"Your moral challenge to my behavior is invalid, because Jesus once said 'Judge not.'" With a single quotation, Christians are thus forbidden from declaring truths authoritatively on morality. This is sometimes what is honestly meant when this quotation is used. What is also implied is that Christians must also first prove they are morally perfect … Continue reading Misusing the Bible: Judge Not
Author: Isaac Miller
Biblical Short Story: David and the Death of Ishbosheth
The sweltering heat of the midday had given way and cool evening breezes from the west were beginning. David, now girded in some of his light armor with most of his men seated in assembly, wandered over to a window, hearing some tumult outside. Two men with full, thick beards, one of whom had obvious … Continue reading Biblical Short Story: David and the Death of Ishbosheth
Misusing the Bible: Gun Control and Simon Peter’s Sword
I have to admit, this is not a take I've seen before; I have addressed the "Jesus forgave the adulterous woman" claim in other contexts; it is more accurate to say he told them "produce the other adulterer and stone them both, or go away." But the "Jesus told Simon Peter to drop his sword" … Continue reading Misusing the Bible: Gun Control and Simon Peter’s Sword
Misusing the Bible: The Adulterous Woman
"He who is without sin, cast the first stone." This has been used to shut down virtually any moral criticism over time. It is a very popular misreading of the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman. Those who use it this way imply that Jesus violated the Law or simply waved it away, and … Continue reading Misusing the Bible: The Adulterous Woman
The Four Oracles of Balaam
[Num 23:7-10] 7 And Balaam took up his discourse and said, "From Aram Balak has brought me, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains: 'Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!' 8 How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced? 9 … Continue reading The Four Oracles of Balaam
The Necessity of Religious Culture
Tanner Guzy recently tweeted this: https://twitter.com/tannerguzy/status/1128513667190779904 I actually disagree with him quite a bit here. Religious cultures succeed because they can build systems and institutions that have non-materialistic fuel as a major impetus for their maintenance and the enthusiasm of their stewards. Think of it this way, using the example of caring for the poor … Continue reading The Necessity of Religious Culture
The Hezekiah Blunder
In a revered place in the tombs of the sons of David, amidst the honor of the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, Hezekiah was laid to rest and honored by all at his death, the end of a twenty nine year reign that was the most righteous of any king of Judah between David and … Continue reading The Hezekiah Blunder
