Interpreting and applying scripture is an active process. When we read, and especially when we tell each other what passages mean, we are making choices about what we think the author is doing. Many of us cite Genesis 3:16 as a “prescription” for how things ought to be. It is also read, more correctly IContinue reading “Feb 4”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Feb 3
Around 2005 a new translation of the Bible was released which sought to accurately translate scripture with regard to pronouns. Whereas the translators of the KJV used almost exclusively male pronouns even in cases where the original Greek and Hebrew words were gender neutral (or included men and woman), this new translation sought more accuratelyContinue reading “Feb 3”
Feb 2
We’ve probably all heard some form of Jimothy’s complaint in the first frame. Maybe we’ve even said the same thing ourselves. Yet we have to recognize some form of “this was written in context.” Often we fool ourselves into thinking we really want to apply every verse literally. However, when it comes to something likeContinue reading “Feb 2”
Feb 1
When we take Jimothy’s position and boil it down real nice and simple, we deceive ourselves (and those we instruct) into thinking the Bible is always straightforward and easy to comprehend – and to say otherwise is to somehow insult God. Perhaps what is being insulted is a low view of scripture. Have I beenContinue reading “Feb 1”
My New Comic Strip – FUNDAMENTALS
The scoop: every day in the month of February, I’m publishing a comic strip I’ve drawn! I’ve never been much of an artist. I once decided to make a sketch everyday to improve my drawing skills – I think I made about three. However, I have made 28 drawings for this new project! I reflectContinue reading “My New Comic Strip – FUNDAMENTALS”
Dear Readers
We are drawing the curtain on the year, and I want to say thanks – thanks for stopping by this page to read my work and my thoughts from time to time. Maybe you found what I had to say helpful – maybe it make you stop and think – maybe shake your head. MaybeContinue reading “Dear Readers”
Tell Yourself a Story
One of my goals is to become a counselor. That said, therapy, mental health, and counseling ideas are something I think and read about a good deal. This week, I came up with an idea for a way of helping myself understand my own life, and I wonder if it might be helpful for someoneContinue reading “Tell Yourself a Story”
Gender Roles in Church: Some Reflections
My wife, Aleisha, and I live in Phoenix, AZ and have just started attending a church a few blocks from our house. We’re beginning the work of making friends, getting connected, finding a place. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on the tradition and church I was raised in. Many of my dearestContinue reading “Gender Roles in Church: Some Reflections”
To Be (Vaccinated) or Not To Be
Preface A few weeks ago I sat down with my friend to eat some Vietnamese food, and over my lemongrass dish I explained about a piece I’d starting writing – this piece about getting vaccinated. And my friend wasn’t convinced it was a good idea – you should at least put it behind a paywallContinue reading “To Be (Vaccinated) or Not To Be”
Do I Have to Give Money When People Ask?
I’ve never been big on using the language of “spiritual attacks,” but I think I was spiritually attacked. The week before we moved to Arizona, we bought a bike for me. It was a beautiful red and silver bike with narrow road tires and a heck of a lot of gears. I was pretty proudContinue reading “Do I Have to Give Money When People Ask?”
javen.bear. 