OT: What is the most fascinating Christian topic?

Let's suppose that you have to read x number of hours a day; or you're tasked with writing a thesis for your graduate studies in theology / bible studies etc...

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

P.S. This is just for fun and learning. I'm hoping the feedback motivates me for my next readathon thanks for sharing.

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Unix

The Resurrection of Jesus. I have a couple of really good books on that, one of which is in Logos and I got it on a sale. I haven't read the books, just glanced in the print book and I don't remember anything.

Another option would perhaps be Origen. I don't know how much there is to study and I have very few books on him and not all of his works and practically no modern English translations.

Or another option would be Ptolemy (Valentinianism). I have little on that also and find it hard to find books.

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489299#Comment_489299

If I had to do a doctoral thesis I would like to do it on the unity of the OT/NT and Progressive Revelation.

My next actual readathon will be on views on eschatology. I don't have as firm a grasp on all sides as I would like, and I have a friend that has decided that he aligns himself with dispensationalism. I reject that point-of-view, but I have not studied all views enough to really form an intelligent refutation. To that end, I purchased The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views for Kindle (not available in Logos), The Last Things: An Eschatology for Laymen by George Ladd, and A Theology of the New Testament, rev. ed., also by Ladd. I have all of the requisite Revelation commentaries to get different perspectives as well.

I will also add that they gave me a deal on A Theology of the New Testament, rev. ed. (about $10 off).

Ken McGuire

The story of the development of Evangelical Lutheran Christology in the 16th Century - from Melanchthon's 1521 Loci to Chemnitz's Two Natures of Christ and the Formula of Concord...

Rosie Perera

I go through different phases of being intensely interested in this or that topic, but my attention span isn't long enough to sustain me through a dissertation. I'd rather have a variety of topics than obsess about one for so long.

That said, I could probably never tire of returning again and again (with adequate breaks in between) to Genesis and Revelation, my two favorite books of the Bible.

At present I'm intrigued by some of the new ideas on a non-violent interpretation of the Atonement and would like to do some reading about that.

I'd also love to give Calvin's Institutes another thorough read one of these days, especially now that I've got the Battles/McNeill edition.

fgh

I suggest starting with Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper (sadly not yet in Logos), and then work your way from there. It's an incredibly fascinating book, that should be even more fascinating given your roots in the Holy Land.

Rich DeRuiter

Let's suppose that you have to read x number of hours a day; or you're tasked with writing a thesis for your graduate studies in theology / bible studies etc...

A thesis would by nature by a narrowly focused study, so a lot of broad topics would have to be ruled out, though such topics might be good 'life topics' for extended study.

For this kind of thing, I'd like to explore the non-forensic aspects of Pauline soteriology; apostolicity in Acts; pneumatology in Luke-Acts; Jewish feast theology and practices as interpretive clues in the gospel of John; background, usage and purpose of the term mystery (μυστήριον) in Pauline literature. (I may come up with more as I think about this, but I've got other duties this morning.)

Lynden O. Williams

Hebrews 4:1-11. I understand not much work has been done on this.

Donnie Hale

As an academic exercise, because it really interests me, I wouldn't mind spending 3-5 or so intense years studying textual criticism.

Exegetically, I suppose Romans 5 and whether the terms "all" and "the many" refer to different groups of people.

Theologically, at the top of my mind is studying the essential continuity of "the people of God."

My $ .02 ...

Donnie

Jim Wait

The most fascinating and enriching study I have ever done is to read slowly through N T Wright's Christian Origin series. Also Richard B Hays "The Faith of Jesus Christ." All available on Logos!

Beloved Amodeo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489641#Comment_489641

I have enjoyed reading the responses to this well framed question. Like Rosie I have a wide palate of interests. But, one "pearl of great price" I stumbled across that draws me back again and again is the Old Testament conception of "hesed" (Hebrew חֶסֶד ) and its relation to the New Testament fulfillment in "grace" and "mercy" and its embodiment in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have a little book The Word "Hesed" in the Hebrew Bible by Gordon R. Clark http://www.logos.com/product/17534/the-word-hesed-in-the-hebrew-bible I bought the field as part of a bundle http://www.logos.com/product/6459/history-of-old-testament-interpretation-collection

Also important is the work and author of The Meaning of Hesed in the Hebrew Bible: A New Inquiry by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld a Yale trained scholar who is the editor for The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, which is shamefully slowly gathering interest in pre-pub. I urge all who read this post to pre-order this important work.

TCBlack

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

A number of years ago I was at a conference where I heard a fairly prominent pastor speaking on leadership. He planted a church and determined that the first year they should have no physical growth in order to establish the core membership In order to keep people from coming he determined to preach through Leviticus. God had the final say and the church grew anyway.

When he said that, I had two reactions. (1) I nodded in understanding. Leviticus can be a hard slog to read through. (2) I was immediately struck by God's Spirit that we were maligning part of God's word. Since that conference I have repeatedly gone back many times to study this precious book. For in its pages I can perceive the unfathomable holiness of God, the depravity of sin, and the majesty of grace in redemption. Every blood soaked page is a lens into the glory of the lamb of God.

I keep coming back to Leviticus studies.

Mark Smith

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

Two:

The nature and glory of God.

The Son - from eternity to eternity

Fr. Charles R. Matheny

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489332#Comment_489332

Dear Joseph: Might I recommend a small, easy to read book by Kenneth Myers: The end is near, or, maybe not. Kindle available .

Its a work on Matt. 24.

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489781#Comment_489781

Dear Joseph: Might I recommend a small, easy to read book by Kenneth Myers: The end is near, or, maybe not. Kindle available .

Its a work on Matt. 24.

That looks like a great suggestion. Thanks!

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489654#Comment_489654

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

A number of years ago I was at a conference where I heard a fairly prominent pastor speaking on leadership. He planted a church and determined that the first year they should have no physical growth in order to establish the core membership In order to keep people from coming he determined to preach through Leviticus. God had the final say and the church grew anyway.

When he said that, I had two reactions. (1) I nodded in understanding. Leviticus can be a hard slog to read through. (2) I was immediately struck by God's Spirit that we were maligning part of God's word. Since that conference I have repeatedly gone back many times to study this precious book. For in its pages I can perceive the unfathomable holiness of God, the depravity of sin, and the majesty of grace in redemption. Every blood soaked page is a lens into the glory of the lamb of God.

I keep coming back to Leviticus studies.

In the future, this will pay dividends in ways you can't imagine.

John

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489332#Comment_489332

My next actual readathon will be on views on eschatology.

James Stuart Russels "The Parousia" is probably the most interesting and enlightening book available on the topic. Definitely an eye opener. This is the book that caused R.C. Sproul to rethink his view and write "Last days according to Jesus".

Sprouls book is available on Logos (as part of package). Russels can be found in print or as free download variousmplaces online. Google books has it in PDF or ePub download.

Sometimes the truth isnt mainstream or popular. It can be downright unpopular.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489801#Comment_489801

The Psalms themselves and the Psalms in Jewish and Christian prayer & worship and the psalms in metrical translation and the psalms ... and the psalms ... and the psalms ...

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489821#Comment_489821

The Psalms themselves and the Psalms in Jewish and Christian prayer & worship and the psalms in metrical translation and the psalms ... and the psalms ... and the psalms ...

[Y]

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489823#Comment_489823

Identity of the Abomination of Desolation and the identity of the Anti-Messiah / Man of Sin.

WILL

BLOW

YOUR

MIND

Hab. 1:5

Friend of mine said, "This is HUGE!!!"

Indeed.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

Holy, Holy, Holy: e.g. imperative mood in Matthew 6:9

Related topic is preparation to be a resident in Heaven: doing God's Will

Love

Biblical miracles that show the awesome power of God: e.g. walking on the water when wind is blowing with white caps

Joy being more powerful than pain

Keep Smiling [:)]

Sleiman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489332#Comment_489332

Wow, great stuff. Thanks to all who shared. It's obvious how broad the interests are.

Because I think I'm one of the least educated among you in terms of theology or bible study, I admit that although some of the ideas in your posts were quite familiar, others were not so much. And a few actually presented themselves like rabbits with waistcoat watches and had me chasing them down into wells burning with curiosity.

Indeed some wells are quite deep! And since that was exactly the point of my thread, thank you again!

Undoubtedly, I have a few questions, perhaps to flame this good fire of curiosity:

If I had to do a doctoral thesis I would like to do it on the unity of the OT/NT and Progressive Revelation. My next actual readathon will be on views on eschatology.

I did not know about how many different views within dispensationalism exist and the distinct differences. Joseph, if you know of an intro book or a good web resource (besides wikipedia), I'd love to read more. Thanks.

At present I'm intrigued by some of the new ideas on a non-violent interpretation of the Atonement and would like to do some reading about that.

Rosie I'm intrigued as well, can you pls point me to some basic intro about this? Also, I'd love to hear what do you like most about the first and last books of the Bible?[:)]

The most fascinating and enriching study I have ever done is to read slowly through N T Wright's Christian Origin series.

Jim, you read my mind

I am currently reading this as well. It is indeed fascinating.

For this kind of thing, I'd like to explore the non-forensic aspects of Pauline soteriology; apostolicity in Acts; pneumatology in Luke-Acts; Jewish feast theology and practices as interpretive clues in the gospel of John; background, usage and purpose of the term mystery (μυστήριον) in Pauline literature.

Richard, you've got your hands full I see, Pauline soteriology can take a lifetime by itself! I love when the OT is used for interpreting the NT (and of course vice versa) especially investigating Christianity's Jewish roots and heritage. I think the book suggested by fgh deals with a similar theme to what you propose. Sacramental theology demands another lifetime as well.

Hebrews 4:1-11. I understand not much work has been done on this.

Lynden, that's a pretty specific theme. What makes it fascinating for you?

As an academic exercise, because it really interests me, I wouldn't mind spending 3-5 or so intense years studying textual criticism.

Wow, impressive. I may have a wrong impression but to me this feels too 'dry' and technical for my taste. What about textual criticism that impassionates you? Maybe you get me inspired [:)]

But, one "pearl of great price" I stumbled across that draws me back again and again is the Old Testament conception of "hesed" (Hebrew חֶסֶד ) and its relation to the New Testament fulfillment in "grace" and "mercy" and its embodiment in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Beloved, that's one of those wells I spent some time dropping in [:)] Thank you so much for this. Ps 136:1.

For in its pages I can perceive the unfathomable holiness of God, the depravity of sin, and the majesty of grace in redemption. Every blood soaked page is a lens into the glory of the lamb of God.

I keep coming back to Leviticus studies.

I love how you described it! Your passion about this book is obvious and contagious! You succeeded in getting me plan a reading and study of Leviticus. Thank you!

The Psalms themselves and the Psalms in Jewish and Christian prayer & worship and the psalms in metrical translation and the psalms ... and the psalms ... and the psalms ...

MJ, I really wish you were a little more clear as to what book of the bible you like most [:P]

Identity of the Abomination of Desolation and the identity of the Anti-Messiah / Man of Sin.

David, I'm curious alright! can you elaborate a little please? Thanks

So much to learn, so little time! Indeed in seeking the truth, we seek and hope to, one day, meet Him who is the truth.

Ken McGuire

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490232#Comment_490232

At present I'm intrigued by some of the new ideas on a non-violent interpretation of the Atonement and would like to do some reading about that.

Rosie I'm intrigued as well, can you pls point me to some basic intro about this?

While I have not actually read any of his works, the name of Rene Girard comes up quite often in articles I have read on this topic.

SDG

Ken McGuire

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490232#Comment_490232

At present I'm intrigued by some of the new ideas on a non-violent interpretation of the Atonement and would like to do some reading about that.

Rosie I'm intrigued as well, can you pls point me to some basic intro about this?

I'm really new to the whole topic, so I only know some titles of books but haven't really done any reading yet.

Apparently Rene Girard was the primary influence on the people who are writing in this area. But I don't know which of Girard's works one should read for background, perhaps Violence and the Sacred and then Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World. But his thought is probably hard to tackle and I might prefer to read others who have interpreted him first. I think his basic idea is that Jesus fulfilled the role of the scapegoat, taking our violence upon himself, rather than his death appeasing an angry God so that we don't have to suffer the violence that God would otherwise want to meet out on us (the traditional view known as penal substitution).

Others are:

Bartlett, Anthony. Cross Purposes: The Violent Grammar of Christian Atonement.
Boersma, Hans. Violence, Hospitality, and the Cross: Reappropriating the Atonement Tradition.
Grimsrud, Ted. Instead of Atonement: The Bible's Salvation Story and Our Hope for Wholeness.
Heim, S. Mark. Saved from Sacrifice: A Theology of the Cross.
Jersak, Brad and Michael Hardin. Stricken by God?: Nonviolent Identification and the Victory of Christ.
Swartley, Willard M. Violence Renounced: René Girard, Biblical Studies, and Peacemaking. - particularly the chapter titled "Girard and Atonement: An Incarnational Theory of Mimetic Participation" which is available in its entirety here: http://home.messiah.edu/~rcollins/Philosophical%20Theology/Atonement/Swart7.rtf
Weaver, J. Denny. The Nonviolent Atonement.
Williams, James G. The Bible, Violence and the Sacred: Liberation from the Myth of Sanctioned Violence.

And some general ones covering several views which might include this one:

Beilby, James and Paul R. Eddy, eds. The Nature of the Atonement: Four Views. [not sure this fully covers the Girardian view, but it does mention him]
Finlan, Stephen. Options on Atonement in Christian Thought.
Finlan, Stephen. Problems with Atonement: The Origins of, and Controversy About, the Atonement Doctrine.
Sanders, John, ed. Atonement and Violence: A Theological Conversation.

It would be great to have some or all of these in Logos.

Some online articles/resources:

As an Anabaptist/Mennonite by adult choice, I am continually learning and growing in the area of non-violence studies, and this whole way of viewing the Atonement, not as a violent act by a violent God, needed to satisfy his holiness, which then justifies our own violence towards evil opponents, but rather an act of the voluntary scapegoat which takes our violence upon himself and absorbs it and thus disarms it, is very appealing to me.

Also, I'd love to hear what do you like most about the first and last books of the Bible?

Genesis sets up so much important background that we need to know for understanding the rest of the Bible. God's good creation, the fall, God's selection of a particular family to make into a particular people to be the locus of his plan for salvation of humanity, the patterns of our sin and rebellion and God's mercy, intimations of a savior, plus just a whole bunch of really great stories!

Revelation is ever fascinating, there are more quotes in it from the Old Testament than in any other NT book, it gives promise and hope for the future and encouragement to believers who are suffering, it is the source of some of the most awesome hymn texts and worship music.

EDIT:

Incidentally (or rather, not incidentally, but significantly), it is also possible to read the book of Revelation through the lens of non-violence and restorative (as opposed to retributive) justice. See in particular Unveiling Empire: Reading Revelation Then and Now by Wes Howard-Brook and Anthony Gwyther, Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary of the Book of Revelation by Ted Grimsrud, and Compassionate Eschatology: The Future as Friend by Ted Grimsrud and Michael Hardin.

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/489654#Comment_489654

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

A number of years ago I was at a conference where I heard a fairly prominent pastor speaking on leadership. He planted a church and determined that the first year they should have no physical growth in order to establish the core membership In order to keep people from coming he determined to preach through Leviticus. God had the final say and the church grew anyway.

When he said that, I had two reactions. (1) I nodded in understanding. Leviticus can be a hard slog to read through. (2) I was immediately struck by God's Spirit that we were maligning part of God's word. Since that conference I have repeatedly gone back many times to study this precious book. For in its pages I can perceive the unfathomable holiness of God, the depravity of sin, and the majesty of grace in redemption. Every blood soaked page is a lens into the glory of the lamb of God.

I keep coming back to Leviticus studies.

When I began my graduate work I took a course in the Holiness Code with my major professor. Fascinating subject.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490308#Comment_490308

Rosie's topic of atonement is related to my two subjects (which are related in the same way as well). One of the interesting things that pulls these all together as that all the prophecy points to the fact that the "goat for Azazel" (so often called the "scapegoat') actually represents Satan. That is pretty much the opposite of what is generally thought, and as such it melds quite well with Hab. 1:5. The fact that so many "believers" refuse to believe is why it is called "the strong delusion". Turns out that nearly everything is upside down.

I wonder how it got that way??? [*-)]

TCBlack

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490232#Comment_490232

For in its pages I can perceive the unfathomable holiness of God, the depravity of sin, and the majesty of grace in redemption. Every blood soaked page is a lens into the glory of the lamb of God.

I keep coming back to Leviticus studies.

I love how you described it! Your passion about this book is obvious and contagious! You succeeded in getting me plan a reading and study of Leviticus. Thank you!

You are welcome, there is richness in that ore.

Based upon the disciples conversation with Christ on the Emmaus road and Luke 24:27 I spent my first year in Leviticus praying every morning, "Lord Jesus, show me where you are in these pages."

Awesome year.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490314#Comment_490314

The fact that so many "believers" refuse to believe is why it is called "the strong delusion". Turns out that nearly everything is upside down.

Waxing theological, are we? [^o)]

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490369#Comment_490369

The fact that so many "believers" refuse to believe is why it is called "the strong delusion". Turns out that nearly everything is upside down.

Waxing theological, are we?

Not really. Waxing "better than thou because I've got it figured out and thou doest not." And not even "waxing" either. Waxing means "becoming" but David Paul has been that way all along since he first started posting on these forums.

David, give it a rest, bro'. When we think we see through a clear lens while everyone else sees "through a glass darkly," we'd probably better start looking in our own looking glass to find the log. Oh wait, sorry, mixed metaphors.... Aaagh!! I thought I saw your fault clearly, but I didn't...... Aaaggh!!! Sorry, sorry. Please disregard....

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490371#Comment_490371

The fact that so many "believers" refuse to believe is why it is called "the strong delusion". Turns out that nearly everything is upside down.

Waxing theological, are we?

Not really. Waxing "better than thou because I've got it figured out and thou doest not." And not even "waxing" either. Waxing means "becoming" but David Paul has been that way all along since he first started posting on these forums.

I'd be waxing too, but I crashed my car. [;)]

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490372#Comment_490372

I'd be waxing too, but I crashed my car.

I'd be waxing too, but it hurts too much. I prefer shaving. [:)]

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490374#Comment_490374

I'd be waxing too, but I crashed my car.

I'd be waxing too, but it hurts too much. I prefer shaving.

1. Jesus shall reign where e'er the sun
Doth¹his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Lynden O. Williams

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490232#Comment_490232

Hebrews 4:1-11. I understand not much work has been done on this.

Lynden, that's a pretty specific theme. What makes it fascinating for you?

As a Seventh-day Adventist, the concept of rest for the believer as detailed in the book of Hebrews, and its connection with the Priesthood of Jesus. Interested in exploring it some more.

Sabbath and Sanctuary. Two hallmarks of he Adventist Church. Actually, if I ever get a chance to further my graduate studies, this is a subject (Sabbath in the book of Hebrews, and its relationship to the Priestly Ministry of Jesus) that I would like to write a dissertation on.

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490232#Comment_490232

If I had to do a doctoral thesis I would like to do it on the unity of the OT/NT and Progressive Revelation. My next actual readathon will be on views on eschatology.

I did not know about how many different views within dispensationalism exist and the distinct differences. Joseph, if you know of an intro book or a good web resource (besides wikipedia), I'd love to read more. Thanks.

I am starting here, but it is unfortunately not available in Logos:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Meaning-Millennium-Spectrum-Multiview/dp/0877847940/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368967371&sr=8-2&keywords=five+views+millennium

It is available for Kindle.

Sleiman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490301#Comment_490301

Ken and Rosie, thank you for introducing me to Girard! wow! and also to his friend (although you didn't mention him by name): Raymund Schwager, a Catholic theologian who co-founded the Colloquium On Violence & Religion (COV&R). This is becoming increasingly fascinating as I spend time checking it out. Did I say, thank you?

Sleiman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490301#Comment_490301

Apparently Girard is so influential with this theory! There's this Semeia article: logosres:semeia33;art=title and then von Balthasar quotes him in his Theodrama logosres:theodrama04;ref=Page.p_298;off=135

Rosie, I'm not sure if you've already done this, but since you have a much larger Logos library than me, would you do me a favor and search for Girard in you library? If you find an interesting introduction or commentary on his scapegoat theory, please let me know. Depending on what interesting results you come up with, I might add those in Logos if I don't have them. Thanks!

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490504#Comment_490504

Apparently Girard is so influential with this theory! There's this Semeia article: logosres:semeia33;art=title and then von Balthasar quotes him in his Theodrama logosres:theodrama04;ref=Page.p_298;off=135

Rosie, I'm not sure if you've already done this, but since you have a much larger Logos library than me, would you do me a favor and search for Girard in you library? If you find an interesting introduction or commentary on his scapegoat theory, please let me know. Depending on what interesting results you come up with, I might add those in Logos if I don't have them. Thanks!

https://www.logos.com/product/7396/god-order-and-chaos-rene-girard-and-the-apocalypse is an interesting use of some of Girard's thinking.

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490504#Comment_490504

Apparently Girard is so influential with this theory! There's this Semeia article: logosres:semeia33;art=title and then von Balthasar quotes him in his Theodrama logosres:theodrama04;ref=Page.p_298;off=135

Rosie, I'm not sure if you've already done this, but since you have a much larger Logos library than me, would you do me a favor and search for Girard in you library? If you find an interesting introduction or commentary on his scapegoat theory, please let me know. Depending on what interesting results you come up with, I might add those in Logos if I don't have them. Thanks!

There is no work specifically by Girard in Logos. Works dealing with his views are:

God, Order and Chaos: Rene Girard and the Apocalypse (also contained in the New Testament Studies Collection
Semeia #33: Rene Girard and Biblical Studies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBzJGckMYO4

Matthew C Jones

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

The book of Genesis, including the text, commentaries,, archaeological & cultural backgrounds, science & apologetics.

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490532#Comment_490532

Now, which one topic or theme would excite you and keep you motivated the most?

The book of Genesis, including the text, commentaries,, archaeological & cultural backgrounds, science & apologetics.

I would not include science in that since Genesis has nothing to do with science. I also would not include apologetics since I don't believe in apologetics—you accept it or you don't, period.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490535#Comment_490535

I also would not include apologetics since I don't believe in apologetics—you accept it or you don't, period.

Accept what?

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490539#Comment_490539

I also would not include apologetics since I don't believe in apologetics—you accept it or you don't, period.

Accept what?

The gospel

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490535#Comment_490535

I would not include science in that since Genesis has nothing to do with science. I also would not include apologetics since I don't believe in apologetics—you accept it or you don't, period.

Re science & apologetics: I accept Genesis period. That's why I enjoy watching the fight over the reliability of the book. It's like watching a DVR playback of a UFC fight when you already know who won the fight. [:)]

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490545#Comment_490545

I would not include science in that since Genesis has nothing to do with science. I also would not include apologetics since I don't believe in apologetics—you accept it or you don't, period.

Re science & apologetics: I accept Genesis period. That's why I enjoy watching the fight over the reliability of the book. It's like watching a DVR playback of a UFC fight when you already know who won the fight.

I accept Genesis too, but not as science. If that's what you wish to "think", you're entitled.

Sleiman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490527#Comment_490527

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBzJGckMYO4

[:D] That cracked me up!

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490504#Comment_490504

Rosie, I'm not sure if you've already done this, but since you have a much larger Logos library than me, would you do me a favor and search for Girard in you library?

I think most of the good stuff has already been mentioned.

The Bible in Human Society: Essays in Honor of John Rogerson has an essay by Bruce Chilton ("The Hungry Knife: Towards a Sense of Sacrifice") that mentions Girard quite a lot, but in rebuttal.

There's a section (8 paragraphs) on Girard in Jesus, Revolutionary of Peace: A Nonviolent Christology in the Book of Revelation.

Sleiman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490301#Comment_490301

Swartley, Willard M. Violence Renounced: René Girard, Biblical Studies, and Peacemaking. - particularly the chapter titled "Girard and Atonement: An Incarnational Theory of Mimetic Participation" which is available in its entirety here: http://home.messiah.edu/~rcollins/Philosophical%20Theology/Atonement/Swart7.rtf

I started with this since it was free [:)]. Not sure I agree with everything, but this certainly whetted my appetite for more study.

The work critiques the non-violence theory based on Girard's understanding of the 'mimetic' nature of human desires, but instead of stopping there, it builds on the same Girard foundation (so to speak) to form an alternative "incarnation atonement theory" which is claimed to be more in tune with Eastern Orthodox understanding. The claim is that this understanding was not developed systematically in a way that satisfied "western theological and philosophical categories". So far, most of this can be somewhat plausible but there are issues that I need to figure out on my own with further study before I make up my mind. If this plausibility holds, I will be interested for more and deeper studies; however I'm skeptical by nature, so we'll see. Thanks again

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490545#Comment_490545

I accept Genesis period.

I accept Genesis too, but not as science.

Which is why we need books like The Emergent Christ by Ilia Delio to make us really think. (Ilia Delio is a theologian who is an expert on and a continuation of the theology of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490535#Comment_490535

I don't believe in apologetics—you accept it or you don't, period.

Have you seen Paul J. Griffiths' An Apology for Apologetics: A Study in the Logic of Interreligious Dialogue? It gives a take you might like.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490553#Comment_490553

I accept Genesis too, but not as science. If that's what you wish to "think", you're entitled.

Methinks I use presuppositional apologetics. ...............Works for me! [8-|]

ie: The Song of Moses (penned prior to the writing of Genesis & sung again in Heaven per the Revelation) is enough "scientific data for me to believe in the crossing of the Red Sea at a deep spot. [:O]

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/490586#Comment_490586

Methinks I use presuppositional apologetics

Methinks that the usefulness of "presuppositional" depends upon the presuppositions ... accepting presuppositions has never been my strong suit. Just ask my chemistry profs.[6]