1) The advice of the authors that we need to find the literal and historical backgrounds hinges on the principle in the introduction, which says that the text can never mean what it never meant originally. Is it ever okay to read into the text? If so, when can it be? For instance, I've heard it said, "Jesus is the greater Moses who rescued humanity from slavery." If the Gospel authors never believed that, is that a legitimate statement?
2) For a deeper attempt to critically examine the question above, read Matthew 1-2. Are there events described about Jesus that parallel the life of Moses? If you believe so, do you think this makes the statement above about Jesus and Moses legitimate? But, if the author had non-historical intentions, like making parallels between Jesus and Moses, can that narrative in Matthew be historically doubted?
3) For fun, and in keeping with the structure described on 56-57, practice writing your own "real letter". Length is irrelevant. We'll share in our next meet!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Discussion Questions: What to look for in the Intro
1) Why do the authors say that everyone who reads the Bible is an interpreter?
Do you agree?
2) What about the nature of scripture demands that we interpret it?
Do you agree with that???
3) Pertaining to the Bible, what is inerrancy, infallibility, and authority?
What do the authors say that challenges your notion of any of those things, whether you believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible or not?
4) Remember how the authors use 'exegesis' and 'hermeneutics'. Those words will come up all over our bible study.
Do you agree?
2) What about the nature of scripture demands that we interpret it?
Do you agree with that???
3) Pertaining to the Bible, what is inerrancy, infallibility, and authority?
What do the authors say that challenges your notion of any of those things, whether you believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible or not?
4) Remember how the authors use 'exegesis' and 'hermeneutics'. Those words will come up all over our bible study.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Study schedule
New
Testament Epistles: Paul
Schedule:
Jan Week 1:
Introduction to the Bible Study
Jan Week 2: How
To Read the Bible For All Its Worth:
Introduction
Jan Week 3: How
To Read the Bible For All Its Worth:
Epistles: Learning to Think Contextually
Jan Week 4: How
To Read the Bible For All Its Worth:
Epistles: The Hermeneutical Questions
-
Term Week 1: 1
& 2 Thessalonians
Term Week 2: 1
Corinthians
Term Week 3: 2
Corinthians
Term Week 4:
Galatians
Term Week 5:
Romans 1-8
Term Week 6:
Romans 9-16
Term Week 7:
Colossians & Philemon
Term Week 8:
Ephesians
Term Week 9:
Philippians
Term Week 10:
1 Timothy
Term Week 11:
Titus
Term Week 12: 2
Timothy
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
What This Blog Is About
This blog is my bible study's way of getting the needed chapters out there. Focusing on the New Testament epistles, we'll be finding out what the books are actually about, rather than taking a theme and using Scripture to analyze that theme. The first few weeks of January will be spent reading and discussing practical principles of bible study in How To Read the Bible For All Its Worth. Once the term begins we will have knocked out a bunch of material as a foundation and then dive into the Scriptures.
Though I am a Christian, my approach will allow for benefits to be enjoyed by all sorts of people. Even if you don't agree with my beliefs, you'll learn quite a bit about text criticism, New Testament history, etc anyway.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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