Comments for Conversational Theology

Comment on Scripture, Culture and Agriculture by Karyn

Karyn — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:55:41 +0000

This is a terrific book. There was a session on it at SBL2008 also. I appreciate Ellen’s scholarship, and she is also a really wonderful person!

Comment on More on the superiority of Alter’s approach to Hebrew poetry by Jason

Jason — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:22:31 +0000

I have recently read both Alter’s “The Art of Biblical Poetry” and Kugel’s “The Idea of Biblical Poetry.” And, more recently, I have read Kugel’s review of Alter’s work. If Kugel’s accusations that Alter has exhibited a great deal of intellectual dishonesty, I find it quite disheartening, especially since I was greatly inspired by Alter’s work. However, even if Alter did not, as Kugel alleges, take ideas from Kugel without giving proper credit, then there still exists the issues addressed by Kugel regarding Alter’s handling of the biblical texts. Kugel points out a number of issues with Alter’s exegesis and demonstrates that Alter is perhaps not as knowledgeable about the languages (Hebrew and Ugaritic) as his book attempts to display.

Furthermore, I do not agree with Ros’s analysis of Kugel’s handling of poetry. Without having Kugel’s work in front of me, I do not agree that Kugel thinks that poetry is “merely heightened prose.” Kugel does provide a very sobering view of poetry, but it seems only in response to very extravagant models which are overly influenced by later (i.e., later than Hebrew poetry) paradigms of poetry (e.g., Greek metrics).

I any case, I do agree that Kugel’s work does little to inspire the aspiring exegete; and I would love to find a work that combines both Kugel’s erudite analysis and scholarly integrity and Alter’s aesthetic appreciation for poetry.

Comment on If God knew that we would sin, why did he create the world? by Ros

Ros — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:43:43 +0000

Ngomso, you’re half right. The bible was originally written in three languages – most of the Old Testament in Hebrew, the rest of the Old Testament in Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek.

The text that you’ll find in a modern English version has been translated directly from these original languages, using the ancient documents as primary evidence. You can trust what you read there.

Comment on A Modest Proposal by agyapw

agyapw — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:59:37 +0000

It’s absolutely horrid – an unhappy confluence of our society’s disdain for the unborn and for the disabled. It’s not just a modern, Western problem though – historically many societies killed infants they considered “disabled” through exposure or other means. In some countries today, it’s not uncommon for this to be done merely to select the gender of offspring the parents want. The problem is at least partly to do with how we value human life, and it’s really only the Biblical tradition that we’re made in the image of God that makes caring for babies with a disability make sense. The image of God is not absent from those who are weak, disabled or suffering. It is most certainly not absent from individuals who are “a burden on society”. The challenge is not only to care for such people, but also to see them as fully human and worthy of respect. And I’d go so far as to say that only in the church can this really happen as corrupt sinners are restored and united together in Christ.

Comment on If God knew that we would sin, why did he create the world? by Ngomso

Ngomso — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:33:34 +0000

it is said that the bible was written only in latin and greek before i was translated into thousand different languages today. i’d like to know the origin of the text that’s written on the bible.

Comment on If God knew that we would sin, why did he create the world? by angel

angel — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:39:55 +0000

suppose to be let not the deceiver lead you on the wrong path for if it seems easy than its probally wrong but if it is narrow than it is right. Sorry for the mistype.

Comment on If God knew that we would sin, why did he create the world? by angel

angel — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:37:05 +0000

We must endure all that comes our way to be strengthen by God for Jesus endured all for us, so we must also endure for our Savior. To fight the last battle we must have suffered to be made strong through Christ Jesus. Remember always he who is in me is strongest, let the deceiver lead you the wrong path for if it is easy it cant be. If it narrow and hard than that is the way. For nothing is easy but God and Jesus are well worth the suffering that we must endure. I love you all and God Bless You.

Comment on It’s not too late… by pgjackson

pgjackson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:29:24 +0000

I would LOVE to be there but we’re visiting friends that day in Guildford. Hope and pray it goes well.

Comment on It’s not too late… by Ros

Ros — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:31:23 +0000

I’m not in charge of the tech stuff, but yes, I should think there’s a good chance it will be available after the day.

Comment on It’s not too late… by dave bish

dave bish — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:30:09 +0000

No way I could come sadly, will you get it recorded/online?