Jesus Questions the Text

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Mark 10:2-16

For Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012—Ordinary 27

When we started this blog, we set out with a clear resolve to take seriously the questions that came up as we...

In new testament, lectionary, russell rathbun, Jesus, question, law, stone, divorce, midrash, Featured, Moses, YearB, Mark

The Law of Love

The Ten Commandments as a Way Station.

by Mike Stavlund

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 20:1-17

For Sunday, March 11, 2012: Year B—Lent 3

If you or I were coming down from Mt Sinai, what would the...

In Mike Stavlund, Old Testament, righteousness, spirit, law, Exodus, Featured, moral, decalogue, Lawrence Kohlberg, YearB, Ten Commandments, Piaget

Reading the Bible with Jews

 Are we saved not by faith or belief, but by Jesus' faithfulness?

by Carl Gregg

Epistle Reading: Romans 4:13-25

 For Sunday, March 4, 2012: Year B — Lent 2

Many Christians have begun to have ears to...

In new testament, Anti-Semitism, law, torah, Romans, Featured, Carl Gregg, YearB, Paul, Judaism

Writing the Back Story

In what ways are the writings of an ancient people and their perception of God relevant to us?

by Russell Rathbun

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-5

For Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012: Year B—Baptism of Our...

In russell rathbun, writing, Old Testament, Hebrew Bible, authorship, law, creation, Featured, Moses, Genesis

Reading the Text Abundantly or Protectively

What is the difference?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:14-30

For Sunday, Nov. 13 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 33

Jesus never comes right out and says “The Kingdom of Heaven is…” He says...

In new testament, russell rathbun, kingdom of heaven, kingdom, money, law, torah, talents, Featured, YearA, Kingdom of God, Matthew

Deception and the Hand of God

Can We Still Speak Credibly of Salvation?

by Russell Rathbun

Epistle Reading: Romans 10:5-15

For Sunday, August 7 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 19

I feel like I should post about the Epistles every now...

In new testament, russell rathbun, Karl Barth, Israel, salvation, law, confess, Romans, Featured, save, YearA, Paul

Your Neighbor Might Actually Live Next Door

It is time to further consider the question: What does it mean to love my neighbor?

by Russell Rathbun

Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 8-18

For Sunday, Feb. 20 , 2011: Year A - Epiphany 7

...

In russell rathbun, Old Testament, neighbor, similar, crowd, Leviticus, law, Featured, procimity, Soren Kierkegaard, YearA, other

Collapsing Our Dichotomies

In Defense of Flesh, Blood, Fat, and Dust

by Carol Howard Merritt

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

For Sunday, February 13, 2011: Year A - Epiphany 6

I grew up in Florida, in a little beach...

In new testament, body, holistic, 1 Corinthians, grace, spirit, fatness, law, postmodern, Featured, fat, flesh, YearA, carol howard merritt, Dichotomies

Cut It Out

What Do These Difficult Teachings Mean?

by Carol Howard Merritt

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:21-37

For Sunday, February 13, 2011: Year A - Epiphany 6

When I was in college, there was a woman in our dorm...

In new testament, fundamentalist, John Wesley, grace, Jesus, imperfection, law, Featured, literal, interpretation, YearA, Matthew, bulimia, carol howard merritt

The Hardest Apology

Must a Christian interpretation of any Older Testament passage be read through the lens of the resurrection?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-20

For Sunday, Feb 6. , 2011: Year A -...

In new testament, hebrew scripture, fulfillment, russel rathbun, prophets, Jesus, law, Featured, resurrection, YearA, Matthew, ageist