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Natalie Portman, Idolatry, and Ancient Judaism
Read more: Natalie Portman, Idolatry, and Ancient JudaismHave you seen this recent report about Natalie Portman and her Oscar trophy? Apparently, she thinks of it as something of an idol. Here are her thoughts: “I don’t know where it is,” Portman told The Hollywood Reporter when asked about where she keeps the Best Actress Oscar she won in 2010 for her role…
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Carrie & Lowell: A Reflection
Read more: Carrie & Lowell: A ReflectionSufjan Stevens’ new album, Carrie & Lowell, has been out for over a month now, but I’ve only had the chance to listen to it for the past week. I had pre-ordered it a while back and mistakenly assumed that it would automatically download to my account and so I spent a few weeks wondering when…
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The Resurrection and Singleness
Read more: The Resurrection and SinglenessThis past Saturday we completed our third annual online academic conference, Ecclesia and Ethics. This year our focus was on Human Sexuality. We heard several great papers from speakers like Jenell Paris, Tremper Longman III, Preston Sprinkle, Wesley Hill, Irmtraud Fischer, Mark Yarhouse, Andrew Marin, Frank Heinrich, Gabriel Dy-Liacco, and many others. If you’re interested…
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Ecclesia and Ethics III: Human Sexuality
Read more: Ecclesia and Ethics III: Human SexualityI am very excited to announce that the third installment of Ecclesia and Ethics is just around the corner! This year our main theme will be: Human Sexuality. Registration is now officially open; the cost of admission is $10, which goes straight to charity. You can find information for registration here. Be sure to tell…
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My New Article in the Scottish Journal of Theology
Read more: My New Article in the Scottish Journal of TheologyI’m excited that my article, “Suffering and Covenantal Hope in Galatians: A Critique of the ‘Apocalyptic Reading’ and Its Proponents,” is finally in print, appearing in the newest issue of the Scottish Journal of Theology (68.1 [2015]: 1–15). The paper was originally presented in the Paul Group at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the British…
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Esther and Her Elusive God (Reviewed)
Read more: Esther and Her Elusive God (Reviewed)Two weeks ago the newest issue of Themelios (39.3 [2014]: 517–519) contained a review of my Esther book by Dr. Ched Spellman. This is the fourth review that I’ve come across (see the other reviews by Brian C. LePort, Joel Watts, and Brant Clements) and the first one in a journal. I’m grateful for the…
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Giant Faith
Read more: Giant FaithAs most of you already know, the San Francisco Giants are World Champions. And as most of you probably know, that fact makes me very happy. This postseason run was incredible, and I’d say this year’s victory was the sweetest of the past three (#Dynasty). The series was incredible! Of the seven games, five were…
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Foreigners On Other Planets
Read more: Foreigners On Other PlanetsLast week Deseret News put out an article on how various religious groups would respond to the discovery of life on other planets. It’s an interesting article and you should check it out here. A religious survey was conducted by Prof. David Weintraub who teaches astronomy at Vanderbilt. Among the highlights of his study is…
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Biblical (il)Literacy
Read more: Biblical (il)LiteracyDr. Ken Berding is leading the charge to improve biblical literacy in our culture. Dr. Berding is Professor of New Testament at my alma mater, Biola University (he taught me Greek!). Dr. Berding is passionate about this subject, having written an article in the newest edition of the Biola Magazine entitled, “The Crisis of Biblical…
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Faith, Doubt, and Justin Welby
Read more: Faith, Doubt, and Justin WelbyJust before the weekend, the Guardian and the Huffington Post reported that Justin Welby, the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, sometimes doubts the existence of God. When I saw this story pop up on my Facebook newsfeed I almost neglected to read the article. “So what?” was my initial thought. Making this a news story stems…