Proslavery advocates in the antebellum American South developed elaborate arguments attempting to justify slavery using the Bible. The primary biblical argument was that slavery was sanctioned and regulated in both the Old and New Testaments. Proslavery writers cited passages such as those in Leviticus and Ephesians to argue that God ordained slavery. Abolitionists also used the Bible but interpreted its teachings as condemning slavery and upholding the equality of all people. How the Bible is interpreted and applied is important, as interpreting it in a way that claims absolute certainty can contribute to violence.
The Bible is full of stories about leadership, a quality that anyone can possess if they choose to willingly set their life to serve God and others. Great examples of profound leadership can be found in the Holy Scriptures. The bible teaches us what a great leader could and should be as well as how they should carry themselves. Visit us at bibilium.com, a Wholesome Christian Blog that caters to the need of every member of the family. Spread the Love and Share the Joy. Celebrate the amazing goodness of God in your lives.
In the Bible, many women are mentioned as mighty leaders and faith-filled prophets of God. These women faced great trials and tribulations and overcame them with faith and endurance. These ordinary people made unprecedented decisions that transformed them into extraordinary legends. They had a high level of conviction and determination that only a few people could match up to their exceptional standards. Here are 12 examples of strong and influential women leaders in the Bible that can teach us very important lessons on leadership in times of struggle, unease, and discord. Visit us at bibilium.com, a wholesome Christian blog that caters to the need of every member of the family. Spread the Love and Share the Joy. Celebrate the amazing goodness of God in your lives.
YAH reveals a remnant seven thousands have not bowed to the image of Baal (false god-Romans 11:4; 1 King 19:14). Sadly, vast amount of Hebrew Israelites demonstrated a hardening of the heart, which means deafness, blind, and numbness to spirituality. YAH has established a special relationship with Israel whereas through them the world would come to know Yahweh. Salvation is to the Hebrews first, the chosen I have given my spoken Word.
Zurich Files - Weapon Of Mass DestructionZurich Files
Zurich Files - Weapon Of Mass Destruction --/-- contraception, and the harmful effects of hormones re-entering the food chain --/-- The Pharaoh Show; eugenics, depopulation; Luciferian Secret Societies, Freemasons, masons, illuminati, mind-controlled slaves; the parasitic "interior enemy".
The Bible is full of stories about leadership, a quality that anyone can possess if they choose to willingly set their life to serve God and others. Great examples of profound leadership can be found in the Holy Scriptures. The bible teaches us what a great leader could and should be as well as how they should carry themselves. Visit us at bibilium.com, a Wholesome Christian Blog that caters to the need of every member of the family. Spread the Love and Share the Joy. Celebrate the amazing goodness of God in your lives.
In the Bible, many women are mentioned as mighty leaders and faith-filled prophets of God. These women faced great trials and tribulations and overcame them with faith and endurance. These ordinary people made unprecedented decisions that transformed them into extraordinary legends. They had a high level of conviction and determination that only a few people could match up to their exceptional standards. Here are 12 examples of strong and influential women leaders in the Bible that can teach us very important lessons on leadership in times of struggle, unease, and discord. Visit us at bibilium.com, a wholesome Christian blog that caters to the need of every member of the family. Spread the Love and Share the Joy. Celebrate the amazing goodness of God in your lives.
YAH reveals a remnant seven thousands have not bowed to the image of Baal (false god-Romans 11:4; 1 King 19:14). Sadly, vast amount of Hebrew Israelites demonstrated a hardening of the heart, which means deafness, blind, and numbness to spirituality. YAH has established a special relationship with Israel whereas through them the world would come to know Yahweh. Salvation is to the Hebrews first, the chosen I have given my spoken Word.
Zurich Files - Weapon Of Mass DestructionZurich Files
Zurich Files - Weapon Of Mass Destruction --/-- contraception, and the harmful effects of hormones re-entering the food chain --/-- The Pharaoh Show; eugenics, depopulation; Luciferian Secret Societies, Freemasons, masons, illuminati, mind-controlled slaves; the parasitic "interior enemy".
LESSON 2 COURSE MATERIALS Capitalism and RaceProtestant Work Et.docxjesssueann
LESSON 2 COURSE MATERIALS: Capitalism and Race
Protestant Work Ethic Lecture
You’ve been reading about the connections between capitalism and racism, as well as classism, sexism and heterosexism in Allan Johnson’s Privilege Power and Difference, so I thought that I might make that connection a bit clearer for you by helping you to
think about the conditions that led to the founding of our nation.
The mythology of our nation says that we are a nation that was founded by European
immigrants, who leaving the tyranny of the Roman Catholic Church, came to what is
now called the North American Continent and settled the rough and woolly land the
native inhabitants had not appreciated enough to develop. The story we tell about who
we are does not treat the indigenous peoples (Native Americans) as if they had been
here for thousands of years before Europeans ‘discovered’ this land. (How one can
discover someone’s living room I’ll never understand.) But there were people living here
when the Puritans (this is the term that the European settlers used for themselves,
referring to their religious practice) were red, and the Europeans brought Africans with
them as part of sailing crews, so right from the beginnings of what became the United
States, there was a multi-racial, multi-cultural population, contrary to what most of us
are taught to conceive.
These Puritans left so that they could find a place where they would no longer
experience what they perceived to be religious discrimination from the Church, and so
when they landed, they formed their governmental structures based on their religious
beliefs. So we must understand a bit about these beliefs if we are to understand how
our current belief system (beliefs about what it means to be an American) began. Have
you ever heard of the phrase The Protestant Work Ethic? Let me explain a bit about this
concept.Under theology of reformers or protesters against the Catholic Church’s corruption, thinkers like John Calvin of Calvinism fame, really hated that the Catholic Church had spent centuries by this time selling “places in heaven.” In response to this practice, Calvin and others developed a theory which we refer to as Predestination. According to the theory of predestination, there is something like only 144,000 (I’m not being precise here on purpose) places in heaven. Along with this understanding, comes the belief that when God created the world, being omniscient—knowing everything that ever has happened and ever will happen—He knows who will end up in heaven and who will not. The thing is, we humans on earth don’t know. But if you are setting up a society based on religion, knowing who will end up with God and who will end up with Satan could be valuable. But they also believed that God’s ways are not known to man, so they had to come up with a human way of telling who was good and who was bad.
Now think for a minute. If you had moved to a new continent covered with forest that the .
It is not our intention to create issues surrounding this document. It is presented here only for it's historical significance. We make no claim to agree with the writer. If we are to understand the events of the past, we must understand the issues they faced and why. This ebook presents part of that why and was written well over 150 years ago.
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RELIGIONANDAMERICANCULTUREA Reader Second Edition.docxaudeleypearl
RELIGION
AND
AMERICAN
CULTURE
A Reader
Second Edition
David G. Hackett
Editor
Routledge
New York and London
Canaan land is the land for me,
And let God’s saints come in.
There was a wicked man,
He kept them children in Egypt land.
Canaan land is the land for me,
And let God’s saints come in.
God did say to Moses one day,
Say, Moses, go to Egypt land,
And tell him to let my people go.
Canaan land is the land forme,
And let God’s saints come in.
-Slave Spiritual
4
AFRICAN AMERICANS, EXODUS,
AND THE AMERICAN ISRAEL
Albert J. Raboteau
IN THE encounter with European Christianity in its Protestant form in North America,
enslaved Africans and their descendants encountered something new: a fully articulated
ritual relationship with the Supreme Being, who was pictured in the book that the Chris
tians called the Bible not just as the Creator and Ruler of the Cosmos, but also as the God
of History, a God who lifted up and cast down nations and peoples, a God whose sovereign
will was directing all things toward an ultimate end, drawing good out of evil. As the trans
planted Africans reflected upon the evil that had befallen them and their parents, they in
creasingly turned to the language, symbols, and worldview of the Christian holy book.
There they found a theology of histo "y that helped them to make sense of their enslave
ment. One story in particular caught their attention and fascinated them with its implica
tions and potential applications to their own situation: the story of Exodus. What they did
with that ancient story of the Near East is the topic of this essay. 1 begin by surveying the
history of evangelization among the slaves in order to situate and define the Christianity
that confronted them in North America. Then I describe what slaves and free blacks made
of Christianity by focusing on their interpretation of the Exodus story, an interpretation
which differed drastically, as we shall see, from that of white Americans.
CONVERSION
from the beginning of the Atlantic slave trade, Europeans claimed that the conversion of
slaves to Christianity justified the enslavement of Africans. Yet the conversion of slaves was
not a high priority for colonial planters. British colonists in North America proved espe-
dally indifferent, if not downright hostile, to the conversion of their slaves. At first, opposi-
hon Was based on the suspicion that English law forbade the enslavement of Christians
and so would require slaveholders to emancipate any slave who received baptism. Masters
^spected that slaves would therefore seek to be baptized in order to gain freedom. These
ars were quickly allayed by colonial legislation declaring that baptism did not alter slave
status.
^Vith the legal obstacles aside, slaveowners for the most part still demonstrated scant in-
tew •
L m converting their slaves. According to the common wisdom, Christianity spoiled
RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE
slaves. Christian slaves thought ...
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptx
barrington presbyterian bible
1.
2.
3. O God, whose love makes
us one family,
May your unspeakable
Name be revered.
Here on earth may your commonwealth
come.
On earth, as in heaven, may your
dreams come true.
4. Give us today our bread for
today.
Forgive us our wrongs as we
forgive.
Lead us away from the perilous trial;
liberate us from the evil.
5. For the kingdom is yours and yours alone,
the power is yours and yours alone, and the glory
is yours and yours alone,
Now and forever. Amen.
6. The Bible is too
important (and
dangerous) to be
left to those who
don’t think
critically about it ...
8. The African slave trade spanned 450 years. It involved the kidnapping of 11.5 million
Africans. Billions of people today still profit and suffer in the aftermath of it.
9.
10.
11.
12. “Nothing is more susceptible to oblivion than
an argument, however ingenious, that has been
discredited by events; and such is the case
with the body of writing which was produced
in the antebellum South in defense of Negro
slavery.”
Eric McKitrick, Slavery Defended: The Views
of the Old South (1963).
13. From 1830 through the 1850’s, slavery was
defended in the United States as just,
Biblical, and good.
Sources:
William S. Jenkins, Pro-Slavery Thought in
the Old South (1935)
Larry E. Tise, Proslavery: A History of the
Defense of Slavery in America, 1701-1840
(UGA Press: 1987)
14. Tise studied the writings of 275 leading pro-
slavery ministers of the day.
1. They came from all over the United States,
not just the South.
2. They came from all denominations:
Presbyterian (almost 30 percent)
Episcopalian (20 percent)
Baptist (17 percent)
Plus Unitarian, Roman Catholic, and Jewish.
1. Old South and Northern proslavery
advocates echoed British and West Indian
proslavery writers from 1770-1830.
15. In addition to tracts and pamphlets, there were many nonfiction proslavery
books, such as …
An Inquiry into the Law of Negro Slavery (1858) (reprinted by
the UGA Press in 1999), Thomas R. R. Cobb (lawyer
from Georgia). Cobb authored the Confederate
Constitution and the Georgia Constitution of 1861, and
was one of the founders of the UGA School of Law. In
1860, upon South Carolina’s secession from the Union,
he painted large letters on his house:
“RESISTANCE TO ABOLITION IS
OBEDIENCE TO GOD.”
Became a general in the Confederate army, died in 1862 at the Battle of
Fredericksburg defending slavery.
16.
17.
18. There were also many novels, counterpart to Uncle Tom’s
Cabin, such as:
Nellie Norton: or, Southern Slavery and the
Bible: A Scriptural Refutation of the
Principal Arguments Upon Which the
Abolitionists Rely: A Vindication of
Southern Slavery From the Old and New
Testaments, (1864)
by Ebenezer Willis Warren, an obscure 44-year old Protestant clergyman
from Macon, GA. Last major defense of slavery in the U.S.
19. Story begins in November 1859, ends in July 1860.
Nellie Norton, beautiful young New Englander, believes slavery is cruel.
Travels with mother to Savannah to visit relatives who own a plantation
with slaves. She becomes convinced, after long arguments, that …
Slave-owners are victims of “malignant abuse” and “wicked and
malicious slander” by ignorant, arrogant Northerners.
“the world is wrong [on the issue of human slavery], and
the South must set it right;”
“the world is in error, and is dependent upon the South for
the truth;”
“the welfare of the negro is best promoted when he is
under the restraints of slavery;”
“slavery is the normal condition of the negro.”
As the novel ends, Nellie falls in love with a wonderful slaveowner,and turns
her home into a hospital for wounded confederate soldiers.
21. 1. The Inferiority Argument:
William S. Jenkins notes: “The entire pro-slavery thought
was imbued with the belief of Negro inferiority.”
In Nellie Norton, blacks are said to be “exceptions to the
common brotherhood” of man, and are:
“sensual and stupid, lazy, improvident, and vicious …
an ignorant, degraded, indolent people … [could]
never ... be equal with the white man.”
Their inferiority was “designed by their creator [i.e.,
God].”
22. 2. The Southern Paradise Argument
More from Nellie Norton:
“The slaves have many rights. The right of life and limb, the right to be fed
and clothed, to be nursed when sick, and cared for in old age when
they become helplessly infirm. They are rightfully entitled to
protection from ill treatment…”
Adult slaves are “happy Ethiopians” with “bright countenance[s], ... smiling
face[s], and ivory teeth” who “are fed bountifully, clothed well, nursed
when indisposed, and afforded [a] suitable diet.” They “talk, and
laugh, and sing, and pat, and dance,” and are constantly “singing,
dancing, laughing, chattering.”
Slavemasters are “highly cultivated ... men of superior general intelligence,
refined, polite, [and] genteel … I know of no case where the master
lives on his plantation with his slaves but what they are treated with
justice and moderation.”
23. 3. Historical Realism Argument
“The truth is, the world never has, and never
can exist without slavery in some form…
Where is the country or the period of
history wherein slavery did not exist in
some shape or other? ... Slavery has
always existed, and will continue so long
as there is a disparity in the intellect or
energy of men.”
- from Nellie Norton
24. 4. The Ad Hominem Argument
In Nellie Norton …
Abolitionists are “ruthless” and “fanatical.”
They take positions “which embody the worst forms
of infidelity ever known to the world.”
They are sounding “the funeral knell of a pure
Christianity.”
“I tell you, [Abolitionists] an offense against God, the
Bible, religion, the peace of the Christian world,
and against common sense, and the more
enlightened experience of the age.”
25. 5. The Biblical Argument
Probably ... the most elaborate and systematic
statement of any of the types of pro-
slavery argument.” (William S. Jenkins)
Leviticus 25:44-46 (relating to the buying,
keeping, and inheriting of slaves) was “the
rock of Gibraltar in the Old Testament”
justification of slavery. Proslavery
characters in Nellie Norton refer to it
repeatedly.
26. Leviticus 25:
Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou
shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round
about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and
bondmaids. Moreover of the children of the
strangers that do sojourn among you, of them
shall ye buy, and of their families that are with
you, which they begat in your land; and they
shall be your possession. And ye shall take them
as an inheritance for your children after you, to
inherit them for a possession; they shall be your
bondmen for ever.
27. Other passages in the Old Testament frequently cited by Old
South proslavers--
Exodus 21:2-6 (relating to the slavery of poor Hebrews)
Deuteronomy 15:16-17 (also relating to the slavery of poor
Hebrews)--
Genesis 9:26-27 (relating to the curse of Canaan to legitimize
racism)
“There is nothing, not one word, in the Old
Testament to condemn, but very much to
establish, enforce, and regulate slavery.”
(Proslaver to Nellie Norton)
28. Proslavers in Nellie Norton assert that the New
Testament confirms the Old Testament
witness. The Golden Rule is not
inconsistent with human slavery, they say.
In fact, slavery is a form of neighborliness
because it puts slaves in better conditions
than in Africa, and exposes them to
Christian influences, a theme known as
“the Ennoblement of the Heathen” which
was also used to justify treatment of the
Native Peoples.
29. New Testament Passages in Nellie Norton:
Ephesians 6:5-8 (exhorting servants to be obedient to their
masters)
Titus 2:9-10 (also exhorting servants to be obedient to their
masters)
Colossians 3:22-24 (requiring slaves to obey their masters)
“…in the catalogue of sins denounced by the Savior
and His Apostles, slavery is not once mentioned
… not one word is said by the prophets, apostles,
or the holy Redeemer against slavery … the
Apostles admitted slaveholders and their slaves
to church membership, without requiring a
dissolution of the relation.”
30. Additional quotes from Nellie Norton:
“…slavery is right, and its enforcement is according to the
Scripture,”
“…slavery is taught in the Bible, and instituted in Heaven,”
“…God has ordained slavery,”
“…slavery was made perpetual by the positive enactment of
heaven,”
“…there cannot be found ... in the Bible a single injunction to
slaveholders to liberate those held by them in bondage.”
To speak against slavery “is to abominate the law of God, and the
sentiments inculcated by his holy prophets and apostles.”
A slave “cannot sunder bonds which bind him to his earthly
master, without breaking those which unite him morally to
his Redeemer.”
31. Nellie Norton:
“… the Bible is a pro-slavery Bible,
and God is a pro-slavery God,”
“… the North must give up the Bible
and religion, or adopt our views of
slavery.”
32. John Saffin, another proslaver of the period, wrote:
Since Abraham owned slaves …
… our Imitation of him in this Moral Action is
as warrantable as that of [adopting] his
Faith. God set different Orders and
Degrees of Men in the World ... some to be
High and Honourable, some to be Low and
Despicable… Servants of sundry sorts and
degrees, bound to obey; yea, some to be
born Slave, and so to remain during their
lives.
33. 1. The Inferiority Argument
2. The Southern Paradise
Argument
3. The Historical Realism
Argument
4. The Ad Hominem Argument
5. The Biblical Argument
The foundational argument …
34. …is the Biblical Argument:
The Oracular Decisions of God have positively
declared that the Slave-Trade is
intrinsically good and licit, [and that the
holding of slaves] is perfectly consonant to
the principles of the Law of Nature, the
Mosaic Dispensation, and the Christian
Law … [Thus slavery has] the positive
sanction of God in its support."
Raymond Harris, Scriptural Researches on the
Licitness of the Slave-Trade.
36. Meanwhile … in France:
A song lyric was written in 1847 by Placide
Clappeau, a French wine merchant, mayor
of the French town Roquemaure.
Adolphe Adam wrote the music.
Later the song was translated into English by
John S. Dwight –
It is said to have been the first music ever
broadcast over radio.
37. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
38. Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
39. How did the proslavers use the Bible?
How did the abolitionists use the Bible?
Which method do we want to follow?
41. pre 1860
John Henry Hopkins:
If it were a matter to be determined by
personal sympathies, tastes, or feelings, I
should be as ready as any man to condemn
the institution of slavery, for all prejudices of
eduction, habit, and social position stand
entirely opposed to it. But as a Christian... I
am compelled to submit my weak and erring
intellect to the authority of the Almighty. For
then only can I be safe in my conclusions.
John Henry Hopkins (1792–1868) as cited in William Webb, Moving Beyond the Bible to Theology (Grand Rapids,
Zondervan, 2009) 216. Emphasis added.
42. 2005
I would have never spanked them had I
not been persuaded by the Word of God
that God called me to this task. It is not
my personality. Margy and I were
exposed to some teaching from the book
of Proverbs that convinced us that
spanking had a valid place in parenting.
We became persuaded that failure to
spank would be unfaithfulness to their
souls.
Tedd Tripp, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, 2nd ed. (Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd, 2005) 109
43. This, therefore, I cannot but earnestly repeat—break their
wills betimes; begin this great work before they can run
alone, before they can speak plain, or perhaps speak at all.
Whatever pains it cost, conquer their stubbornness: break
the will, if you would not damn the child. I conjure you
not to neglect, not to delay this! Therefore, (1.) Let a child,
from a year old, be taught to fear the rod and to cry softly.
In order to this, (2.) Let him have nothing he cries for;
absolutely nothing, great or small; else you undo your
own work. (3.) At all events, from that age, make him do
as he is bid, if you whip him ten times running to effect it.
Let none persuade you it is cruelty to do this; it is cruelty
not to do it. Break his will now, and his soul will live, and
he will probably bless you to all eternity ... John Wesley,
“On Obedience to Parents,” Sermon 96
44. At such times I had to remind myself of another proverb,
“withhold not correction from the child: for if thou
beatest him with the rod, he will not die” (Proverbs 23:13).
More than once I wiped tears away from my eyes and
turned my head so the children wouldn’t see. But I always
stood by my husband when he administered discipline. I
knew he was doing what was biblically correct. And the
children didn’t die ... Morrow Graham (mother of Billy),
1977
45. John Collins:
The Bible has contributed to violence in the world precisely
because it has been taken to confer a degree of certitude
that transcends human discussion and argumentation.
Perhaps the most constructive thing a biblical critic can do
toward lessening the contribution of the Bible to violence in
the world is to show that such certitude is an illusion.
John J. Collins, Does the Bible Justify Violence (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004) 32–33
“Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when
they do it from religious conviction.” - Blaise Pascal
(Pensees 894)
46. The Bible is too
important (and
dangerous) to be
left to those who
don’t think
critically about it ...
48. Where do the Scriptures come from?
1. Parachute option
49. Where do the Scriptures come from?
1. Parachute option
2. Gradual appearance and collection option
(Oral phases)
Written phases
Collection phases
Formalized phase
Translation phase
Reappraisal phases
50. • J - Yahwist source
• E - Elohist source
• D - Deuteronomist source
• P - Priestly source
• R - "Redactor", editor who compiled the sources
• DH - "Deuteronomic History": Joshua, Judges, Samuel 1 & 2, Kings 1 & 2
• *includes most of the Leviticus
• †
includes most of the Deuteronomy
51.
52.
53. How to Read the Bible:
4 (or 8?) Options
(beyond liberal and conservative)
54. Literal:
Like a newspaper, science text, or work of nonfiction -
attempting to tell objective, literal, observable, scientific
facts.
Literary:
Like a poem, novel, journal, or movie - attempting to
convey meaningful, mysterious, multi-faceted beauty and
truth.
55. Critical:
Questioned. Tested. Scrutinized. Evaluated. Treated as human,
situated, constructed, and interpreted.
Naive:
Taken at face value. Unquestioned. Univocal. Treated as divine,
transcendent, incorrigible, or absolute.
57. Option 1: Naive Literal
The Bible is a divine text, akin to a perfect
Textbook
Instruction manual
Objective historical account
Audit report
Constitution
58. Option 2: Critical Literal
The Bible is a human text, akin to
a collection of myths
a collection of folk tales
a collection of propaganda
a collection of misinformation
59. Option 3: Naive Literary
The Bible is a collection of literary artifacts, akin to ...
an anthology of moralistic fables
a collection of magic chants or mantras
a source of inspiring stories and quotations
60. Option 4: Critical Literary
The Bible is a collection of human literary artifacts, akin to
...
a museum
an heirloom quilt
a family scrapbook or photo album
a refrigerator door or classroom bulletin board
a specialized library
63. Option 4: Faithful Critical Literary
The Bible is a collection of human literary artifacts, akin to
...
a museum
an heirloom quilt
a family scrapbook or photo album
a refrigerator door
a specialized library
through which God can speak to us today.
65. Why Faithful Critical Literary?
1.Takes the text seriously
2.Takes art of interpretation seriously
3.Takes humans seriously (producers/readers)
4.Takes God seriously
5.Takes Jesus seriously
6.Takes the Spirit seriously
7.Takes the living tradition seriously
66. The Bible is too
important (and
dangerous) to be
left to those who
don’t think
critically about it ...
67. Needed: a fresh and
coherent way of telling
the story of the
Bible ... the story of
Jesus ... and our story
too.
68. Question 1:
What is the shape of the
biblical narrative?
(A pre-critical question)
74. sdrawkcab gnidaer
Rick Warren, Billy Graham, John Wesley (or Calvin), Luther, Aquinas, Augustine,
Paul, Jesus
reading forwards
Adam, Eve, Sarah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary, Jesus
77. Exodus: Liberation & Formation
Genesis: Creation and Reconciliation
Isaiah: Peaceable Kingdom - Justice and
Mercy
78. Exodus: Liberation & Formation
G
e
n
e
s
i
s
Isaiah: Peaceable Kingdom - Justice and
Mercy
79. Exodus: Liberation & Formation
G
e
n
e
s
i
s
Isaiah: Peaceable Kingdom - Justice and
Mercy
HUMAN DESTRUCTION
HUMAN VIOLENCE
HUMAN EXPLOITATION
80. Exodus: Liberation & Formation
G
e
n
e
s
i
s
Isaiah: Peaceable Kingdom - Justice and
Mercy
HUMAN DESTRUCTION
HUMAN VIOLENCE
HUMAN EXPLOITATION
81. Exodus: Liberation & Formation
G
e
n
e
s
i
s
Isaiah: Peaceable Kingdom - Justice and
Mercy
kingdom
of G
od
82. Exodus: Liberation & Formation
Genesis: Creation and Reconciliation
Isaiah: Peaceable Kingdom - Justice and
Mercy
kingdom
of G
od
83. Reading the Bible
• FLAT - ALL SAME
• FLAT/SLANT DOWN - LAW PRIMARY
• FLAT/SLANT UP - PAUL PRIMARY
• TENT - JESUS PRIMARY
84. The Bible as
Constitution
• What purposes do constitutions (or social
contracts) fulfill?
• What problems arise with this approach?
85. Bible as Conversation
• The Bible as a cultural library
• Artifacts from stories within stories
86. LEGAL CONSTITUTION COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Uniformity Diversity
Preserve order Preserve diversity
agreement argument
enforcement encouragement
87. LEGAL CONSTITUTION COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Rules to live by, Conformity Stories to live by, Creativity
One publication date Many publication dates
Analyze, interpret, argue Enter, inhabit, practice
amendments? new acquisitions
88. Inspiration
• what would an inspired constitution look
like?
• what would an inspired community library
look like?
• how would we engage with the Bible as an
inspired library?
89. Exodus: Liberation & Formation
G
e
n
e
s
i
s
Isaiah: Peaceable Kingdom - Justice and
Mercy
kingdom
of G
od
90. For Christians, the word of God
is not a book, but a person ...
As Martin Luther said, “The
Bible is the manger on which
Christ is presented to the
world.”
91. Luke 4 - Isaiah 61
18
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the
captives and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’
and the day of vengeance of our God.”
20
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to
the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in
the synagogue were fixed on him. 21
Then he
began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture
has been fulfilled in your hearing.’
92. Paul’s use of Psalm 18:41-49 and Deuteronomy 32:43 in Romans 15:8-10.
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of
the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the
promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles
may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “I
destroyed my foes. They cried for help, but there was
no one to save them—to the LORD, but he did not
answer…. He is the God who avenges me, who puts the
Gentiles under me…. Therefore I will praise you
among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.”
(Ps. 18:41–49).
Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his
people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he
will take vengeance on his enemies and make
atonement for his land and people.” (Deut. 32:43)
93. The Bible is too
important (and
dangerous) to be
left to those who
don’t think
critically about it ...
94.
95. Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding
God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try
to share that knowledge with as many people as I can.When
someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example,
I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be
an abomination... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some
other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
96. 1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male
and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring
nations.A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans,
but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a
fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she
is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24.The
problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women
take offense.
97. 4.When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it
creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9.The problem is,
my neighbors.They claim the odor is not pleasing to them.
Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the
Sabbath.Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death.
Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the
police to do it?
6.A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there
'degrees' of abomination?
98. 7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading
glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some
wiggle-
room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the
hair around their temples, even though this is expressly
forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig
makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
99. 10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different
crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of
two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the
trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16.
Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do
with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and
unchanging.
Your adoring fan.
James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus Dept. of Curriculum,
Instruction, and Special Education
University ofVirginia
100.
101. The Bible is too
important (and
dangerous) to be
left to those who
don’t think
critically about it ...
102. Lord, inspire us to read your Scriptures and
meditate on them day and night.
We beg you to give us real understanding of what
we need, that we may in turn
put its precepts into practice. Yet we know that
understanding and good
intentions are worthless, unless rooted in your
graceful love. So we ask
that the words of the Scriptures may also be not
just signs on a page, but channels
of grace into our hearts.
--Origen of Alexandria (c.186-254)
103. Ignatian Reading
• entering the text imaginatively
• responding to the text emotionally
• re-entering your world reflectively
• induction/deduction to abduction