more on the interpretation of Mark 11:24, click here . [Website membership required] This kind of thinking actually has more in common with oriental "mind-over-matter" and New Age thinking than it does with the gospel. Bible readers should be able to see through this, especially since it closely resembles the false doctrine 1 - 2 John, 1 Timothy, and Colossians were written to combat: Gnosticism. For more on what the Bible says about personal vision and the possibility of altering the future by vision, click here . According to recent surveys, 95% of pentecostal/charismatic churches proclaim prosperity theology. That is, they too teach that if you are spiritual enough, you'll get what you want. Why would churches teach this? Maybe because churches tend to reflect the values of the societies in which they live (what the Bible calls the world -- 1 John 2:15-17), and most Americans have been sucked in to this erroneous thinking. This is wrong because it creates a class of Christians who are tempted to appreciate Christ for what he does for us. This is contrary to the spirit of Luke 17:7-10. Conclusion Where is God in all of this? Where is the Cross? Where is self-denial? Jesus said, in Luke 9:23, that when we follow him we are going to have to carry our cross -- to suffer. To be even more blunt than I have been so far, I would call "The Secret" nothing but the gospel of "Self and Wealth." No doubt its promoters will become richer and richer, falsely holding out the unreachable hope of riches for the millions who buy their books and videos. There's a secret, all right. The secret is that the prophets of "the secret" are destined to become rich (the very thing they proffer), while those who help them realize their dreams are never likely to realize their own. I mentioned Byrne's concept to one of our teenagers. Her response: "That doesn't make sense! If you're God, then why wouldn't you always get what you want?" I replied that the answer would be "Because you are failing to realize who you are: that you are God" (!). Claims Byrne, "The Secret is the culmination of centuries of great thinkers, scientists, artists and philosophers. Here we take an exciting look behind the scenes of The Secret’s life-transforming power." I hope that we are able to smell a rat -- the logical impossibility of such a "secret." And also to resist all perversions of the gospel. (And avoid being quickly parted from our hard-earned money.) Further study Michael Shermer shares his views on Rhonda Byrne's The Secret. Click here to read his article in Scientific American . Click to visit Byrne's own website, The Secret . Christianity Today also features an article on this popular book/DVD. Click here for Mel Lawrenz's critique. You might also want to listen to my book review of The Alchemist (in this series).…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Scriptures to consider: Genesis 2 -- marriage is the norm Matthew 19:10-12 1 Corinthians 7:6 Biblical celibacy has two components Companionship The sexual element It is assumed that church leaders will be married (1 Timothy 3), as correctly understood by Orthodox clergy. Celibacy over-emphasized in the 2nd century An overreaction to Gnosticism, which deprecated sexuality See Ignatius, the Shepherd of Hermas, Clement of Alexandria, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and Athenagoras Although the early church took celibacy too far, we (in our culture) are guilty of the opposite error. Who should stay single? Those with the gift Those with certain sexual struggles Quite possibly those who, like Jesus, are destined to die young Those who, like Paul, lead a lifestyle inimical to marriage Some older brothers and sisters who, for whatever reason, are not likely to find a spouse . Final challenges Don't tease the single. This can be embarrassing; it has the power to shame people into marriage; it entails a certain thoughtlessness, a failure to think theologically about celibacy. (If you are a single and are being teased, consider telling others how you feel. And do your best not to be touchy -- such attempts at humor are rarely made spitefully.) Social pressure is strong enough (to marry; to have children; to favor male children. Various stigmas are all too familiar to our single brothers and sisters. Yet Christians must not capitulate to culture, for we follow a countercultural Messiah.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. 1 Cor 7:10-12, 15 “Not I, but the Lord” and “I, not the Lord.” Paul reveals the Lord’s will on an issue common in the Greco-Roman world: mixed marriages. (“I, not the Lord.”) A Christian has a pagan spouse. Paul and Jesus agree on the subject of divorces between covenant people. Assuming there are no grounds for divorce—and no remarriage—then anyone who deserts a Christian spouse is still married to them. Ideally reconciliation will be reached. Otherwise, one must live as a single person. Paul accepted neglect (abandonment) as grounds for divorce and remarriage. He refers also to withholding of conjugal love. Thus the promises of the marriage vows are in the background of everything he writes. In 1 Cor 7 Paul stresses the 4 obligations of marriage (corresponding to the 4 grounds for divorce). Divorce by separation: Desertion is grounds for divorce as it deprives one’s spouse of essential marital rights. Since separation was divorce in the Roman world, if the unbeliever left, the Christian spouse was free to remarry (“not under bondage”). If Christians could not remarry, they would still be in bondage to a spouse who had left, even if that spouse had remarried. 1 Cor 7:39: Paul frees the woman from the strictures of levirate marriage (Deut 25:5) – the brother of the widow is required to marry her so that her dead husband’s lineage will not die out. The language of 1 Cor 7:39 (free to marry whoever she may please) is part of all standard ancient divorce documents. Thus it appears that widows and divorcees had equal rights – permission to remarry. Yet the traditional church interpretation forbids remarriage except after death or adultery. This does not concur with the understanding of 1stcentury rabbis, Jesus, and Paul. Paul would say to us today Believers should never cause a divorce, and must not use (any-cause) divorce. If an unbelieving spouse leaves you, you may remarry. A believer who wrongly got a divorce should strive to be reconciled, not remarry (which would make the divorce irreversible). If they’re already remarried, of course, it’s too late. The Church Fathers (Patristic writers) Incorrect teaching because the original debate—the issues of a bygone age—had been forgotten. 2nd-C Judaism and Christianity alike overreacted in the area of sexual ethics. The early church often erred on the side of harshness. No forgiveness for those who deny Christ. By the 3rdcentury many leaders allowed only one sin after baptism (and some, none at all!). This led to the custom (4th C.) of delaying baptism till near one’s time of death. Severe church discipline. Skewed theology of martyrdom. Immortality of the soul – and the concomitant doctrine of infinite hell, increasingly explicit… Asceticism (leading in part to the rise of monasticism): Harsh treatment of the body (Col 2:20-23) easily led to harsh treatment of people. Church polity—the rise of the bishop, the decline of autonomy, and increasing heavy-handedness. Celibacy—a good thing, according to Jesus and Paul (Matt 19:11-12; 1 Cor 7:7), although it came to be viewed as a badge of spirituality. In the western church, celibacy was more and more expected of “clergy.” Divorce—lack of grace, lack of appreciation of nuance. Remarriage – discouraged, despite Paul’s counsel in 1 Tim 5. Did the 2nd-century church use certificates of divorce? How would we recognize whether such a document had been written for a Christian or a non-Christian? Keep in mind that the Gentiles wouldn't have this certificate—by far the greater number of Christ-followers—and in Palestine the Christians were still viewed as Jews. So it probably would not be obvious in a such document whether someone was a Jew (non-Christian) or a Jewish Christian. (This was long before the multitudinous documents of medieval canon law!) After the Patristic period The Catholic Church sacramentalized marriage. No release. A horrific form of entrapment, for some. Protestants normally allowed divorce for adultery and desertion. Later, liberal Protestants (today) are back to “no-fault” marriage. Final thoughts The four grounds for a valid divorce are found in one’s wedding vows. All are mentioned in the OT; two are mentioned and two more alluded to in the NT. These include adultery, abuse, abandonment, and neglect. Without proper grounds, a second marriage is adultery. And yet… we are not told to break up a second marriage, even if improperly grounded. For if we did, then there would be two wrongs. Consider 2 Sam 12, or John 4. Divorce is a last resort. Believers should never be the cause of a divorce—that is, they should not break their own marriage vows, or behave badly in hopes that will trigger a divorce. Nor should they initiate a groundless divorce—that is, where a spouse hasn’t broken his or her wedding vows. Cautious humility required, because of: Naïvete. There are significant gaps in our knowledge. Background information is needed! For too long we may have been taught a naïve way of interpreting the Bible. The meaning of a biblical passage isn't always obvious. Interpretation is essential. Perspicuity of scriptures? Legalism: It’s too easy for all of us to drift into legalism. It’s easier sometimes to make a rule than to do extra reading, speak with those who know more than we do, or patiently explore the nuance of scripture. Nor will we learn if our hearts are full of hate and legalism. Pride: We tend to think we are right. A word to church leaders —7 strong suggestions Read critically—not just books supporting our own view! David Instone-Brewer, the world’s preeminent expert on 1stcentury M&D customs and documents. Visit his website, https://www.divorce-remarriage.com . I-B is especially helpful because he provides the ancient Jewish and pagan sources, which paint of picture of expectations and practices in the ancient world. Click here for a précis of his two books. Jerry Jones (former head of the Bible Department, Harding College; elder, Boston Church of Christ; with his wife, teaches widely on marriage). Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: Seen Through the Character of God and the Mind of Jesus (Joplin, MO: College Press, 2016). His position coincides with Instone-Brewer’s. “The ‘guilty’ and ‘innocent’ parties do not have to be identified. A divorce severs the marriage, and the couple is no longer married ‘in God’s eyes.’ A past, failed marriage (or marriages) does not demand a future life of singleness. Marriages that are destructive or abusive do not have to be maintained until a spouse is sexually unfaithful” (127). Jones’s specific advice: “Before the decision to end the marriage is made, efforts to prevent divorce should be exhausted and the following questions considered: What does the character of God dictate? How does the mind of Christ impact this decision? Are any of the 4 elements of marriage being violated?” (p.126). Encourage people to think. Don’t tell them what to do. Jesus often did not immediately answer questions. “Who appointed me a judge or arbiter…?” “The Law—how do you read it?” “Come and see.” “Bring me a denarius.” “Go and learn what this means.” Biblical principles internalized help us to become spiritual people, instead of legalists (who tend to read the Bible like a rulebook). Consider the grounds for divorce carefully. Verbal abuse – the husband is not protecting his wife – a violation of his vow. Of course pornography is a violation of the wedding vows. However, that doesn’t mean the offended party should initiate a divorce. That’s up to her [him]. Yet there’s no need to wait to divorce until intercourse has taken place. Just because someone has stopped coming to church, he isn’t necessarily in the category of the “unbeliever” who leaves the faithful spouse (1 Cor 7). His faithful spouse should not divorce him if things can be worked out. Marriage matters can be intensely stressful, and I wouldn’t take someone’s failure to turn up for a couple of weeks—even if they announce they’re done with church—as the final word. They could well come back. The victim of broken vows is normally the one who can best decide when the marriage is over—not his or her spouse. Especially when there is abuse in a marriage. “Only the Lord knows the heart… We cannot leave it up to the minister or a church leadership team to decide when a marriage ends; it is up to the individual victim, in prayer before the Lord. Only they and the Lord know what their life is really like. Only they know if their partner has expressed repentance, and only they will have to live with the consequences of the decision” (Instone-Brewer). I’m not saying church leaders should never be involved. But sometimes we are unnecessarily involved—perhaps often siding with the husband over the wife, or siding with the spouse with the more pleasant personality. Refer the couple (or one of the spouses) to pastoral counseling if you’re not a professional. And even if you are a trained counselor, make sure your counsel is truly biblical, and not just a reflection of your denomination’s position. “Marriage counseling is often hampered by the lack of a coherent biblical approach to divorce and remarriage… A Christian counselor can say with confidence that believers do have grounds for divorce in cases of adultery, abuse or neglect but that Jesus asks us to forgive partners who repent after breaking their vows. Jesus allows us to divorce a ‘hardhearted’ partner, but neither he nor Paul chose to define how much neglect is too much—unlike the rabbis, who defined the minimum amount of food, clothing and conjugal love that was due. This biblical teaching gives people who are suffering within marriages both an encouragement to persevere and a safety net when they find they cannot cope with it anymore. They can, if necessary, divorce their ‘hard-hearted’ partner in the knowledge that God himself was forced down this route when Israel hardheartedly broke her marriage vows to him… Divorce is never good, but sometimes it is the only way to end the evil of a broken marriage” (Instone-Brewer, 170-171). Always be discreet; maintain confidentiality. Marriages should not be discussed in leaders’ meetings or staff meetings. There are laws governing the disclosure of personal details. Relate respectfully to other leaders who may not have arrived at the same conclusions you have. Although how we handle divorce and remarriage is important, it isn’t a central issue of the faith. It’s a “middle circle” item. The apostle Paul…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Introduction As we have learned, in Matt 19 / Mark 10 Jesus is weighing in on the Shammai-Hillel debate. He rejects the any-cause divorce of Hillel. Familiarity with this debate is crucial if we are to appreciate the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees. Yet Mark doesn’t mention the exceptions. In Mark 10 it sounds like all divorce is wrong. (Which it is—often—but many times it’s not the problem it’s the solution.) Knowledge of the ancient world is essential for accurate translation of ancient languages, balanced and nuanced theology, and appreciation of the topography of scripture. By 2nd C, the interpretation of the House of Hillel rules. “Any cause” divorce is now the only kind among the Jews. The condensed language of the remarriage passages was no longer intelligible. Critical facts relating to divorce and remarriage were forgotten. But we’re in a great position to be better informed. Since 1850 every major commentary on Matt has covered the S/H disagreement. Sadly, many scholars don’t pass on this information to their church. Most predictably follow the party line of their denomination. Let’s not do that. You can study the ancient sources and become informed. If you want to do some historical study, I-B’s books are very helpful. Let’s do our best to respect God’s Word, taking into account these ancient sources. (As for 2nd-4th century Church Fathers, we will address these in the final talk.) By “ancient sources” I mean essential background information yielded by rabbinic Judaism, Roman law, and numerous M&D documents. 2. Matt 5:31-32 Jesus overstates (hyperbole) to grab our attention. Immorality wasn’t the only ground for divorce in the Bible. Jesus is saying that divorce must be justified. "Makes her commit adultery?" The woman becomes defiled, or adulterated—assuming she remarries; she isn't automatically an adulteress. Matt 5:32 literally understood directly contradicts Deut 24:1-4, which permitted remarriage after divorce. 3. Hyperbole Common in Semitic speech and throughout the Bible. Examples: Hate your father and mother; everything is possible for the one who believes; speaking in languages of angels; faith moving mountains. This section of Matt 5: v.28 is full of hyperbole. Examples: lust is adultery in the heart (v.28); pluck out an eye (v.29); lop off a hand (v.30); remarriage is adultery (v.32). Elsewhere in Matthew, consider 6:3; 7:5; 19:24; and 23:24. Thus interpreting this part of Matt 5 figuratively is well precedented and exemplified. Non-literal interpretations don’t necessarily weaken the force of Scripture, or make it impossible to settle on a clear meaning. Jesus clearly (and shockingly) teaches: Monogamy; divorce not compulsory in the case of adultery (“allowed,” not commanded”); marriage not compulsory for anybody; hence infertility is not a legitimate ground for divorce; divorce for "any matter" is invalid—and so remarriage after this divorce is adulterous; marriage to be lifelong—it’s against God's will to break up a marriage. 4. Jesus' position He's not saying: Divorce is always wrong—but there must be valid grounds. Sexual immorality is the only ground for divorce—only that this is the topic of Deut 24. Remarriage is wrong. Craig Keener: “If the exception [of Matt 5 and 19] permits divorce, the average first-century Jewish reader would assume that it permitted remarriage, unless explicitly informed otherwise; part of the very nature of the divorce document was to free the wife to remarry.” Divorced persons are still mystically bound to their ex-spouse, unless that person has died. Those remarried without proper grounds must return to the previous spouse. He doesn’t tell the Samaritan woman to return to her first—or fifth—husband. Two wrongs don’t make a right: breaking up remarriages based on any-cause divorce and requiring a return to one’s original spouse. (This is actually forbidden in Deut 24:4.) We should disfellowship the divorcee, or glare at them disapprovingly. He is saying: Divorce for just "any cause" is invalid—and so remarriage after this divorce is adulterous. We should respect God’s original plan: monogamy with fidelity. Celibacy is also good. Even if a divorce is justified, we should be slow to carry it out. Consider God's "divorce" of Israel and Judah. Marriage is meant to be lifelong—it’s against God's will to break up a marriage. Work at your marriage! 5. Conclusion There are some things in the Bible that we don’t understand without some background information, or without the benefit of careful study. The ancient dispute: Is any-cause divorce legitimate, or are grounds necessary, as stipulated in Torah? Jesus’ teaching turned popular teaching on D&R on its head— not because he was forbidding D or R, but because most religious teachers had drifted so far from God’s holy standards. Next: Paul’s on divorce and remarriage in 1 Cor 7. We depart from the Jewish world and enter the Greco-Roman world.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Mark 10: 2-3, 10-12 Jesus is quizzed. Where does he stand on the divorce issue? Mark indicates absolutely no exceptions! Don’t read through filter of other passages (like 1 Cor or Matt). Mark was writing for a Roman audience. It is doubtful they had access to Matthew—if Matthew was even written yet—and the Jewish issues addressed in Matthew would not have been all that relevant to them. Matthew gives more information, alluding to the “any cause” divorces common in the 1st. Notice how Matthew differs from Mark 10:2-12: “I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery” (Matt 19:9). See a parallel in Mark 8:11-12 / Matt 12:39, where Mark indicates to exception, but Matthew does. Just as Mark doesn’t give the whole story, neither does Matthew. We need to get behind the scenes. It’s easy to draw incorrect conclusions if we don’t realize the nature of gospel writing—abbreviation, arrangement, simplification. It won’t do to just quote a passage and claim the Bible "means what it says." Rather, we need to be careful interpreters. It turns out that what appears to be both simple and absolute (Jesus’ words on divorce in Mark 10) turns out to be neither absolute—there are exceptions—nor as simple as we may have thought. Back in those days, there were no law firms such as Jensen Family Law , and that is why topics such as divorces resided in grey areas. Matt 19:3-11 Here’s the backstory Matthew leaves out—as it would have been of little benefit to his readership. House of Shammai (50 BC – AD 30) Limited grounds for divorce to the four in Deut 24 and Exod 21. “The indecency of the matter” (the wording in Deut 24) they took to mean sexual infidelity. Their influence was waning in Jesus’ day, though divorce for broken marriage vows (once the infidelity was proven in court) was still practiced up to 70 AD (when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, along with its temple). By Jesus’ day, no-fault divorce (“any cause”) was predominant. What’s that? House of Hillel (110 BC – AD 10) – grandfather of Gamaliel, tutor of the apostle Paul. “Any cause” divorce. If your wife burned the dinner, or you no longer found her attractive, you can get a new one. This "no fault" divorce was often considered more righteous than Shammai's stricter ruling, since it brought less shame on the family. It was in the ascendant in Jesus’ day. “ Any cause” divorce was the new normal. Listen again to the question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause ?” Is the question about legality of divorce? Of course not, since divorce is lawful—it's in the Torah. Or is the question about “divorce… for any cause”? No quote marks in original ancient languages. NET: “For any cause.” NJKV: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” NASB: “for any reason at all.” NIV: “for any and every reason” (helpfully paraphrased) NLT: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason ?” “Just any reason” shows better understanding of the ancient disagreement than does “for any cause.” Asked where he stands on divorce issue: Liberal, any-cause? or Conservative, grounds-required? Jesus agrees with Shammaites (divorce must have grounds) and repudiates Hillelites. Yet he goes farther, pleading for return to spirit of God’s original plan. “Jesus used the same terminology as the Shammaites, in the same context, at the same period, and in a debate where Shammaites or their rivals the Hillelites were present. We may therefore confidently conclude that… when the Shammaites said ‘except… for a matter of indecency’ in the context of this debate about ‘any matter’ divorces, they meant that Deuteronomy 24:1 allows no type of divorce except that for indecency. They did not mean that Scripture allows no divorce except that for indecency—because they allowed other divorces on the grounds in Exodus 21.” (David Instone-Brewer) Also, in commenting on Deut 24, Jesus is not ruling out remarriage. He does not explicitly state that a person can remarry after divorcing someone for marital unfaithfulness. Perhaps this is because it was assumed. In 1st C Judaism, if a person divorced another person for any reason (Hillel) or only for cause (Shammai), they were allowed to remarry. Shammaites disagreed with Hillelites, but recognized their marriages as valid, even if lamentable. No 1st century Jewish group prohibited remarriage after divorce. In the Roman world, remarriage was mandatory after 18 months; not to remarry was to break the law. Thus it would be quite strange if Jesus and Paul taught against remarriage. Nor is Jesus explicitly ruling out other grounds for divorce. Keep in mind: The language of Matt 19 is compact and simplified : all grounds v. specific grounds. That is the debate—whether no-fault divorce is allowed, not whether divorce is allowed. Mark 10 and Luke (16:18) are even more compact —no exceptions at all. In the Roman (Mark) and Greek (Luke) worlds, divorce was separation. It was easy and it did not afford protection to the vulnerable. The Jewish world (Matthew) was different. The Bible is easily misunderstood if we fail to take into account the nature of biblical language, or if we don’t read these texts with an understanding of the background situation. Does this make us uncomfortable: the claim we need history, geography, and language to understand the text? Goal: to understand issues like the original recipients of the Scriptures. There are significant gaps in our knowledge of ancient world. Are we surprised there are some things in the ancient world we don’t understand? Similarly, there are gaps in the theology of the Bible. In Scripture we don’t have a developed theology of the afterlife, or the communion meal, or how often Christians assembled. The Bible has nothing directly to say about marijuana. And there’s no comprehensive doctrine of marriage, divorce, and remarriage —which means we have homework to do if we want to come to informed conclusions. Conclusion I’m not saying we can’t understand scripture unless we are theologians, or must know the biblical languages, or that the scriptures are generally murky, or self-contradictory. Quite the contrary: We can understand them, some quite easily and quickly, but others only with serious spadework.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Podcast notes: Exod 21:10-11: If a married man takes a second (slave) wife, then the food, clothing, and sexual love—material support plus emotional support—received by the first wife must not be reduced. If the husband reneges, the first wife may be released from the marriage. The rabbis correctly saw that if a slave had such rights, so did a free woman, who implicitly expected his faithfulness as a husband. If any of these four rights is neglected, there may be grounds for legitimate divorce. The four grounds are withdrawal of physical support (food or clothing), withdrawal of emotional support (manifest in sexual engagement), and (implicitly) adultery. Incidentally, ancient Sumerian law required that a man provide a prostitute who has born him children with gifts of grain, oil, and clothing. To withhold material support, in other words, was illegal. Deut 24:1-4: The purpose of the divorce certificate was to protect the woman against future claims by her husband, thus enabling her to remarry. (A certificate not needed by a man, since he could marry any Jewish woman he wanted—as polygamy was condoned in the OT.) A man unsure of whether the first husband was coming back to claim his woman, or the children, or her assets, would be far less likely to marry her. The divorcée needs a clean break! “[The] certificate, which was the right of a few privileged women in some ancient Near Eastern legal systems, was extended by the Pentateuch to all divorced women. This certificate freed women from the fear that their ex-husbands could reclaim them after abandoning them. The wording of the ancient Near Eastern certificates was similar to the traditional rabbinic get, which states ‘you are free to remarry any man you wish.’” (David Instone-Brewer) The right of remarriage after divorce is implied in Lev 21:7, 13-14—others could marry a divorced woman, but not a priest. Deut 24 was not originally understood as referring to adultery. After all, the Law of Moses already had a death penalty for adultery. The word adultery does not appear. Rather, it is literally "the indecency of the matter." This was commonly interpreted to refer to sexual sin. Deut 24 allows divorce, assuming there are grounds; it does not support arbitrary divorce. This doesn’t mean there should be a divorce, only that if the innocent party initiates proceedings, she may legally divorce. Deut 22:13-18 implies that groundless divorce was not permitted—with possible severe financial penalties to those who initiated a divorce unlawfully. These provisions are reflected in other O.T. texts, like Deut 24:5; Psalm 132:9-16; Ezek 16:8-19; and Hos 2:5. See also Eph 5:29. Mal 2:16 The older rendering “I hate divorce” is taken to imply that the Lord disapproves of all divorce (or most divorce). However, this translation (as in the NKJV and NRSV), is far from certain. The Hebrew does not say “I hate,” but “he hates.” It refers to the husband: he is treating his wife hatefully. Better translations are the ESV and the (current) NIV. “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.” NIV But if you hate [ your wife ] and put her away, says the Lord God of Israel, then ungodliness shall cover your thoughts, says the Lord Almighty: therefore take heed to your spirit, and forsake [ them ] not. LXX (the Greek version of the OT, made a couple of centuries before Christ, and which was the Bible for most Jews in the time of Jesus, as the majority lived outside the land of Israel.) Mal 2:16 is still a strong passage against divorce, but it is not a passage forbidding divorce. Summary The OT permitted divorce. Four grounds for divorce can be detected in Exodus 21, Deuteronomy 24, and other passages. The divorce certificate—still in use in Jesus’ day, and well beyond that time—extended much-needed protection to the women. God is opposed to those who do violence to or otherwise hate and divorce their wives. British scholar David Instone-Brewer PhD in Rabbinic Judaism. For three years he studied the Dead Sea Scrolls, Midrashim (ancient comnmentaries/expansions of biblical texts), Mishnah (the oral law supposed received by Moses on Mt. Sinai, codified around 200 AD), Talmud (discussions of the Torah and Mishnah, written in c.400-600 AD), Philo and Josephus (the two most prominent Jewish writers of the first C. AD), and the rabbinic literature. He is well qualified to understand issues surrounding marriage and divorce in 1st C. Two helpful books: Divorce & Remarriage in the Church: The Social & Literary Context (2002)—scholarly. Assumes familiarity with Hebrew and Greek. Divorce & Remarriage in the Church: Biblical Solutions for Pastoral Realities (2003)—for the general reader, especially those involved in counseling or pastoral work. His work is important for the next part of our series, as we look at what Jesus said about divorce. Instone Brewer's position: “I agree with the two traditional grounds of adultery and desertion by an unbeliever, and two other OT grounds that are alluded to by Paul and Church tradition. These two are emotional neglect and material neglect and are alluded to in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, 32-34.”…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Harsh treatment of women, children, and the vulnerable in OT times: infanticide, abortion, disrespect of women. Divorce was easy and favored the man. Worse, abandoned women could be "reclaimed" by their husbands. In the Middle Assyrian laws, a woman abandoned could remarry, but only after a 5-year wait. The 1st century world of the Roman Empire Divorce (divortium) = separation Remarriage was a duty / expectation Roman law, 18 BC Augustine's laws, the Lex Julia de Maritandis Ordinibus (i8 a.c.F..) and Lex Papia Poppaea Nuptialis (9 s.c.E.), which were later merged into a single text (Lex Julia et Papia). Made it a duty of all Roman men age 25-60 and Roman women age 20-50 to be married. Widows could remain unmarried for two years, and divorcees for 18 months, but then they were expected to remarry. Extent of enforcement outside of Rome, Italy, or Roman cities and colonies? Laws concerning remarriage were strikingly different in Judaism There was is no time limit, making it far easier for the wife to find security in another husband. Jewish men write out a divorce certificate (Deut 24). This created greater rights for women with respect to marriage and remarriage, especially because of the clean break provided by the divorce certificate. The wording of this document ended: "You are now free to marry any man you wish." Note: The OT assumes polygamy and divorce, and neither is criticized. Four Jewish expectations that went beyond the demands of the Torah All must marry. Marriages must result in offspring. If not, the man could divorce his wife and try to reach this end through a new wife. Those widowed or divorced had to remarry. As in the Roman world, except for the aged, remarriage was an expectation. Divorcing one's spouse was required if he or she was involved in sexual scandal. Sources The Bible 3 or 4 OT passages A handful of passages in the gospels, plus one chapter in 1 Cor. The Bible doesn’t actually provide a comprehensive teaching on divorce and remarriage – nor on many topics we would be interested in better understanding. Extra-biblical sources Over 200 Aramaic, Greek, and Latin marriage and divorce papyri. Samaritan marriage contracts. Newly discovered divorce certificates—written by a Jewish man in Masada in 72 AD, and by a woman c.125 AD. Dead Sea Scroll fragments dealing with divorce. The publication of marriage and divorce documents from geniza of the Cairo Synagogue. Extensive rabbinic evidence from the 1st C. Vows Marriage historically understood as contractual. Failure to feed, clothe, love = unfaithfulness marriage vows. Expert Davis Instone-Brewer: “Marriage in the ancient Near East was contractual, involving payments, agreed stipulations, and penalties. If either partner broke the stipulations of the contract, the innocent partner could opt for a divorce and keep the dowry. Exact parallels to these practices are found in the Pentateuch." The vows are reflected in biblical passages, such as Eph 5 (Christ as groom, church as bride) and Ezek 16. Our English marriage vows have hardly changed for 1000 years. I, N, take you, N, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day on, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do us part.” Broken vows are grounds for divorce. Most conservative Protestant churches: 2 grounds for divorce (adultery or desertion by nonbeliever)— otherwise no divorce and remarriage, except in the event of the death of the spouse. Catholicism: Millions are trapped in abusive or hopeless marriages. Augustine formulated the doctrine of annulment, 350 AD. Yet the strictest view isn’t always the most holy view. Pharisees made it very hard on some people Since the 2nd century, in many parts of the Christian church extremely strict rules have been created. Jesus’ yoke is easy, and his burden light (Matt 11:30). Exod 21 and Deut 24—four grounds for divorce, as we will see in our second talk. These grounds are reflected in wedding vows. God divorces Israel (Jer 3:8), 8th C. BC and Judah (Ezek 16), 6th C. BC. God kept all 4 of his marriage vows to Judah: love, food, clothing, faithfulness. Instone-Brewer: “In contrast, Judah broke all four of her vows: she did not return God’s love; she committed adultery with idols; she presented idols with the food that God had given her; and she decorated idols with the clothing and jewels with which God had honored her” (Ezek 16, esp. vs.8-13, 15, 19, 16-18). Divorce wasn’t immediate. Much grace was extended, but eventually enough was enough. When God divorces Israel, the sin isn't the divorce , but the covenant infidelity leading to divorce. Marriage: permanent and indissoluble? Matt 19:5-6: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Yet Jesus didn’t say no one can break the marriage bond. Must not put asunder isn’t the same as cannot . This commonly cited passage does not affirm that marriage necessarily obtains until the death of a spouse. Let's look at four more claims about the indissolubility of marriage. “Marriage not a contract, but a covenant.” Actually, it is both. "One flesh" means lifelong marriage? Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh” (1 Cor 6:15-16). Being “one flesh” doesn’t mean the two spouses are inseparably connected, any more than prostitution creates a permanent one-flesh relationship. Rom 7:1-3: Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. The passage concerns our relationship to the Law, not marriage. Besides, Paul doesn’t say she is no longer married to him only if her husband dies. He was keeping his illustration simple, not writing a full doctrine of remarriage. “Sacrament” as in Catholicism Ordination (priesthood). Even an immoral priest remains a priest (!). Marriage too—therefore no man or woman can dissolve it. None of these five claims about the permanence of marriage is biblical! Conclusion We are not mystically or sacramentally married until death. Some marriages end before either spouse has died. Most marriages can be healed, if both partners are willing. But broken vows will eventually kill a marriage. Background information…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. This podcast is an adaption of a draft chapter from my book, What’s the Truth about Heaven and Hell? Sorting Out the Confusion about the Afterlife. The universally familiar NDE/OOB sequence: A sense of well-being Disembodiment A tunnel leading to light Visions of persons, events, and objects Interactions with other beings, human or divine A new evaluation of one’s life Return to life Most of this can be explained by the drop in oxygen levels in the brain, the buildup of carbon dioxide, reduction in neural firing, shutdown of the visual cortex, and euphoria triggered by dopamine and endorphins in the brain). The five cases we discuss in this podcast: Case 1: Don Piper ( 90 Minutes in Heaven, 2004) Case 2: Choo Thomas ( Heaven is So Real! , 2003) Case 3: Colton Burpo ( Heaven is For Real , 2010) Case 4: Bill Wiese ( 23 Minutes in Hell, 2003) Case 5: Eben Alexander, MD ( Proof of Heaven, 2012) Other recent New York Times bestsellers on heaven and hell: Richard Sigmund, My Time in Heaven (Whitaker House, 2009); Dennis and Nolene Prince, Nine Days in Heaven (Charisma House, 2011); Mark K. Baker, A Divine Revelation of Hell (Whitaker House, 1997); Kevin and Alex Malarkey, The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven: A Remarkable Account of Miracles, Angels, and Life beyond This World (Thomas Nelson, 2011). Scriptures referred to Revelation 21:1 Mark 8:38; 2 Timothy 2:12 Colossians 2:18-19 John 3:13 In brief: NDEs are universal, happening to members of every culture and religion. Experiences tend to reflect the faith background of those undergoing them. Many, but not all, can be rationalized in terms of physiology or psychology. NDEs are suggestive of a spiritual world and an afterlife. They strongly imply the former, though they do not prove the latter. Also recommended: Dinesh D’Souza, Life After Death: The Evidence (Washington DC: Regnery Publishing, 2009). Easy to read, written for general audience. Gary R. Habermas and J. P. Moreland, Immortality: The Other Side of Death (Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 1992). Michael A. Persinger, S. G. Tiller, and S. A. Koren, “Experimental Stimulation of a Haunt Experience and Elicitation of Paroxysmal Electroencephalographic Activity by Transcerebral Complex Magnetic Fields: Induction of a Synthetic “Ghost”? Journal of Perception and Motor Skills, 90:2 (2000), 659-674. Pim van Lommel, Ruud van Wees, Vincent Myers, and Ingrid Elfferich, “Near-Death Experience in Survivors of Cardiac Arrest,” The Lancet 358, issue 9298 (2001): 2039-45. For more about the case of Colton Burpo, you may listen to a podcast with notes: “Heaven is for Real—Or is It?”. Douglas Jacoby, What’s the Truth about Heaven and Hell? Sorting Out the Confusion about the Afterlife (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House, 2013), chapter 16.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Scriptures Where the word antichrist appears: 1 John 2:18 1 John 2:22 1 John 4:3 2 John 7 Passages that do not mention antichrist but which are popularly understood to refer to him: 2 Thessalonians 2 Appears to be a Roman emperor, one with the arrogance of Caligula, Nero, or Domitian. Stands as a warning for all generations. No mention of "antichrist." Revelation 13 Whereas the "number" of the Beast is 666, the apocalypse never identifies the Beast (Rome the false religious power) with an antichrist. Applies in immediate context to the persecuting Roman Empire. That antichrist is a figure who would be worshipped is a second century construction. This notion was never part of the apostolic doctrine. The specific truth denied by the opponents of the faith is the incarnation . The heretics in view were Docetists, a variety of Gnostics who denied that Jesus (God) came in the flesh; rather, he appeared (Greek dokein = appear) to come in a body. These heretics were active in the late first century, at the time 1 and 2 John were written. They held that the physical world is evil, and therefore... They denied that God came to us in a body. Conclusions Antichrist was already present even in the first century, although those rejecting the incarnation are still among us (e.g. theological liberals who deny Jesus was God, but rather a guru whose God-consciousness inspired others). The antichrist is not a single person; contradicts 1 John 2:18. Popular guesses: Hitler, Muhammad, the Pope. There have been, and presumably will be, many antichrists. Antichrist lives in those who have left the community. Joining the antichrist is more than a subtle doctrinal shift; it is to join the agents of evil, with seriously negative cosmic implications. It is unlikely an antichrist would come in a body, since incarnation is the very truth denied by the antichrist! Eventual triumph comes not by inflicting death on the followers of evil, but by words that engender faith (Revelation 12:11). We as readers of the Bible are called to distinguish truth from falsehood. Further study: Listen to all the podcasts in the L ast Things series.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. For further study: Read the original two-article series I wrote in London (1986). Click on Armageddon! Read a paper on Matthew 24 and the Destruction of Jerusalem I wrote at Duke University (1980). Click here . See also John Clayton's article The 2012 Mayan Demise of Earth . If you'd like to learn a lot more, you might want to order Revelation and the End of the World . This audio series: Includes 4 lessons on audio CD (3 hours total). Also has the paper on The Destruction of Jerusalem. Contains further material (40 days of study) on every chapter of Revelation. (These notes are also available at the premium site, under N.T. Studies.) Some failed predictions & estimates: Rabbi Menachem Schneerson: “The Iraqi crisis may spark the terrible war that will herald Messiah’s arrival.” Billy Graham: “There are spiritual forces at work in the Persian Gulf confrontation. History has gone full circle, and we are coming back to these [Bible] lands. This is not another Korea, it is not another Vietnam – it is something far more sinister and far more difficult." Jack Van Impe: “Four major prophecies in the Bible pinpoint Iraq and the Persian Gulf as the prelude to the Battle of Armageddon, a conflict that will begin at the Euphrates River in Iraq.” Lester Sumrall: “I predict the absolute fullness of [the] man’s operation in planet earth by the year 2000 AD. Then Jesus Christ shall reign from Jerusalem for 1000 years.” Mary Stewart Relfe: “The second coming of Christ will occur in 1997.” Jerry Falwell: 2000. Hal Lindsey: 1987 or 1988 Jehovah's Witness predictions: 1914, 1918. 1925, 1941, 1975, etc. Update: Interestingly, just days before 21 Dec 2012, the very moment my editor and I were exchanging emails and joking about the big day (he said I had just 9 days to get my corrections to him before it was "too late"), I received a warning from a fellow who wanted me to know that he had intelligence that am undetectable dwarf star was on a collision course with the earth. The date of impact: 21 Dec 2012. Related podcasts in the current series: What Happens After Death? The Rapture & the Tribulation Thoughts on Heaven & Hell…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. What exactly is the battle of Armageddon? Is there going to be a literal battle, as Revelation 16 seems to indicate? And how can we prepare for this awful battle at the end of time? 1. Around 95 AD, the clear and present challenge to the Christian faith is emperor worship. Domitian is the first emperor to demand it in his lifetime. The center of emperor worship was Asia Minor, esp. the province of Asia (where Ephesus is). 2. Armageddon comes from the Hebrew har-Megiddo, hill/mountain of Megiddo, on the edge of the Valley of Jezreel. 3. Revelation is a book rich with symbolism, including 100s of allusions to the Old Testament. 4. The general environs of Megiddo was a frequent battleground. Here are 34: BC 2350 Pepi I and the "Gazelle's Head" -- Jezreel Valley 1479 Thutmose III v. Canaanites – Megiddo 1430 Amenhotep II in the Valley -- Jezreel Valley 1360-1350 Biridiya v. Labayu – Megiddo 1125 Deborah & Barak v. Sisera -- Taanach & Mount Tabor 1090 Gideon v. Midianites/Amalekites -- Hill of Moreh/Endor 1016 Saul & Jonathan v. Philistines -- Mount Gilboa 925 Shosenq I (Shishak) -- Megiddo 841 Jehu v. Joram & Ahaziah –Jezreel 609 Necho II v. Josiah -- Megiddo 218 Antiochus III v. Ptolemy IV -- Mount Tabor 55 Gabinius v. Alexander -- Mount Tabor AD 67 Vespasian v. Jewish rebels -- Mount Tabor 940 Ikhshidids v. Abbasids – Lejjun 946 Ikhshidids v. Hamdanids -- Lejjun/Aksal 975 Byzantines v. Fatimids -- Mount Tabor 1113 Maudud v. Crusaders -- Mount Tabor 1182 Saladin v. Daburiyans – Daburiya 1182 Saladin v. Crusaders – Forbelet 1183 Saladin v. Crusaders -- Ayn Jalut 1187 Saladin v. Crusaders -- Mount Tabor 1217 Fifth Crusade v. Moslems -- Mount Tabor 1247 Ayyubids v. Crusaders -- Mount Tabor 1260 Mamlukes v. Mongols -- Ayn Jalut 1263 Mamlukes v. Hospitallers -- Mount Tabor 1264 Hospitallers/Templars v. Mamlukes -- Lejjun 1735 Zahir al-'Umar v. Nablus-Saqr alliance -- al‐Rawdah 1771-73 Zahir al-'Umar at Lejjun -- Lejjun 1799 Napoleon v. Ottomans -- Mount Tabor 1918 Allenby v. Ottomans -- Megiddo 1948 Israelis v. Arabs Mishmar -- Haemek 1948 Israelis v. Arabs -- Zarin, Megiddo, Lejjun 1967 Israelis v. Arabs -- Ramat David Airfield 1973 Israelis v. Syrians -- Ramat David Airfield Comments on Rev 16 Background: Plagues on Egypt (Exodus 6-13) The plagues are not fulfilled literally. Rome will fall and this is just: Invasions, plagues, corruption, ultimate demise. Not only to show she will fall, but to show that she has fallen….She is nothing but a cheap harlot (Rev 17). Metaphors involving sun, moon, and stars are common in apocalyptic literature. The God whom the Romans are defying is in control of the sun (not Apollo); he’s in charge of the entire universe! Refusal to repent, refusal to admit God is right. Natural disasters Economic slumps Inept and pleasure-seeking leadership Stupid laws and brutality in the government Invasions All warning signs ignored! (Are we paying attention to the "warning signs" in our own day? Eastern kings the threat to Rome – never subdued the Parthians. Dragon (ch 12) – Satan – the true power behind Rome. Don’t be impressed by her power, or her false wonders. She is directly opposed to the Lord God Almighty! Rev 16:16 refers to Megiddo, where Sisera thrashed Jabin, Judges 4; and Necho slew Josiah, 2 Chron 35. Next chapter describes the Great Harlot, and in chapter 18-19 we read of her fall--the battle has in effect already taken place. Revelation is filled with different ways of describing God's ultimate defeat of Satan. This is speaking about Rome, yet the cosmic truths behind the description could just as well refer to any enemy of God. He’s got no chance. There are many obstacles to taking the language of Revelation literally; I am afraid the preachers on pop religious radio are misleading many. The earliest recorded "battle of Armageddon" took place nearly 4400 years ago, and there have been dozens -- perhaps scores -- of battles in the region of Megiddo since that time. In other words, "Armageddon" is an image of warfare, for it reminds us of the battles waged from time immemorial. What would Revelation 16:16 conjure up in the mind of the reader/listener familiar with O.T. history? What does Gettysburg signify to an American? Normandy to a European? How about Waterloo? Focus on theology, not literal history. What is God trying to tell his people? Warfare--a showdown. The forces of good will ultimately triumph over the forces of evil, for Rome is not ultimately sovereign. Only Jesus Christ is the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Conclusions There will be no literal "Battle of Armageddon," radio preachers notwithstanding! Yet through the millennia, there have been numerous literal battles in the vicinity of Armageddon. It's an encouraging image, an apt picture of the cosmic battle between God and Satan, indeed! God's word assures us, in the book of Revelation, that ultimately he will vanquish every cause that sets itself up against him, his Son, and his kingdom. And in order to walk the walk of disciples, we need that assurance! If this is not a literal battle, there is no way to prepare for it physically. And yet both testaments urge us always to be ready to meet God. So rather than stockpiling water, canned goods, and ammunition -- as some survivalist groups practice -- it is the Lord's will that we heap up righteousness and good deeds, sharing what we have (not hoarding it) with as many as possible. Revelation 12:11 is in many ways the key to understanding the central message of the book of Revelation. Further study Remember that detailed chapter notes are available for every chapter in Revelation in the NT series.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Order of events, popular Christianity: Second coming Rapture Tribulation (for unbelievers) Order of events in New Testament: Tribulation (throughout our lives as believers) Second coming General resurrection + rapture Judgment Day Eternal destiny: heaven or hell Etymology Rapture < Latin rapire , translating Greek harpadzomai (snatch) in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Tribulation < Latin tribulatio , translating Greek thlipsis (oppression, affliction) Scriptures cited 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (see also 5:1-2) John 5:28-29 Exodus 7-12 Revelation 6-19 Luke 9:52-56 Jonah 3:10-4:5 Further Revelation 7:14 actually says that the righteous experience the tribulation. I.e., they are delivered through it (not from it). Listen to the previous podcast in this series, 2010, 2012, & the End of the World. See the N.T. chapter notes, e.g. those on 1 Thessalonians 4 , or any other chapters in the series. Listen to relevant O.T. lessons, e.g. the Jonah podcast . From Daniel deSilva's An Introduction to the New Testament, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018) 824n29: "... There is no place in Revelation for the 'rapture.' John calls Christians to arm themselves to die out of faithfulness to Jesus, and indeed the so-called tribulation descended on his hearers in earnest in but a few short decades. We also have to reckon with the peculiarity that Western Christians (especially from the United Kingdom and the United States), who invented the idea of a rapture, should be the only ones never to taste tribulation for their Lord. Even now sisters and brothers across the globe face marginalization, privation, and death for their testimony—but we will be spared any such tests of our faithfulness!... The common error of reading 1 Thess 4:13-18 together with Rev 4:1 in order to demonstrate a 'pretribulation rapture' is fundamentally flawed... There is no mention of resurrection in Revelation until Rev 20:4-6, which speaks of the 'first' of two resurrections, and so the resurrection of the saints in 1 Thess 4:16 cannot be prior to that and cannot refer to a 'pre-tribulation rapture.'"…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Hinduism has taught reincarnation for many thousands of years. Sikhism, which derives from Hinduism and Islam, also accepts reincarnation (many passages in the Granth teach this doctrine). The Chandogya Upanishad 5.10.8 reads, “... those who are of pleasant conduct here—the prospect is, indeed, that they will enter a pleasant womb, either the womb of a Brahman, or the womb of a Kshatriya, or the womb of a Vaisya. But those who are of a stinking conduct here—the prospect is, indeed, that they will enter a stinking womb of a dog, or the womb of a swine, or the womb of an outcast.” Kaushitaki Upanishad 12 teaches reincarnation "... either as a worm, or as a moth, or as a fish, or as a bird, or as a lion, or as a wild boar, or as a snake, or as a tiger, or as a person, or as some other in this or that condition, he is born again here according to his deeds, according to his knowledge." S tatus and the body you inhabit in the next life (canine, porcine, or “untouchable”) depend on your conduct in the present life. Karma (actions) determine the level at which you are reborn. Eventually all souls “graduate” until atman (soul) becomes one with paramatman (the world soul). Individual existence then disappears. And that means communal existence disappears, too. But we were created for community. Reincarnation ultimately negates the social dimension of humanity. John the Baptist reincarnated? In Matthew 17 Jesus says John the Baptist was the Elijah to come, yet in John 1:21 the Baptist denies it. Is this because Malachi only speaks of a prophet to come "in the spirit of Elijah," not Elijah himself? Was John's denial a way to steer his disciples away from the idea of an actual reincarnation? Yes, I think so. Many expected Elijah to return to the earth literally, and this notion persists in Jewish tradition even today, with the empty seat left for him at the Seder Supper. John does come in the spirit (and clothing) of Elijah, his ninth century BC counterpart (Malachi 3-4; Matthew 11, 16; see also 1 Kings 17-19), though he wasn’t literally Elijah (John 1:21). Elijah appeared along with Moses at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9), so how could he have he been "reincarnated" as John the Baptist? Worse for those advocating reincarnation, the classic belief requires the rebirth of a dead person, yet Elijah never died (2 Kings 2:1-11). Thus there is no biblical basis for importing the popular eastern idea of reincarnation into Christianity, at least not based on the case of John the Baptist. Conclusion The scriptures do not allow reincarnation. See Hebrews 9:27, Job 7:9-10. Reincarnation does not take seriously the biblical view of humanity as "spirit, soul, and body" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Eastern reincarnation is something to be escaped, not desired. In contrast, in the West, where it has become fashionable to espouse reincarnation, this is viewed as something positive: a chance to start over. Probably few westerners have any idea about the real source of the idea, or why no one would desire the doleful cycles of reincarnation who really comprehended the doctrine. Reincarnation it is ultimately part of an impersonal worldview. To be fair, "Contrary to the popular stereotype of past lives fostered by the tabloid press, the vast majority of past lives are not those of Egyptian princesses or wives of Henry VIII. Most of the lives that are reported are barely identifiable within the known framework of history. We encounter African tribesmen, nomadic hunters, nameless slaves, Middle Easter traders, anonymous medieval peasants, and so on, from all times and places; often they can barely name their chieftain or lord, let alone place themselves upon some totally irrelevant time map of European or ancient history." (Roger J. Woolger, Other Lives, Other Selves: A Jungian Psychotherapist Discovers Past Lives [New York: Doubleday, 1987], 37-38)…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Note: If you are not familiar with the early Christian doctrine of the intermediate state of the dead, please listen to the podcast "What Happens After We Die?" This podcast assumes some familiarity with the biblical teaching that the dead proceed to Hades, a sort of waiting place before the second coming, the general resurrection, and the Judgment Day. The Evolution of Purgatory Doctrine of purgatory gradually evolved from the third century to the fifth. Although the idea was current among some Jews even in the time of Christ, it was slow to gain acceptance. By the 3rd century the church was already on the way to a doctrine of purgatory. Clement of Alexandria (c.150-215) and Origen (185-254) elaborated further. In the late 4th century, Gregory of Nyssa even spoke of universal salvation through purgatory: in the end all creatures will suffer temporarily, not (infinitely) forever -- until all things return to God ( Life of Moses II, 82-84). By the 5th century -- as far as I can tell -- purgatory was a widespread belief in the Roman Catholic Church. As the centuries dragged on, the church began to slip into worldliness. By the 4th century, when church membership was standard in the Roman Empire, the majority were not living holy lives. How would their sin be dealt with? The necessary purging must take place in the afterlife, or so it was thought. Officially affirmed in the Second Council of Lyon (1274), the Council of Florence (1438–1445), and the Counter-Reformation Council of Trent (1545–63). In medieval church, it was thought baptism and penance pardon sins in this life; purgatory deals with sins in the next life -- a distinction seeming to find justification in Matthew 12:31. Dante Alighieri, who wrote more about purgatory than any other medieval writer, portrayed it as not only a state of suffering, but also as a state of joyous anticipation. Though painful, this "antechamber of heaven" enabled us to be transformed, to reach a state of holiness so that we would be prepared for the presence of God. From the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2005): What is purgatory? Purgatory is the state of those who die in God’s friendship, assured of their eternal salvation, but who still have need of purification to enter into the happiness of heaven. How can we help the souls being purified in purgatory? Because of the communion of saints, the faithful who are still pilgrims on earth are able to help the souls in purgatory by offering prayers in suffrage for them, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice. They also help them by almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance. Note: indulgences were the flash point for Protestant Reformation (1500s). Is there any biblical justification? Adam still had to pay for his sin – sweat of his brow. Moses forgiven but excluded from promised land. David was forgiven but still paid severe penalties for the incident with Uriah and Bathsheba. But of course all of these were consequences of sin in this life… In fact, if anything, the Bible teaches purgatory is now, not after we die, for it is in this life that we face fiery trials (1 Peter 4:12). Moreover, motives will come to light and be judged only after judgment day begins (1 Corinthians 4:5)--not before! There is one verse in the O.T. Apocrypha that seems to justify prayers for the dead. This implies that they may be suffering in purgatory -- and that is 2 Maccabees 12:42-46. Yet according to Catholic theology, mortal sins, like the idolatry in which these persons had engaged, cannot be forgiven through third-party prayer. (Only with confession and penance.) Thus this proof-text backfires. The verse commonly cited in support of purgatory is 1 Corinthians 3:13-15. Yet the context of 1 Corinthians 3:5-15 (the entire passage) is church building (church planting and ministry). The Catholic Encyclopedia admits "this passage presents considerable difficulty...", and several authors I've read who support purgatory admit that there is little if any biblical justification. The grounds for purgatory are thus more philosophical than biblical. There is nothing in this passage about the afterlife, and certainly no hint of a purgatory. What is burning is not the not-yet-holy sinner, but his sub-standard church building! Conclusion Purgatory is a man-made doctrine. It has a certain rationale -- that is, those who believe in it aren't necessarily selfish or stupid! -- yet there is no scriptural support. Jesus’ death was enough to completely forgive our sins. We do not need to pay or them in the afterlife! This life is the time to strive for holiness, not the next!…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Scriptures cited: 1 Corinthians 3:15, Hebrews 9:27 Luke 10:12, 12:28 1 Peter 3:22 John 4:34 Genesis 2:15, 1:16,28 Hebrews 4:9 Philippians 3:21 Matthew 22:30 Matt 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 12:33, 18:22 Romans 14:10,12 Matthew 25:21 For further study: Here is the link to my paper on Terminal Punishment . For more about "levels" of reward, click here . You'll find a review of Alcorn’s book Heaven here . Finally, in case you haven't heard the 4-part study on What Happens After We Die? , you can order it HERE .…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Scriptures cited: Genesis 1:31 1 Corinthians 15:1-7, 47-52 Philippians 3:20-21 1 John 3:2 Luke 24:39 John 21:12, 20:19 1 Corinthians 15:20, 35-37, 42-44, 58 See also Acts 24:15 Further study: Be sure to listen to the related podcasts in this series on The Rapture & the Tribulation, What Happens After We Die?, and Thoughts on Heaven & Hell. The audio series, What Happens After We Die , will also be useful (3 hours + notes) The audio series, Revelation & the End of the World , should also be stimulating, esp. the section on the Judgment, Heaven & Hell (3 hours + notes). See also Gordon Ferguson's article on this subject. Click here . For a brief article on cremation, click here . Click here for more on our heavenly body. Another article on Jesus' resurrection and ours is available here . Notice the prejudice against the physical body in passages like: "Methinks that what they call my shadow here on earth is my true substance…. Methinks my body is but the lees of my better being. In fact take my body who will, take it I say, it is not me." -- Herman Melville, Moby Dick 85-86.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Scriptures cited in this podcast: Luke 23:39-43 John 20:16-17 Philippians 2:9-11 John 14:1-3 John 3:13 Acts 2:34 Further: The audio series, What Happens After We Die? contains 3 hours of material, comprising 4 lessons: After Death: Have We Got it all Wrong? In Their Own Words: What the Early Christians Taught How Can This Be? Problems and Objections Heaven, Hell, Hauntings & Everything Else: Conclusion and Perspectiv Click HERE to order this intriguing series. Read the article by New Testament professor N.T. Wright, asserting that Christians do not go to heaven when they die. The position taken in this podcast, that the dead are neither in heaven nor in hell, but in Hades, is supported by the writings of the early church. See, for example, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs , by David Bercot.…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Excerpt You are listening to just part of a book on evangelism. It's called Till the Nets are Full (formerly Shining Like Stars) . This podcast is an adaptation of chapter 2, "The Mission." This may be found in Part I of the book, "Light of the World." Important note: When it comes to true Christians, we must distinguish mission and purpose. Our purpose is to know God, to enter into and enjoy an eternal relationship with Him. We are to love him with all our heart (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). Purpose should not be confused with mission. (When this happens, the confusion will distort our spiritual lives.) Our mission is to bring God to the world: to serve the poor (Matthew 25) and to preach the word (Matthew 28). As someone once put it, we may be the only Jesus people will ever meet; the only Bible people ever read (2 Corinthians 2:14). If you were moved by this podcast... ... may I suggest you read the entire book from which it has been taken, Till the Nets are Full (formerly Shining Like Stars) . . This challenging yet practical volume contains over 60 studies for individuals and groups, along with loads of evangelistic direction so that your ministry may flourish. Also, please listen to the 2-podcast series Evangelism in the Early Church, 30-200 AD.…
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Douglas Jacoby Podcast
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For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Scriptures referred to: James 3:1 Deuteronomy 17:18-20 1 Timothy 4:8-16
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Six Ways to Build a Healthy Culture (15 minutes). TRUST Rom 15:14—confident in church to handle issues of church. I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. APPEAL Philemon 1-25—a study in gracious persuasion RESPECT (or “Stop pushing”) 1 Cor 16:12—it's okay to say no. Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. STAY CONNECTED (UNITY) 1 Cor 1:10—Unity despite differences of thought. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. AGREE TO DISAGREE Even Acts 15 was okay—it worked out. Barnabas continued evangelizing his native Cyprus while Paul forged ahead into new territory. FOCUS ON CHRIST Col 1:28-2:1 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. Maturity Principles > practicals Internalize Word of God No need to micromanage—that’s not “discipling” Leaders, trust the people… Their intentions, their heart, is good. Further: Lording it Over Others (podcast) Steve Brown, A Scandalous Freedom : The Radical Nature of the Gospel (West Monroe, LA: Howard 2004). Larry Osborne, Accidental Pharisees : Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012). Townsend & Cloud, Boundaries : When to Say Yes, How to Say No, to Take Control of Your Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992, 2017). Safeguarding the Vulnerable (COE paper) iFaith video sermon Galatians A (“Another Gospel?”) and Galatians B , (“Gospel+”) Leadership category at my website…
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website. Inappropriate control, 4-6 4) Abuse of authority Leaders have authority, but not to create their own rules, or in the language of Jeremiah, “to rule by their own authority” (Jer 5:30-31). "Giving up everything" is not unlimited, but should be interpreted in the light of apostolic teaching, as found in the epistles and in Acts. Again, we mustn't fail to distinguish between principle and practical (implementation). These rules may only be called “guidelines,” but you can tell whether they have been elevated to near-biblical status by the reaction when they are violated. Violation of confidentiality Discussing others’ personal lives in a leadership or staff meeting Manipulation in discipling based on a leader's knowledge of people's weaknesses / sins. Definition: "Spiritual abuse is the mistreatment of a person by someone in a position of spiritual authority, diminishing that person's spiritual vitality and growth. At the core of spiritual abuse is excessive control of others, such as religious leaders who use manipulation to compel attendance, use guilt to get people to give more money, take emotional or sexual advantage in the name of comfort or compassion, accuse those who disagree with them of being rebellious against God, or demand absolute, unquestioning obedience regardless of whether it is reasonable or biblical." (June Hunt, "Abuse," in Clinton & Hawkins, The Popular Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 177). 5) Controlling words = abuse “It’s God’s will… that you move / stay / give up____ / etc.” “You need to obey me.” “I prayed about it and I sense God wants you to…” “Lord put this on my heart…” (no comeback) “You have a bad heart” or “You’re proud” (in cases of disagreement) or “ You’re independent” (could that be a good thing?). “You are my disciples.” We are his disciples. Only once in the NT do we read of a person (other than Jesus) with personal disciples) — Acts 9:25. Yet even there, “his disciples” doesn’t appear in all manuscripts. “You’re being divisive.” 6) Misused scriptures 1 Cor 11:1—imitation in context Heb 13:17—elders—What do elders do in the NT? What is emphasized in the letters (meeting the needs): Not about programs! About character. Luke 5:5—Because you say so—arbitrary! Exodus 18—discipling hierarchy Luke 14:33—give up everything—for Christ, not for another person Psalm 105:15—Don’t “touch” (criticize) my “holy ones” (leaders). No one likes to be controlled, handled, managed, threatened, or manipulated. Relevant here in Atlanta as we discuss moving forward with one-another relationships What we do on the individual level, we may do on the political level. E.g., one nation invades in order to control—put its stamp on that country—the imperialistic “We know best.” Jesus is our Lord, no earthly human being or church leader. Yet there is a good sort of control often mentioned in scriptures: Self-control. internal, not external. Adults want to be trusted. I am grateful to be in a culture of “high trust, low control”—as opposed to “low trust, high control.” See1 Kings 12 for a study in leadership styles: harsh / controlling vs. permissive / ungodly. Of course, even if we’ve added no rules to those of Scripture, we may still promote / personally fall into legalism. Type 1 Legalism : Attempting to power one’s way into God’s grace by good works. These works don't necessarily mean requirements outside scripture. This may entail an unhealthy attitude towards obedience / acceptance by God, usually accompanied by anxiety over one’s spiritual status before God. Type 2 Legalism : Following or enforcing extrabiblical rules — laws that, however well intended, are not explicitly found in Scripture. (Extra, Latin = outside; extrabiblical = outside Scripture.) Examples: evangelistic quotas; insistence on perfect living or perfect cognition before baptism; mandated minutes of prayer; compulsory attendance at various church events. Now these may be good things, in principle. We appreciate evangelism, knowledge, prayer, devotional strategy, and church attendance. The question is, what does the gospel require? Legalism is a universal human temptation. Spirituality—one's own and others'—is constantly monitored, evaluated by adherence to rule-keeping. This erodes the security + confidence we should have in the Lord (1 John 5:13; Matt 11:28-30). The need: mature leaders, not neophytes! Scope of ministry should be in proportion to the biological and spiritual maturity of the brother or sister in leadership. We may be critical of the Pharisees (Matt 15; 23) and the Circumcision Party (Ti 1; see Acts 15)—and rightly so -- but what about us? [Conclusion] We have covered a lot of ground: Burdensome requirements Prohibitions that go beyond the scriptures Manmade rules and traditions Abuse of authority Controlling words Misused scriptures .Have we added to the demands and commands of Scripture? How to tell? What gets people into trouble? Violating guidelines? – often for the sake of “unity”—or failing to building Christlike character? Integrity at work, or just earning money and giving a %age to the church Are we reinforcing a culture of legalism? Some fear the gospel alone is too gracious and might tempt (or even empower) us to slack off. Yet grace is empowering, and those who don’t experience it don’t endure long in the marathon of faith. In Control part 3 : 6 ways to eradicate a culture of control and build a culture of trust.…
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