Toward Sodom – Another Halfhearted Conversation with a Real Troll

    He comes around to harangue and harass, he insults me and belittles my faith and then he disappears. For a while. I go on about my life. I work. I write. I watch bad movies with my wife. And then he returns for another round or two of abuse.

    “I don’t know why you put up with him,” my darling says to me. “He’s a troll.”

    “Ahhh,” I nod and smile, “but he’s my troll.”

    She stares at me for a second or two and then says, “That makes no sense and you know it.” She laughs. I laugh.

    But he’s here again today. He catches mes as I’m working in the yard, raking leaves and pulling weeds. and he’s another argument for me. One I wouldn’t have expected.

    “Lot was selfish,” he says to me without preamble.

    Like I said, compared to some of his previous maneuvers this assault seemed indifferent. Insubstantial Inconsequential. Unnecessary, even. Like he wasn’t even trying anymore.

    “You mean when his uncle Abram offered him his choice of land for his flocks and herds?” I ask to make sure I understand what he’s asking. “Genesis chapter fifteen or thereabouts?”

    “Thirteen,” he nods. “Yeah. Lot was the selfish one. He was greedy and should have allowed his uncle, the patriarch, have the good land. He was greedy and he resisted his uncle’s authority.”

    “How does Lot’s acceptance of Abram’s offer make him a rebel? And Abram had taken the good land, wouldn’t that have made Abram the selfish one?” I ask, but I am already too late, Gunner is moving on.

    “Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom.” He claps his hands. “Toward Sodom!”

    “We have no indication that Lot or any member of his family participated in the sins of Sodom – which were not homosexuality but rape, and inhospitality, selfishness and a lack of concern for the poor. The fact that God sent angels to rescue Lot and his family should indicate that he was not…”

    “Aha!” Gunner claps me on the shoulder with his meaty hand. “He pitched his tent toward Sodom, Jeff. You can’t get around that. Towards Sodom!” he shakes his head back and forth as he retreats back to his pickup truck.

    “Bye, Gunner,” I say waving.

    “What was that about,” my darling says from the door of the house.

    “I have no idea,” I say and go back to pulling weeds.

An Imaginary Conversation with a Real Troll (the first of the series) 
I Will Not Fight the Argument (the second)
Supermarket Wrestling (third conversation)
Do You Even Pray (the troll returns)
All Means All (A fifth conversation)
The Doctrine that Cannot Be Challenged (sixth conversation)

Biblical Limericks: It Weren’t Homosexuality

What happened in old Sodom city,
to be sure, wasn’t very pretty,
but if women and men
participated then
it weren’t homosexuality.

Genesis 19: 4

To Be Divisive Like Jesus

To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
in every thought and deed
this is my aim, my creed.
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me;
his spirit helping me,
like him I’ll be.
(Gowans and Larsson)

I am sometimes accused by a few of my fellow Salvationists (members of The Salvation Army) of being “divisive” and a “troublemaker” -in part because I have argued for a more affirming position towards LGBTQI people. I don’t think it’s true. I really don’t think of myself as a trouble maker or as a rabble rouser. I am not trying to cause division – in fact I have argued (and continue to do so) for unity within The Salvation Army despite our differences.

But if (and that is a big if) my accusers are correct, and I am divisive, I am still far less divisive than Jesus. Perhaps I just need to try harder to be more like Jesus.

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! … Do you think I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12: 49 – 53 NIV

Gowans, John and John Larrson. “To Be Like Jesus” The Salvation Army Songbook. The Salvation Army, London. 2015. Print

Salvation Army Officers Attitudes towards Same Sex Relationships – Survey Results

Back in May I had a conversation online with several of my co-religionists, fellow members of The Salvation Army. In that conversation it was suggested that as many as 10% of Salvation Army officers would be supportive of same sex marriage. Some friends were shocked, and even outraged, that that high of a number was bandied about. For my part, I suggested that if we are in line with other Evangelical Protestant denominations, that the percentage is likely higher, around 36%. 

However, no one I spoke to could recall an official survey of Salvation Army officers on the issue. And my curiosity was piqued. So put together a very brief survey that I hoped would help provide something like a realistic description of the number of Salvation Army officers who are supportive of same sex relationships.

Below are the statistical results of my survey, as well as the comments I received within the survey itself, on my blog where it posted, and on Facebook where it was shared.

I received 187 responses. The only question in the survey that could not be skipped / left blank was #6

As it turns out, the percentage of Salvation Army Officers (at least of those who took this survey) is a fair bit higher than that 10% that was bandied about in our conversation. This isn’t to say that this survey is a full and complete picture. I realize that it is limited and in some ways flawed. But I think that it does point us toward the fact that there is a greater support for LGBTQI relationship within the Salvation Army than is generally recognized.

I should also say that some of the comments I received were a little bit hurtful. Read them below.

A couple of important qualifiers:

This was not an official survey; it was not sponsored by any territory or division. It is personal research only.

For the purposes of this survey I only solicited responses from active / retired Salvation Army officers and cadets. This is not because I'm uninterested in the opinions of our many fine soldiers, adherents, former officers, clients, and etc. It was only to keep this initial fact-finding survey simple, clear, and easily defined. This also why I limited the survey to one substantive question. I considered adding more questions about the reasons why people side for or against but, again, I wanted to keep this initial survey as simple and uncluttered as possible.

The survey was anonymous. Names were not requested and those that were supplied will not be shared.

Question 1 – What Is Your Age?

18 – 20                  0.54%                    1

21 - 29                   9.68%                    18

30 – 39                  23.12%                  43

40 – 49                  24.73%                  46

50 – 59                  25.27%                  47

60+                         16.67                     31

Question 2 – Are You Male or Female?

Male                      58.92%                  109
Female                 50.54%                  75

Other                    0.54%                    1

Question 3 – In What Territory Do You Currently Serve / Reside?

United States Central – 44
Australia – 40

United States Southern – 17

United States East – 16

United States West – 16
UK - 13

Canada / Bermuda 10
New Zealand / Fiji - 8

Norway – 2
Germany – 2

South Africa – 1
France / Belgium – 1
Italy / Greece – 1
Sweden – 1
Finland / Estonia – 1

Question 4 – What Is Your Rank?

Cadet                    3.85%                    7
Lieutenant            17.58%                  32
Envoy / Sgt.         1.10%                    2
Aux. Capt.            0.55%                    1

Captain                 31.87%                  58

Major                    43.96%                  80

Col. / Lt. Col.        1.10%                    2
Commissioner       0%                         0
General                  0%                         0

Question 5 – Do You Believe Same Sex Intercourse within the Bounds of a Monogamous and Loving Marital Relationship To Be Sinful?

Yes                         53.47%                  100
No                          42.25%                  79
I Don’t Know         4.28%                    8             

Survey Comments (All comments are cut and past exactly as I received them.)

I personally have no issue with monogamous homosexuality, and struggle with the seeming biblical condemnation of this practice.

Certainly think we must be accepting and gracious and loving to those struggling with this issue

No matter how many times you try to say you have a new interpretation of scripture t doesn't change what scripture says. Very clear one man one women.

God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. Monogamous unmarried heterosexual relationships are just as sinful.

I believe that the Bible answers this question. No holds barred.

Just one question? I was ready for a marathon of question answering.

The Army needs to move into the 21st century. I feel a sense of frustration and shame when I am with my gay friends, many of whom are clergy and chaplains.

I was brought up to believe that is is a sin, however the more I read and look into this myself the more I am convinced that within marriage it is not a sin

This survey is flawed since it is from an officer of a liberal / progressive officer is sending it out on his blog. A blog that is followed by the minority of officers of the same persuasion. Hence a small minority, already bent towards this idea, and doing all they can to make it seem like many others support it. Why not post it on traditional, conservative, evangelical Salvationists sites...like Primitive Salvationists and see what the results would be

You need to leave the Army.

I do not believe that same sex intercourse can not exist within the context of a marital relationship, since I don't believe that same sex marriages have God's blessing. So, if they aren't actually married, than any sexual activity is sinful

I think the last question should exclude the word "marital" since acceptance of that status within homosexusl relationships is what you're trying to survey.

I would assume if someone is 'married' they would be having sex.

Read your Bible, God is against it! What does what we think matter.

There has to be a way of expressing one's sexuality and of developing intimacy without crossing that line. Jesus and several of His close friends were single and celibate and lived rich and fulfilling lives.

There is no question about this. The 10% needs to get in line with the scriptures.

Do we no longer reverence a holy God? Isn't His Word, the Bible, clear on such matters? OR are we shaping scripture to our will rather than being transformed by It to God's will?

Bit of a loaded survey, you would get a better insight of peoples view if you included things around relationship, marriage and the like

While I believe there is a biblical structure to marriage, we hurt our christian message when we spot out our hateful speech. America is a country based on freedom. We need to allow for those outside our viewpoint. Just because I may not agree with gay marriage doesnt mean I dont believe they dont deserve rights. Dont we all ha inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our job as Christians is to love and share Christ's love.

Thank you!

I would welcome a biblical debate to enrich the conversation

I have told my gay son that as long as he loves Jesus with all his heart mind and soul, then God will be his judge, not us.

Interesting wording of the last question, almost like there is an agenda. Only God can sanction marriage and He did, between Adam and Eve. No where in Scripture is a same sex marriage ever endorsed. Not one mention of a loving same sex marriage, not a hint. There are however plenty of references prohibiting same sex relationships, even to the point of calling them an abomination and declaring that those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. Jeff, why are you so bent on trying to send people to hell? Why would you do anything but lovingly warn them about what Scripture says? Is it a family member? A friend? Or even a personal struggle? Total depravity means we're all born broken in some way, including our sexuality but this is exactly why we need to be reborn. God heals, Jesus saves, and the Holy Spirit empowers and convicts. Please, please, please, stop playing with people's eternity.

For me the issue is faithfulness, whatever your sexuality

I am still working my way through all of this. One of the hardest things about trying to figure it all out is to watch people who have an opinion being hateful to others who have a differing opinion. This is not a safe topic to discuss and I think many people just avoid it all together.

The attempts to push this in the Army is apostasy within the ranks by people who need to get saved.

I have an aunt who is in a same sex civil union. And friends who are single officers who are gay.

All same sex relationships are sinful and go against God's word.

Marriage is for one man and one woman. All same sex intercrorse is a sin. All sexual relationships outside marriage is sinful. The bible is very clear about both.

I believe in marriage equality for all.

The bible is clear on this...read leviticus,,,god does not sway on this and nor should we...if we do then we are saying gods word is flawed

I believe strongly in God's pattern and design for marriage and human sexuality. I also take our first doctrine seriously and hold to the "Scriptures of the Old and New Testament" as "the divine rule of Christian faith and practice." This belief is in the context of 'grace and truth' as demonstrated by Jesus.

I would like the Salvation Army to carry out same sex marriage in my Territory (it is legal in civil society). We cannot support same sex relationships and then refuse to bless them.

1Tim 1:10

Marriage is between a man and woman only.

Scripture is clear and unwavering on this matter. The "new,ma curate" interpretations are both incorrect and misleading. To approve marriage equality in relation to same sexual activity would be an abomination.

I believe Marriage is the Union of one man and one woman. But I do not see their sin any different from unmarried hetero sex

You're freaking awesome and I'm glad you put this together. 

#IAmTheTenPercent

It is about time for change to happen!

I also believe that same-sex couples should be able to marry, also that they should be able be part of the church in leadership and officership.

Blog Comments

Apparently Soldier is not a rank or position whose opinion you respect. Should an Officer come to our Corps and preach same sex marriage they would be frog marched off the pulpit, out the front door, with a swift kick to the seat of their pants as a farewell.

Amen! Any officer that preaches a false gospel will be cast out in our corps.

NEVER

I suppose there is no way to verify whether those that fill out this poll are actually officers. At best the evidence it pulls will be conceptual, and at worst completely false information.

The survey is timely and needed but I believe the substantive question focuses too much on the physical behaviour than the bigger issue of acceptance and inclusion. There is as much diversity in the LGBT community about sexual practices as there is in hetero-normative relationships. The issue for many LGBT is not about what they do in the bedroom, but how they live their lives and are accepted by society and the church. I know a number of Christian gay men who choose not engage in penetrative sex. This includes a number of salvationists and officers who identify as gay who are no longer part of our fellowship because they have been told they are welcome.

This is what you do with your time?

Facebook Comments

The survey is merely an invitation to entertain the idea of compromise with evil. That is probably why our leaders have not considered it.

Thanks, I'm really interested to see the response.

My Bible is very clear on the issue of sex. The only sexual orientation God approves is that between a MARRIED MAN AND WOMAN! Sorry if this offends anyone. Thank goodness I have never been asked to perform a wedding for a same sex couple, but on the basis of my own understanding, I would have to refuse.



NOTE - this post has be edited since it was first posted. One line of data in question 3 was omitted and has been corrected. -TJC.

Salvation Army Officers Attitudes Towards Same Sex Relationships - An Unofficial Survey

In a recent online discussion among some of my fellow Salvationists, it was suggested that as many as 10% of officers would be supportive of same sex marriage. Some friends were shocked, and even outraged that that high of a number was bandied about. For my part, I suggested that if we are in line with other Evangelical Protestant denominations, that the percentage is likely higher, around 36%. 

However, no one I spoke to could recall an official survey of Salvation Army officers on the issue. And my curiosity was piqued. So I have put together a very brief survey that I hope will help provide something like a realistic description of the number of Salvation Army officers who are supportive of same sex relationships.

A couple of important qualifiers:

This is not an official survey; it is not sponsored by any territory or division. It is personal research only.

At this time I am only soliciting responses from active / retired officers and cadets. This is not because I'm uninterested in the opinions of our many fine soldiers, adherents, former officers, clients, and etc. It is only to keep this initial fact-finding survey simple, clear, and easily defined.

This also why have limited the survey to one substantive question. I considered adding more questions about the reasons why people side for or against but, again, I wanted to keep this initial survey as simple and uncluttered as possible.

The survey is anonymous. Names are not requested, and if given will not be shared with anyone.

I will leave the survey open until July 31, 2016 and share it as widely as I can so as to get as wide and (hopefully) representative sample as possible. I will post the results of the survey here in August.

Thank you for taking the time to answer this simple survey.

If the embedded survey below doesn't work for you, try this direct link. -

Create your own user feedback survey

Biblioblog Carnival April 2016

Greetings and Salutations! Welcome to the Biblioblog Carnival roundup for April 2016 - a collection of blog posts, videos, podcasts and tweets relevant to the broad field of biblical studies posted last month. These may not have been the BEST of ALL possible blog posts, videos, podcasts and tweets, but they are ones that caught my eye and captured my interest. I've hosted the biblioblog in the past, and now as then, I've utilized a more-is-more, throw the spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks kind of approach. Jim West at Zwinglius Redivivus will, no doubt, be much more selective in his own version of the Carnival.

To be merciful means to grow in a love which is courageous, generous and real.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 2, 2016

Sweaty Old Testamenty Stuff

*Marlowe at Carpe Scriptura spent some time reconsidering Amos’s “Rhetoric of Entrapment."

It seems as though God’s voice – the lion’s roar – may be a much more central theme in the book than I had initially thought. The cutting of the lines of communication comes up again and again as both Israel and God do it. It is this cutting of contact that warrants Israel’s punishment, and it is also the punishment itself. Amos’s role as intercessor in Amos 7 becomes so much more important, because it is through the prophets that Israel might “seek the Lord and live. As we move through the book, we find that God’s voice is linked to sin, punishment, and even salvation.

*Ben at Remythologized got rather snarky as he described 10 Ways Answers in Genesis Misinterprets the Bible: How to Theologize with a Hammer.

You might as well be writing feminist interpretations of an Ikea assembly manual if you’re going to publish astrophysical papers on the Psalms.

*Dr. Bruce Wells at the ASOR blog spoke about Sex Crimes in the Hebrew Bible.

*Christopher Rollston posted the first of a series of articles on gender-based violence in the bible:  Jacob’s Daughter Dinah.

… although in the recent past (e.g., just a few decades ago) violence against women was not the subject of international attention or concern, it has now “come to be recognized as a legitimate human rights issue and as a significant threat to women’s health and well-being.” The fact that there is now much more focus on gender-based violence is such a good thing, so right, so important. Of course, the witness of Scripture (and this is one of the reasons for recounting Dinah’s story here) is that gender-based violence is a very old problem.

*Deane at Remnant of Giants shared a post about literacy rates in ancient Judah: Judah’s Military Correspondence From ca. 600 BCE: Evidence of Widespread Literacy but not Evidence of the Bible 

The strength of the article lies in its identification of the extent of literacy in far-flung reaches of Judea, among various ranking members of the military and military administration. It would be not too rash to say that, given the literacy levels in the military establishment, we would expect that scribal literacy would be competent to produce more literary works of the forms which we find in the Hebrew Bible/Tanach. Indeed, the Tell Deir ‘Alla plaster inscription, written in a Hebrew dialect and located bang in the middle of Israelite territory during the period of its hegemony in the region, dates some two centuries before this. So scribes would be capable of the literary forms found in the Hebrew Bible. This doesn’t really tell us about the general literacy in the wider population, as the article implies it does. But more important is the question of literacy among the elites, which the article provides reasonable evidence for.

*And, if you'll forgive me, one of my own Biblical Limericks: That's Certainly Coitus Interrupted

Apocryphal, Pseudographical, Intertestamental and other Weirdo Type Stuff

*James Hamrick at The Ancient Bookshelf  has a reading/vocabulary guide for Ethiopic Jubilees available for you to download. Ethiopic Jubilees Reading Guide: The Creation, Part 1 

*Presidential Candidate Donald Trump told us his favorite bible verse.

*Ancient-Reformed Worship spoke to Hughes Oliphant about the Odes of Solomon

The Odes cast a spell. Something beautiful is happening here. It has a literary integrity I think that’s very important. The Odes are very unusual in the different imagery that they come up with. But that imagery is used again and again. One place where the Odes seem to have mined this imagery is the Book of Psalms. And Rendel Harris, the great scholar who really brought the Odes to the attention of the modern world, refers to these Odes as Psalm pendants. It’s as though the congregation might have sung a particular Psalm, and then, the Odes would’ve been sung as a response to it. And so many of the Odes when one reads through them one realizes that the imagery of Psalm 45 is being used or Psalm 63 is being used. And that’s one of the beautiful things about these Odes is that they’re so close to scripture.

*The Biblical Review reviewed the Testament of Moses 

Although the Testament of Moses is cut off half-way through the manuscript, it is nonetheless helpful in reconstructing ideologies and worldviews from the Levant in the 1st century C.E., and even earlier if we assume the text had previous written and oral traditions preceding it’s composition. The testament claims to be “the prophecy which was made by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy”; however, while it takes up a similar tone, the testament incorporates material relevant to the Maccabean Period, indicative of the late date of the text.

Based on the previous information, it is evident that we should read the Testament of Moses as its own piece of literary work, self-sustaining and independent. What we will consider today is Moses’ role as a divinator in the Testament of Moses.

*I'm sorry. I can't help myself. It's compulsive- Biblical Limericks: The Nothingness of  a Man

New Intestines

*James McGrath is trying to find a balance between naive credulity and extreme skepticism with respect to the Gospels and other early Christian sources in description of Jesus’ death in Philippians 2: 6 – 11. Philippians 2 and the Historical Jesus

It is striking to turn in light of this to Philippians 2:6-11. If Paul is there quoting a hymn, then this might be our earliest source of information about the death of Jesus, as well as about how Christians understood it. In that passage, Jesus’ death is nothing else but the culmination of his obedience, leading to his exaltation.

*Richard Beck at Experimental Theology wrote about the tragedy in violence- Put Away the Sword: Tragedy and Eschatology 

That's what upsets me about crowds cheering and thrilling to calls to bomb ISIS, so-called "Christians" who are viewing violence triumphalistically rather than tragically. Because Jesus said "put your sword away" Christians can never cheer violence. We must only grieve it.

*Scott McKnight at Jesus Creed  wrote about the Messianic Divine Secret of Jesus in the gospel of Mark.

...if Jesus silenced confession of him as Messiah how much more would have silenced for strategical reasons any suggestions of his deity. I find the logic solid, if not compelling.

*Phil Long at Reading Acts has been working his way though the Apocalypse of John  – Heavenly Throne Rooms in Apocalyptic Literature 

Revelation 4-5 is built first on the foundation of the Hebrew Bible. There are several texts which describe God as enthroned, such as Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1-2. In both of these passages the prophet sees a vision of God enthroned in heaven surrounded by otherworldly angelic creatures (seraphim in Isaiah, cherubim in Ezekiel). In both cases the prophet is stunned by the vision and eventually commissioned to a prophetic office. In Revelation 4 there is a central throne, angelic beings, but John is not a prophet as much as an observer of the impending judgment contained in the scroll given to the Lamb to open.

*Dustin R. Smith at The Dustin Martyr Blog attended the “Did Jesus Exist” debate between Craig Evans and Richard Carrier: 

I had the privilege of attending last night’s debate on “Did Jesus Exist?” between two well-versed debaters – Dr. Craig Evans and Dr. Richard Carrier. When I learned of this debate, I wanted to take advantage of listening to Carrier, who is probably the world’s foremost mythicist scholar. In other words, I felt that this debate would expose me to the best arguments scholars could put forth suggesting Jesus was simply made up in history. Now I took plenty of apologetic classes in my undergraduate and graduate studies to become convinced of the overwhelming evidence regarding Jesus’ existence, but I could not pass up the chance to listen to Richard Carrier live. So I piled up my car with a few of my bright students and we took off to witness the debate. Here are some of my observations of last night’s event:

*Pete Enns thinks that Paul was just “winging it.” 

I know that might not seem very reverent, especially since Romans is often thought of as the primo example of Paul at his difficult yet nevertheless logically consistent best, where he once and for all lays out the basics of the gospel for all to hear and for all time. Not that Romans is a jumbled mess—may it never be (see what I did there?)—but to me Romans reads more like Paul is in creative-problem-solving mode for Roman Christians facing a pressing problem (how Jews and Gentiles make up one people of God) than Paul sitting in his study writing a theological treatise intended for wider publication.

*Biblical Studies Online shared two lectures from David Noel Freedman: “Jesus as a Disciple”  (April 23, 1993)  and “The Role of Human Beings in the Bible” (April 20, 1993) 

*Ronald V. Huggins  refuted the idea that Judas didn’t actually exist: Did Judas Exist? A Friendly Critique of Dennis R. MacDonald's Easter Time Blog  

*I need help. I know it: Biblical Limericks: The Four Horsemen

Gnostical

*James McGrath at Exploring our Matrix  appeared on the online talk show: Talk Gnosis to speak about the historical Jesus and mythicism. 

*Jesus Facepalmed -Part 2 of James McGrath’s Conversation with Talk Gnosis at Gnostic Wisdom-

Is there a vast international conspiracy to convince you that Jesus was a real person? Well, not really. It’s a game of probabilities. Scholars say that, given the evidence we have, it’s more likely than not that there was an actual dude named Jesus walking around in the desert 2000 years ago. Of course, you are free to draw your own conclusions, and a belief in Gnosticism certainly does not need to include a belief in a historical Jesus.

Ecclesial Churchy Stuff

*Alexandria at Women in Theology wrote about masculine vs feminine church in Between the Binary: Is “Effeminacy”Really an Issue in Evangelical Church Culture?

Too often, Christian writers and commentators assume (or do not question) an equivalency between femininity and the female; therefore, the mere presence of female bodies within a church’s congregation is believed to engender an effeminate style of Christianity. Evangelicalism’s enduring phobia of “liberal” feminism is largely to blame, and has made its members ignorant of even the most innocuous principles of basic gender theory: namely, that there is a distinction between biological sex and gender identity, that humans are responsible for creating culturally contingent gender roles (not God), and that both men and women hardly ever conform completely to their prescribed roles.

*Pope Francis released an apostolic exhortation entitled Amoris Laetitia, Latin for “The Joy of Love.” You can read the whole 256 page document here.

*Mary E. Hunt at Religion Dispatches wasn’t impressed – Pope Francis’ Love Letter Is an Opportunity Lost 

If you are heterosexual, married, divorced, and remarried with an understanding parish priest, you have reason to be hopeful that your “irregular situation” can be fixed. If you use most forms of effective birth control, have an abortion, or are a sexually active LGBTIQ Catholic, you might as well read Dante and/or seek another denomination if you expect to be treated with equality, dignity, and respect. ... The “Joy Love Club” is members-only.

*Members of a recent Vatican council have called for Pope Francis to reject the “Just War” theory and to issue and encyclical on nonviolence 

Too often the 'just war theory' has been used to endorse rather than prevent or limit war," they continue. "Suggesting that a 'just war' is possible also undermines the moral imperative to develop tools and capacities for nonviolent transformation of conflict…We need a new framework that is consistent with Gospel nonviolence," say the participants, noting that Francis and his four predecessors have all spoken out against war often. "We propose that the Catholic Church develop and consider shifting to a Just Peace approach based on Gospel nonviolence.

*Christianity Today shared evidence that Christians did not borrow Easter from European pagans. 

Of course, even if Christians did engage in contextualization—expressing their message and worship in the language or forms of the local people—that in no way implies doctrinal compromise. Christians around the world have sought to redeem the local culture for Christ while purging it of practices antithetical to biblical norms. After all, Christians speak of "Good Friday," but they are in no way honoring the worship of the Norse/Germanic queen of the gods Freya by doing so.

But, in fact, in the case of Easter the evidence suggests otherwise: that neither the commemoration of Christ's death and resurrection nor its name are derived from paganism.

*Joel Watts at Unsettled Christianity wrote about the time that Lucifer split the church by refusing grace.

More patristic amazingness from Hans Urs von Balthsar - one long sentence on the theology of Pseudo-Dionysius pic.twitter.com/VvnnMEGYMS

— Ben Myers (@FaithTheology) April 3, 2016

Philosofical, Theologicalic Things

*The good folks at Jesus Jazz and Buddhism think that Everything We See is Past  and they have diagrams and videos about Process Theology, Alfred Whitehead and light cones. 

*Joseph P. Laycock at The Conversation  looked at Why So Many Americans Think They’re #Blessed

Today, America seems divided between those who engage with some version of the prosperity gospel and those who smugly dismiss it as fraudulent and puerile. While there are a number of problems with the gospel, it’s important to look at why this strand of religious thinking evolved in the first place, and why it persists.

*Joel Watts at Unsettled Christianity shared a video contrasting the Orthodox and Protestant Explanations of Salvation. 

I believe salvation is not from hell but to good works (Eph. 2.8-10). Salvation is not a momentary conversion, but a process of ontological importance. It is found in the Creed, but never defined. However, Protestantism usually sees it in terms of avoidance of hell. You’ll here mentioned “we deserved hell” and “we aren’t worthy.” Yet, Scripture never declares these things as well as the Reformers did. For Scripture, and Orthodoxy (and Wesleyanism), Salvation begins with the love of God, ending in the positive, rather than the negative.

Archaeologicists

*James Tabor at the Tabor Blog explored the deepening mystery of The Abba Cave, Crucifixion Nails, and the Last Hasmonean King.

It was assumed back in the 1970s that these bones were buried and no longer available for analysis–but it turns out this is not the case. What is even more intriguing, the victim was arguably none other than Matitiyahu Antigonus–the last of the Hashmonean kings–who was both beheaded and crucified by Marc Anthony. in 37 BCE. And even more significant, Greg Doudna has persuasively argued that this Antigonus is none other than the famed “Teacher of Righteousness” in the Dead Sea Scrolls,

*Archaeology News Network - Reported that construction workers in Gaza have discovered ancient ruins that archaeologists say may be part of a Byzantine church dating from around 1,500 years ago, The findings include segments of marble pillars with ornate Corinthian capitals, one nearly three meters (yards) long, and a 90 cm (35 inch) foundation stone bearing a Greek symbol for Christ. Fifteen pieces have been uncovered, with excavations continuing.

*2nd Temple Era Bronze Utensils Discovered in Migdal Excavations on Sea of Galilee 

According to Dina Avshalom-Gorni, the project’s chief archaeologist on behalf of the IAA, “the incense shovel that was found is one of ten others that are known in the country from the Second Temple period. From early research in the world it was thought that the incense shovel was only used for ritual purposes, to care for the embers and incense that were burnt in ritual ceremonies. Over the years, after incense shovels were discovered in a non-cultic context, it appears they were also used as tools for daily tasks. The incense shovel and jug found in our excavation were exposed lying next to each other on the floor in one of the rooms, at the late Second Temple period storehouses that is located adjacent to the dock of the large Jewish settlement, on the shore of Sea of ​​Galilee. These implements might have been saved in the storeroom as heirlooms by a Jewish family living at Migdal, or they may have been used for daily work as well.”

“I think that people need to worship and believe in GOD regardless of their belief. This is a free country.” pic.twitter.com/VM8sY6dmlt

— Bible Students Say.. (@BibleStdntsSay) April 11, 2016

Edumacational

*Michael J. Kruger at Canon Fodder  has A Note to Ph.D. Students: Here’s What We Are Really Looking for in a Job Interview

Given that I have sat on both sides of the interview table–as both candidate looking for a post, and as President or Academic Dean looking to fill a post–I thought I might offer a few reflections on the interview process.  In particular, I want to help candidates know what we are really looking for in a potential professor. I say “really” because I think candidates often misunderstand what we are looking for. And, due to that misunderstanding, sometimes candidates are simply heading down an unhelpful path in the interview process.And when I say “we” I am thinking particularly of those leaders in the world of evangelical seminaries.  Those in university settings, or those who are not evangelical, are unlikely to offer the same advice.

*Larry Hurdato explains Scrolls and the Early Codex 

*Biblical Studies Online shared an interview with ProfessorStavrakopoulou (University of Exeter) who explains why a lot of what’s in the Bible isn’t real, but why she loves it anyway.

Movie Reviews, Book Reports, and Musical Events

*Neil Carter (no relation, so far as I know) at Godless in Dixie  wrote about the Evangelical Christian desire – need- to be persecuted and the film God's Not Dead 2 - Persecute Me, Please: God’s Not Dead 2 and the Evangelical Lust for Victimhood

It’s like they’re ripping off the plot of Miracle on 34th Street. Only this time, it’s set in Arkansas at the state capitol. And instead of trying to establish whether or not Santa Claus is real, now they are trying to determine if Jesus was real. Because that would totally happen in real life in a court of law. And it’s totally relevant to the case at hand.

*James McGrath rather likes Daniel Kirk’s New Book – A Man Attested By God 

This may be the most important book in Christology to appear in recent years. Written in an era when it has become increasingly popular to insist that Jesus is already depicted as a pre-existent figure in the Synoptic Gospels, one who is absorbed into the “divine identity,” Daniel Kirk makes a persuasive case for viewing the depiction of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, and Luke as one of idealized humanity. Unlike many other proposals, this category, and this volume in which it is proposed, does good justice to the evidence, and is likely to stand the test of time.

*Ben Witherington at the Bible and Culture reviewed Richard Hay’s new book: “Echoes of Scripture in the Gospels.”

And even when the NT writers were transforming the OT text in creative ways, for example as Paul does in Gal. 4, these improvisations presuppose a stable text to which one can return again and again, and use in a variety of ways. I would use the analogy of say John Coltrane’s famous version of the Sound of Music song ‘My Favorite Things’. ‘Trane was not trying to faithfully ‘exegete’ that song, he was rather using it as a taking off point for a creative improvisation, but at the same time he was well aware of what playing the tune straight amounted to and sounded like, and he presupposed that his audience did as well (they could look at a copy of the original sheet music or put on the recording of the Sound of Music), so they could appreciate where he was, so to speak, playing outside the lines on the staff paper. I think, in other words, that figural interpretation was only one of the tools in the hermeneutical toolbox of the Gospel writers, and it was not one they always used, certainly not to the exclusion of other ways of using the OT.

*James McGrath also shared A Service of Sacred Music and Rock Prayers 

I am not trying to make the case that no music is sacred. On the contrary, I am more inclined to make the opposite case and argue that all music is sacred. Music takes vibrations in the physical world and combines them in ways that we perceive as beautiful. And so music by definition points towards transcendence, towards the fact that there is more to life that what one perspective can do justice to. And since music is a pointer towards God, it makes sense to use music – any music – as an opportunity to talk about one’s faith and the things that are important to us.

* Knockin' on Heaven's Door: Bob Dylan and the Gospel - An evening of Gospel and music following the Jewish carpenter who renounced his father's name to sing the blues out on Highway 61.

*Wayne Coppins  at German for Neutestamentler is rediscovering Parables in John with Ruben Zimmerman

Ruben Zimmermann’s Puzzling the Parables of Jesus: Methods and Interpretations is a very fine work. One value of the book is that it consciously seeks to bring together current German and American research on the parables. Another important feature is that Zimmermann applies recent research on historiography and memory to the interpretation of the parables. This post will highlight a third contribution of the book, namely Zimmermann’s perceptive discussion of the genre of parable and his convincing suggestion that there are, in fact, parables in John.


In Memoriam 

*Activist Priest and Vietnam Protester Daniel Berrigan Dies at 94

“Dan was one of the great Catholics of our time, a champion of social justice and a tireless promoter of peace…His influence on the peace movement, particularly during the Vietnam War, cannot be overstated, but his aim was not simply peace in Indochina, but peace everywhere.” Berrigan was one of seven Catholic priests who used napalm to burn draft cards in 1968 in protest against the Vietnam War, according to the National Catholic Reporter. As a result, he was sentenced to three years in prison.

The great Daniel Berrigan, SJ, Jesuit priest, activist, poet and peacemaker, died today. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/SYcdaF2Zqq

— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) April 30, 2016

*Poet and Prophet 

A literary giant in his own right, Berrigan was best known for his dramatic acts of civil disobedience against the Vietnam War and nuclear weapons. He burned draft files with homemade napalm and later hammered on nuclear weapons to enact the Isaiah prophecy to “beat swords into plowshares.” His actions challenged Americans and Catholics to reexamine their relationship with the state and reject militarism. He constantly asked himself and others: What does the Gospel demand of us?

Future Carnivals

The next several carnivals will be hosted by:

May 2016 (June 1) – Brian Renshaw, @renshaw330

June 2016 (July 1) – Kris Lyle at Old School Script, @KristopherLyle

After that there's nothing - unless you act now. Phil Long at Reading Acts, who organizes these events, would love for you to volunteer as host for upcoming biblioblog carnivals. Contact him  PLEASE! (via Twitter @plong42 ) if you're interested.

.@UnvirtuousAbbey pic.twitter.com/AumO9eRIId

— PΛVL BLΛΛVW (@pblaauw) April 6, 2016

The church too often peddles tired images of a pristine/photoshopped (white) Jesus - instead of the tortured Christ. pic.twitter.com/bmVJtEH3Am

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) April 3, 2016

What Is Written in the Law? How Do They Read It in Tennessee?

And behold, a lawyer from Tennessee (the Volunteer State) stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to put my religious beliefs and personal principles into practice?” He said to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”  And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

But he, desiring to justify himself to the Evangelical Christian voters in his state said to Jesus, “And just who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A bisexual man was going down from Nashville to Murfreesboro, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and left him bleeding in a ditch, leaving him feeling anxious and panicky – it was probably post-traumatic stress disorder. Now by chance a psychologist was going down that road; and when he saw the vulnerable bisexual man, he passed by on the other side citing his sincerely held religious beliefs. So likewise a licensed therapist, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the far side of the road.”

The lawyer interrupted Jesus at this point. “Teacher, thank you for the lesson. This is exactly what we thought you’d say.” And he turned and departed from Jesus.

Tennessee Bill Would Allow Counselors to Deny Services

Biblical Limericks: A Transgendered Apostle

A question infrequently tendered:
How is the name “Junia(s)” rendered?
Chrysostom says female,
while Luther says male-
When was the apostle transgendered?

Romans 16:7 

40 Responses to 40 Questions

Earlier today on the Facebook, a friend of mine shared the following link to 40 Questions for those Christians now waving rainbow flags. 

I decided that I would bite, and wrote out my 40 responses.  Having shared them in the comment section on my FB friend’s wall, several folks said that it was inconvenient / difficult to read the questions and response on a tablet, or that they were unable, for whatever reason, to post a response. 

To make it easier to read, and comment, I have copied the questions and my responses to this blog post.

1. How long have you believed that gay marriage is something to be celebrated?

About 10 years, give or take.

2. What Bible verses led you to change your mind?

Most specifically it was the story in Acts of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch .

3. How would you make a positive case from Scripture that sexual activity between two persons of the same sex is a blessing to be celebrated?

The same way I would for hetero activity.

4. What verses would you use to show that a marriage between two persons of the same sex can adequately depict Christ and the church?

I'm not sure I understand this question. If I am part of the Church(as a male) , and the Church is married to Christ - doesn't that easily lend itself to an argument for same sex marriage?

5. Do you think Jesus would have been okay with homosexual behavior between consenting adults in a committed relationship?

I don’t know.

6. If so, why did he reassert the Genesis definition of marriage as being one man and one woman?

Again, I don't know. Why did he describe the mustard seed as the smallest of all the seeds when it demonstrably is not.?

7. When Jesus spoke against porneia what sins do you think he was forbidding?

Scholarly debate over the use of the word Porneia in Matthew 5:32 has not reached universal agreement as to what is meant. Probably it means adultery (and as such applies equally to hetero and homo-sexuals).

8. If some homosexual behavior is acceptable, how do you understand the sinful “exchange” Paul highlights in Romans 1?

This article does a fair job of explaining what I think of Romans 1.

               

9. Do you believe that passages like 1 Corinthians 6:9 and Revelation 21:8 teach that sexual immorality can keep you out of heaven? 10. What sexual sins do you think they were referring to?

No one can say definitively what Paul meant with the use of the words malakoi (soft) and arsenokoitai (??) in 1 Cor. 6: 9 and there's no reason to limit pornoi (sexually immoral) in Revelation 21:8 to homosexuals.

11. As you think about the long history of the church and the near universal disapproval of same-sex sexual activity, what do you think you understand about the Bible that Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, and Luther failed to grasp?

I don't know. Do you believe that Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, and Luther should be considered inerrant and infallible?

12. What arguments would you use to explain to Christians in Africa, Asia, and South America that their understanding of homosexuality is biblically incorrect and your new understanding of homosexuality is not culturally conditioned?

The same as I would use here in Iowa.

13. Do you think Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were motivated by personal animus and bigotry when they, for almost all of their lives, defined marriage as a covenant relationship between one man and one woman?

I don't know. I do not claim to speak for Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton.

14. Do you think children do best with a mother and a father?

Is a negligent abusive family of a father and a mother somehow better and more preferable than a loving same sex family?

15. If not, what research would you point to in support of that conclusion?

I haven't read "the research" but the anecdotal / experiential evidence available to me suggests that kids raised in loving homes (hetero or homosexual) do well, and kids raised in negligent and abusive homes (homo or heterosexual) don't.

16. If yes, does the church or the state have any role to play in promoting or privileging the arrangement that puts children with a mom and a dad?

Skipping this one since I didn't answer yes to #14...

17. Does the end and purpose of marriage point to something more than an adult’s emotional and sexual fulfillment?

Yes. It's about intimacy, connection, loving relationship. The implication that homosexuals marry only for sex is fairly offensive.

18. How would you define marriage?

(sigh) A loving committed relationship / legal contract between individuals-combining two individuals into one new family unit, to start...

19. Do you think close family members should be allowed to get married?

How close are we talking? Brother and sister like Cain? Brother and ½  sister like Abraham and Sarah? ( No)

20. Should marriage be limited to only two people?

What? Like Abraham / Jacob / Moses (maybe) / David / Solomon/ etc.... (Yes)

21. On what basis, if any, would you prevent consenting adults of any relation and of any number from getting married?

I don't know - but if we're trying to work up a biblical definition of marriage, we're going to have difficulty implementing some of those restrictions.

22. Should there be an age requirement in this country for obtaining a marriage license?

What? Like in the bible, getting married as young as 12? 

 23. Does equality entail that anyone wanting to be married should be able to have any meaningful relationship defined as marriage? 24. If not, why not?

I'm just going to skip these two. Call me lazy, call it avoiding the question, but i don't feel compelled to create a response to every conceivable scenario.

25. Should your brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree with homosexual practice be allowed to exercise their religious beliefs without fear of punishment, retribution, or coercion?

Yes.

26. Will you speak up for your fellow Christians when their jobs, their accreditation, their reputation, and their freedoms are threatened because of this issue?

Yes.

27. Will you speak out against shaming and bullying of all kinds, whether against gays and lesbians or against Evangelicals and Catholics?

Yes.

28. Since the evangelical church has often failed to take unbiblical divorces and other sexual sins seriously, what steps will you take to ensure that gay marriages are healthy and accord with Scriptural principles?

The same steps I would for hetero marriages.

29. Should gay couples in open relationships be subject to church discipline?

If they're members of the church, yes.

30. Is it a sin for LGBT persons to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage?

Yes.

31. What will open and affirming churches do to speak prophetically against divorce, fornication, pornography, and adultery wherever they are found?

I can't /won't speak for all churches. I can only speak for myself. And this question is already answered in questions #28 - 30

32. If “love wins,” How would you define love?

Really? You want me to define love? You want me to answer the single largest question of the human experience? What is love, indeed!

33. What verses would you use to establish that definition?

John 15:13

34. How should obedience to God’s commands shape our understanding of love?

Does this question somehow have a different relevance for "the gays"?

35. Do you believe it is possible to love someone and disagree with important decisions they make

Yes.

36. If supporting gay marriage is a change for you, has anything else changed in your understanding of faith?

Yes. Many things. A static, unchanging faith that has "arrived" is probably a dead, inert faith.

37. As an evangelical, how has your support for gay marriage helped you become more passionate about traditional evangelical distinctives like a focus on being born again, the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ on the cross, the total trustworthiness of the Bible, and the urgent need to evangelize the lost?

I’m not sure that I understand this question. Is it “Am I now more or less enthusiastic about the good news of Jesus Christ?” Is that REALLY what you're asking?

38. What open and affirming churches would you point to where people are being converted to orthodox Christianity, sinners are being warned of judgment and called to repentance, and missionaries are being sent out to plant churches among unreached peoples?

There are several in my community. I'm quite proud of the work they're doing.

39. Do you hope to be more committed to the church, more committed to Christ, and more committed to the Scriptures in the years ahead?

uh... really? I have to prove my loyalty?

40. When Paul at the end of Romans 1 rebukes “those who practice such things” and those who “give approval to those who practice them,” what sins do you think he has in mind?

Didn't we answer this in question #8?



EDIT - It was suggested, in the comments section below, that I should take a screen shot of the original post, in case it should be taken down at some point in the future. I thought this to be a sensible piece of advice and have done so.  Thank you.

The Apolitical Army Is a Surrendered Army

Oh! people say, you must be very careful, very judicious.  You must not thrust religion down people’s throats.  Then, I say, you will never get it down.

                                                                             - Catherine Booth, Aggressive Christianity

Though I don’t often make much noise about my rank and title, I am an officer-a Major-in The Salvation Army, that part of the Christian church founded by William and Catherine Booth, with a mission to preach the gospel, and to meet human needs in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination.

Recently, I have been chastised by some in our leadership for being too political. I have been upbraided for being vocal about my opinions. Apparently some of my comrades “vehemently disagree,” with my “political, social [and] spiritual views,” and they have made their disagreement with me known to the leaders at our territorial headquarters.

In a recent email correspondence I was told:

...officers are expected to remain a-political in their association with the Army, understanding that the freedom to exercise their civil rights and political activities are to be done outside of this association. That was easier to do when we could merely say "don't put up political signs in the front yard of your quarters" or "don't wear your uniform to a political rally". However, in a cyber world, our personal identity and actions aren't easily separated from our ministry standards and undertakings as a Salvation Army officer. The lines are more blurred online and we must be even more prudent if we are going to remain effective in our ministry.

And to this I say: Nonsense!  The Salvation Army has never been a-political.  

From Bramwell (son of the founders, and second General) Booth’s participation with journalist William T. Stead in the Eliza Armstrong case to rescue young girls from prostitution and “white slavery” in 1885 (and The Salvation Army work that continues to oppose human trafficking around the globe), to The Salvation Army’s work to reform and eventually close the notorious French penal colony at “Devil’s Island,” to the Salvation Army doughnut girls of World War I, the Salvation Army has, throughout its entire history, been politically active; aggressively so.

“There is no neutral position in a war,” says James H. Cone, "...preaching of the Word presents a crisis situation" (46) and one must make a stand, choose a side. The Army that is apolitical is an army that is no longer storming the forts of darkness to bring them down. The Apolitical army is a surrendered army.

Now, to give some concession to the officer who has criticized me, I recognize that I do not speak for the entire Salvation Army. I recognize that our international organization is large and varied, that there is a diversity of political opinion. I acknowledge and take seriously my responsibility to make clear what is my opinion and what is official Salvation Army policy. But putting on the uniform does not mean that my personal identity, my convictions, my political, social, and spiritual views will disappear. Nor should they be expected to disappear.

Yet I am told:

“If your witness and ministry is important to you - and even more, of greater importance than other ideologies you have embraced - then I encourage you to make your choices based on these priorities.”

Again, I say: Nonsense!

My witness and ministry are not of greater or lesser importance than the ideologies I’ve embraced. They are not divisible quantities that can be separately compartmentalized.  My witness and ministry and ideology are all part of the unified thing that is me.  If I am a socialist in my political thinking (one of those viewpoints that are so vehemently disliked) that is not separate from my faith; I learned my socialism from the Gospels and the Hebrew Bible prophets.  If I argue for full inclusion of LGBTI individuals in the ranks of The Salvation Army (something not yet done) that is not something separate and apart from my preaching of the gospel of grace; it is precisely because of that gospel of grace.

I have opinions, yes. And strong ones. I will be as careful as I can to portray them as my opinions - and to be clear when my opinions differ from others within The Salvation Army, or when my opinions may be at variance with Salvation Army policy, but I will not be neutral. I will not be apolitical. To be apolitical is to surrender to oppressors, and I refuse to surrender when the victory has already been won.

Cone, James H. Black Theology & Black Power.  San Francisco, California: Harper San Francisco, 1969.

This disclaimer can be found on every post I make here, but I put it here again to be clear:

The views, comments, statements and opinions expressed on this Web site do not necessarily represent the official position of The Salvation Army.