Bruce Metzger, RIP

I've just heard that Bruce Metzger has died. His contributions to biblical studies are numerous, and I have benefited from his scholarship. In addition to his broad expertise on New Testament-related issues he was, from what I have read elsewhere and deduced from his own writings, a fine Christian. He will be missed. (HT: Evangelical Textual Criticism.)

Update:
An obituary for Metzger is featured on the Princeton Seminary newsletter here, as well as on the SBL site.

Volf on Iraq War

Oh, I meant to highlight this post by Miroslav Volf on the Christian response to the Iraq War. While I certaintly don't agree with all he says--and feel he over simplifies the modern context of wars (as noted by one commenter)--I do feel that we as Christians should be extremely hesitant about under what conditions we would sanction acts of war that could (no, will) have lamentable consequences. I remember listening to a lecture given by as conservative a figure as Alan Keyes (sp?) on the immorality of the US intervention in the Balkan conflict due to the repercusions in terms of loss of innocent life; in my opinion, many of the same arguments can be applied to the Iraq conflict. However, on the whole, I recognize (contra to many) that many of the geo-political reasons given for invading Iraq were legitimate, even if on strategic grounds I was against the decision and on moral ones I was ambivalent. I am one confused puppy. The short of it is, however, that I feel that we need to engage the ideas proposed by Volf--however much some of us may cringe at the oversimplification in Volf's position--since Christians by the nature of their calling are required to evaluate issues from a unique vantage point.

Gotta Love Snow

It's a wintery day in NE. Today's blanketing was a welcome semi-surprise for me, someone who loves the white stuff (fyi: that's snow, not cocaine). Too bad classes couldn't have been called off; instead, I had to commute 1 1/2 hours to school for one afternoon class--the worst. Hope every one in the New England area is enjoying the long-awaited Jack Frost. (I'll take a picture and post it later for you non-NE folk, though, having had snow already in your parts of the country, it will seem a non-event.)

Service a la Paul

Okay, blogger sabbatical is over. I'm happy to be back if truth be told. Guess I kinda started to miss pontificating. Our small group is commencing what will be--I hope--a life changing interaction with 1 Thessalonians. For me this letter is very apt for our small community in the South End. Radiating from Paul's pen (so to speak) is his ardent love for a group of new believers; his willingness to give up all for their well being is hard to miss.

Two sections of the letter, both in chapter 2, particularly jump off the page for me. Defending--or recommiting to the record (?)--his manner of service among the young church, Paul says in 2.7-8: "But we were very gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only te gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." Later in the chapter he goes on to exclaim: "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy."

This for me is what living life together is all about--giving of ourselves on behalf of others and exalting in the realization of the other's ascendency in faith. I hope to be an emulator of Paul in this respect and to see others in the CG become so as well.

Everything is Illuminated

A couple days ago P. and I watched Everything is Illuminated. Loved it. I think the wife wasn't so pleased on account of its heavy subject matter, but I thought it was rather profound--sad and hopeful at the same time. Anybody else seen this flick? If so, what did you think of it.

Beware the Female

As part of one of my classes I'm currently reading the Apocrypha, which, except for 1/2 Maccabees, I've never dipped into. It's really enjoyable reading, I must say. Here's a great line from the book of Judith, enclosed within a celebratory song of praise recounting the deeds of Judith, whereby the people of Israel are delivered from the Assyrians.

(BTW: Judith seduced the Assyrian captain and, when he was drunk, cut off his head.)

"Her sandal ravished his eyes,
Her beauty captivated his mind,
and the sword severed his neck!"

Back when I was a little more cynical of the female species, I would have said that this utterance well summed up my thoughts.

Oddities

So, I've noticed lately a number of odd things that I do. Perhaps this is due to old age. And if so, at least I can be appreciative that I'm aware of my descent into senility. Please chime in with your own odd behavior if you can determine that such exists (ask a friend, spouse, or family member if not; trust me, it's best to known). Here's just a couple of things I noticed last week:

1) I'm really beginning to talk to myself. Out loud. About random things. A lot.

2) I'm hording napkins like the world is ending. Not quite sure why, but any chance I get, I stuff my pockets with 'em. My pants pockets, my shorts, and even my jackets. Why?

iGod on Pauline Chronology

Check out this hilarious chat b/w Mark Goodacre and iGod about Pauline chronology. Yes, I should be studying.

Decisions

What does the future hold? In May, P. and I will have (theoretically) completed our respetive academic programs. (Much to my chagrin, she will be a "doctor" and I will be only, well, a "master"; actually, master sounds more important. Don't you think?) At that time we will have to make some decisions about the next few years and possibly beyond. I've never been good at making decisions, especially big ones. For being the big picture kind of guy I claim to be, I sure am pretty devoid of big plans.

My style of leadership in marriage is to make ad hoc decisions and then work feveriously to provide some sort of rationale that commands assent. A friend of mine graciously put a positive spin on this by noting that this is what makes us so flexible. (Thanks, Jas.) Unfortunately, I think this is really a reflection of my inability (unwillingness?) to sense God's will in matters. Long ago I latched onto the idea propounded by another friend that God's will is something worked out in our lives as we walk with him, and not a plan to that he always reveals to us. There is much truth to this--though my wife doesn't like this concept--but perhaps in my life this has become an excuse for doing what seems right to me.

And what seems right to me, or my desires, are part of my decision-making rationale. Because I am so much a prisoner of my own thoughts, I can't seem to access the mind of God, and thus am only able to fall back on dreams. These dreams I then deem to be desires that God has placed on my heart. You can see how this works; it's all very circular. (Yet another friend, upon hearing my doubts about my own "dreams theory," advised that I trust but verify--though scripture and prayer. Why can't I come up with such advice?)

All this is to say that I have a bad history when it comes to big decisions, and several are on the horizon. I (we) want our decision(s) to be grounded in God's will--whatever that means. The temptation is to be moved by practical concerns which, in my disillusionment with the way of illusion (idealism?), sounds like a safe and pretty nice way to make a decision at this point.

Ethiopian Super Natural

I'm off to class but before going I wanted to put in a good word for the coffee I had this morning. When I was in Peets Coffee the other day, shopping for my drug of choice, I noticed that a new bean was being featured--Ethiopian Super Natural--hailing from the Yirgacheffe region. I'm a big fan of Yirgacheffe beans in general, so I put up the extra cash ($18, I think) for this limited offering. This is terrific coffee. Very smooth with a slight cherry flavor. If you have access to a Peets Coffee and Tea store near you, I recommend you try this coffee.

Birthday

Well, I've entered the third decade of my life. It's all downhill from here. As far as wisdom goes, there's nothing I can point to as having been acquired in the last year that makes 30 an important landmark. However, what I have gained, and what means the most to me, is friendship. That's why my wife's birthday gift was excedingly special and memorable. The opportunity to spend time with our closest Boston friends on Saturday and Sunday nights meant a lot to me and will always be remembered. Thanks, guys, for your friendship. May I be as good a friend as you all are to me.

Beer Update

So, P. and I made our bi-monthly trip to Marty's Liquor and Fine Foods last night. As it was the eve of my b-day, the missus let me choose the beverage. She, of course, was hoping I'd opt for the Belgian Lefe that was on sale--a fine choice by any standards--but I had my eye on the Bavarian Dobbelbock from Ayinger called Celebrator. I had had a brew from Ayinger before (a lager, as I recall) at my favorite area beer bar, The Publick House, but I had never tried this offering. The slightly metallic taste that greeted my palate I choose to attribute to the beer's having sat on the store shelf for a lengthy period of time (the bottles were dusty). The finish, however, was terrific. And yes, I did keep the ram.


Lest anyone think that I'm a selfish ogre when it comes to beer selection, let me hasten to add that on a previous trip to Marty's, P. had chosen the beer, and in so doing had significantly bolstered her credibility. She chose a lager produced by Christian Moerlein, a brewery of which we were unaware until then. It turned out to be a diamond in the rough. Here I am enjoying a sip in my prized Dogfish Head (another fine outfit, IMO) mug.

Of course, I had to get an old favorite of mine while I was there--Mackeson XXX Stout. Several reviewers at the Beer Advocate seem not to be impressed with this libation, but it holds a fond place in my (beer) gut. I was introduced to this brew while in college; it was featured as part of Old Chicago's Around the World Beer Tour. Here I am enjoying the dark substance in my Guinness beer mug via St. James Gate, Dublin.

My Program

Wow, I cannot believe it has been almost a month since I've last posted. Since that time I have quit my job, cleaned my apartment (including designating books for reassignment, sniff), and registered for and begun classes. It's been busy around here. While I'm a little apprehensive about whether I can cut in the academic life, I'm excited about the subjects I'll be studying. Here's what I'll be taking (since all are dying to know):

I. Fall Semester:

A. Seminar in Biblical Theology (research in topics and methodology, G.C.)
B. First Images of Jesus Christ (early christian Jesus devotion, Har.)
C. Readings in Second Temple Jewish Literature (directed study, G.C.)
D. New Testament Textual Criticism (directed study, G.C.)--thanks to the bloggers at Evangelical Textual Criticism for their assistance.

II. Spring Semester (tentative):

A. Exegesis of Mark (G.C.)
B. Exegesis in the Minor Prophets (G.C.)
C. Pauline Theology Post New Perspective (directed study, G.C.)
D. The Septuagint (H.C.)

Effects of Wine

Michael Gilleland has a great post up entitled "Some Effects of Wine." Check it out here. I would have to concur with the ancients and plead guilty on all three counts.

See also his post on "Good Advice." Beautiful poetry from Horace et al.

Young Adults and Church

There's a post up over at Out of Ur that questions why young adults are "not finding their places in their parents' churches." Along the same lines, Andy Rowell links to an interview with Sarah Cunningham, author of Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation, over at Paradoxoloy.

Teaching Sitting Down

Edward Cook at Ralph the Sacred River has an interesting post up about instruction in antiquity. Check it out here. (HT: Michael Gilleland).

Dramatic Entrance

One thing that always strikes me when reading the first three chapters of Mark is the sense of something new that is happening--something startling, remarkable, life altering. Jesus Christ, the very Son of God!, has entered human history. The combined Isaiahic/Malachiac prophecy, the prophet's preparation, the descent of the Spirit and approval of the father, and the special trial of tempting in the wilderness--all bear witness that something extraordinary is occuring with Jesus' arrival on the stage of human(/divine) history. It should come as no surprise, then, that Jesus proclaims the "gospel of God" and announces that "the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand." Everything has changed with the coming of this Jew from Nazareth. We see here the culmination of God's revelatory expressions of the past, yet also the beginning of a new chapter in his relationship with humankind.

"Repent and believe in the gospel," is the response urged by Jesus, and it is the only natural one given what we come to learn about Jesus' identity and purpose in Mark's Gospel. Do we feel the urgency and excitement that is required for such a response? Most of Jesus' contemporaries either didn't understand or were too obstinate or enthralled with the security that their positions of wealth and/or power afforded them to respond appropriately. Clearly some realized the import of Jesus' appearance, life, death, and resurrection; Mark writes to individuals and communities who came to faith as a result of those who responded appropriately to the Messiah.
How today can we recapture the the amazement--the sense of awe, wonder, and fear--that is fitting for those who understand the significance of the Son of God's presence and mission? I don't know the answer. I do know that I'm not where the disciples were, who "immediately left their nets and followed him."

9/11 Recordings

NYC just released audio and transcript files of Sept. 11 calls handled by emergency personnel. Most of the calls involve firefighters but several are of civilians trapped in the towers. I just finished listening to this one, which was used in the Moussaoui trial, and feel physically sick. Towards the middle of the recording (as with all the other recordings) the voice of the caller is bleeped out, but the caller's voice is retained in the first portion. As disturbing as it is to hear the horrors of the situation, it's worth listening to as a reminder of what so many people went through that day.

Theology and Faith

Steven over at Theology and Biblical Studies gives an autobiographical post on the impact that studying theology had on his faith. Coming from bible country, I can relate to much of what he says, especially the part about Josh McDowell's book.

Return of the Imam

Ok, here's a very scary thought regarding Iran and the end times--but not in the way you think. Noted ME scholar Bernard Lewis suggests a sinister motive behind Ahmadinejad's August 22 deadline. Is the latter hoping to inaugurate the return of the Hidden Imam?