Kysar on the Fourth Gospel

somewhere in the years since my retirement, I began to realise the utter ridiculousness of many of our historical reconstructions in New Testament studies. It was relatively safe for me to decide that the entire Q hypothesis is a skyscraper built upon the end of a toothpick. However, it was a different matter when I questioned the popular theory that the FG was written soon after the Johnannine Christians were expelled from the synagogue. I am convinced that our historical reconstructions are too fragile to hold the weight of our interpretations. We may be able to unearth literary references to name persons and events. However, when we venture to link events, to propose insights into persons and their actions and in general to construct the ‘meaning of the past,’ we are doomed to claim as true only what profits us.

defining ourselves in relation to others

'When we define ourselves in relation to other people, we experience ourselves as similar to one clearly defined category of people and therefore as different from those in other categories. This process helps us to orientate ourselves in variable social environments by making those environments more predictable and meaningful. Social categorization, however, results in exaggeration and a polarization of perception whereby individuals belonging to different groups are viewed as being more different from each other than they really are, while individuals belonging to the same group are perceived as more similar.'

So I’ve finished my Masters (I hope) and am beginning some prep work for further Phd work.

I want to pursue the world of rabbinics/Jewish studies/Christian origins/New Testament Studies

A good place to start is probably why I want to study and ultimately teach in this area…

1. I was in a discussion some time ago with a friend. We were probably arguing about something (how unusual). I think it was about different approaches and philosophies of youth work. I remember him saying something like ‘most of the issues you are raising are secondary at best. All you need to do is teach the kids to follow Jesus; What Would Jesus Do?’ To which my response was, ‘Which Jesus?’


2. I was listening to a talk some time ago about ‘The Greatest Commandment’. You know, the question someone asks Jesus, ‘Which is the greatest commandment?’ The speaker was a very well educated and intelligent man who I respect immensely. But he went the whole talk without mentioning anything about the context in which it occurred. A quick google search may have unearthed a whole lot of interesting contextual stuff (actually, that’s probably not true. The google search would probably have taken some time, such is the amount of Christian guff commentary that misses the context of the time… ). This question was the question of the day. There were literally hundreds of commandments in the first 5 books of the Bible alone. To ask ‘which one is the greatest’ was to ask a similar question concerning homosexuals in Christian leadership or a question about sex before marriage. That is, to ask ‘which one is the greatest?’ is to ask a question which EVERYONE has an answer to. The answer to this question would say so much more about ones philosophy and worldview and theology and, ultimately, how they understood god. Furthermore, there were at least two main schools at the time in Jewish thought; Hillel and Shammai. Jesus’ answer was close to one school, but not the other.

How could someone speak on this passage and not even mention, even in passing, this context. It would bring it alive to any listener…

I want to be a part of something that helps those who are preparing work for the masses to think of contextual resources as well as modern day commentaries.

3. http://moreaboutthetone.blogspot.com/2009/04/why-i-want-to-study-and-teach-theology.html

4. As one contextualises the Bible, one comes to understand it in a deeper, more helpful way. One small example if that of the work of David Instone-Brewer (google him) on divorce. As he shows what Jesus said about this topic, one may reconsider the ‘traditional’ understanding.

Today, I realised something else. It’s not just about studying the context to understand Jesus or the Bible more fully. This is fine. In fact, it’s great. But there’s more,

‘Rabbinic thought is relevant to every aspect of modern life. The literature explains the meaning of living life to the fullest, in right relationship with God and humanity.’ B. Young, Meet the Rabbis, xviii.

holy moly

'Some would solve the problem of two contradictions, as Arius did, by denying one of them. Others seek less radical solutions and propose that such incompatible ‘truths’ must be held dialectically, that is, that even though they are incompatible, yet both must nonetheless be maintained. The opposition between the truths are held together for the sake of preserving ‘the mystery’. Thus, for example, despite the fact that God’s immutability does conflict with his becoming man, yet both must be held because there is a ‘mystery’ present. I believe that such a dialectic approach to theological issues on the part of systematic theologians is ill-conceived. Such a proposal still approaches theological issues as problems or riddles, but now ones that cannot be solved. To address the mysteries of faith as mysteries, is to clarify why two or more seemingly incompatible truths are not incompatible, and why they actually compliment each other. This demands of Christian systematic theologians far greater creativity, imagination, and philosophical insight than either of the other two approaches.'

T.Weinandy.

talking with purpose

a good friend has started a blog. it should be read

http://talkingwithpurpose.blogspot.com/2011/02/slide-of-holiness.html

also, I'm talking on Saturday about the importance of remembering. I'm very excited.

Is it plagiarizing when you steal your own ideas?

What can Christianity offer that nothing else can?

I was away on our communities weekend this weekend. The speaker was quoting Yancey from 'What's so amazing about Grace?' (I think)

Apparently Yancey was asked by some reasonably famous (can't remember who) 'What can Christianity offer that nothing else can? I can find social awareness elsewhere, I can find charity elsewhere, but what can I find in Christianity that I can't anywhere else?'. Yancey's response was 'Grace'.

Now, I tried to find this quote, but couldn't. So it could be wrong.

However, as I listened, something didn't sit right with me.

Two things struck me

1- who are we to think that we are the only channels of God's grace? That we are the only ones in whom His grace can be found!! That the only place to find Grace is within the Church!?!

2- If I was asked this question, I would have answered differently. I would have answered with a question. I would have tried to get at why he was asking his question. To get at the consumerism behind the question. Because, to me, any approach to God that begins with 'what can I get out of it' or 'what can I get here that I can't anywhere else' or 'why should I join' is destined to fail from the beginning.

hopefully increased fees will result in more of this...

An email I received today from my university:

During wintry conditions all staff should take extra care while driving and walking on campus.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that paths and car parks are kept clear of ice and snow, staff/students should continue to exercise caution when walking or driving on the campus even after grit/salt has been applied. In order for gritting/salting to be effective it is necessary for a degree of foot and/or vehicle traffic to take place.

Safety Tips
Here are some helpful hints from winter-safety experts that will reduce the risk of falling when slippery conditions exist:

Avoid walking in shoes that have smooth surfaces, which increase the risk of slipping.

Walk consciously. Be alert to the possibility that you could quickly slip on an unseen patch of ice. Avoid the temptation to run to catch a bus or beat traffic when crossing a street.

Walk cautiously. Your arms help keep you balanced, so keep hands out of pockets and avoid carrying heavy loads that may cause you to become off balance.

Walk "small." Look ahead of where you step. When you step on icy areas, take short, shuffling steps and walk as flatfooted as possible.

Remove snow immediately from footwear before it becomes packed or turns to ice.

Issued by the Estates Department.