Tag: bible

Summoning at the “Ancestral Spring”: an Amalgamation of Israelite Afterlife Conceptions with Canaanite Ancestor Worship

February 19, 2024

Communion with the dead, or necromancy as it is often termed, was a common practice in the ANE.  Based on widely held beliefs, it could be said that a key component of ANE worldview was that those beyond the physical realm, whether deity or the souls of the dead, held special knowledge of the future. … More Summoning at the “Ancestral Spring”: an Amalgamation of Israelite Afterlife Conceptions with Canaanite Ancestor Worship

The Impact of ANE Astronomical Context in the Exegesis of Jacob’s Blessings to His Children in Genesis 48-49

February 2, 2024

Introduction The heavens recount the glory of God, And the firmament reveals the deeds of his hand.  Day by day they pour out speech, And night by night they reveal knowledge.  Neither speech, nor language, Nor their voice is heard.  Through the whole land has their line gone forth, And their words to the end … More The Impact of ANE Astronomical Context in the Exegesis of Jacob’s Blessings to His Children in Genesis 48-49

Prophecy, Divination, and the Occult: Biblical Practices in Light of the Ancient Near East

February 21, 2023

Christianity has historically held a position against the use of any kind of magic practices or divination, with many even going so far as to deny the use of prophecy today.  The position against magical practices finds it root in the Torah, especially Deut 18:10-11, which specifically condemns child sacrifice,[1] divination (קסם), augury (ענן), [2] … More Prophecy, Divination, and the Occult: Biblical Practices in Light of the Ancient Near East

The Gospel, Against Conventional Dogma

November 18, 2022

Having grown up in the church and being highly involved in the traditional model for many years thereafter, my interpretation of the biblical text followed that of conventional evangelical understandings for most of my life.  About fourteen years ago that began to shift ever so slightly to a more Messianic-leaning point of view.  Much of … More The Gospel, Against Conventional Dogma

Support For Torah Observance in Romans – Common Contemporary Responses to “the Law”

August 31, 2017

In this section on Paul’s usage of “law” in Romans, we look at some common contemporary responses many Christians make when discussing the Mosaic law and its status among believers. If you are new to this series, it may be best for you to begin with the Introduction: Is Paul Against the Law or the … More Support For Torah Observance in Romans – Common Contemporary Responses to “the Law”

Support For Torah Observance in Romans – “The Law”: Νόμος and תורה (Nomos and Torah)

August 29, 2017

This second post on Torah observance as supported by Paul’s epistle to the Romans is necessary for an understanding of the term he used in the epistle. If you have not already read the introduction, please see it here. Νόμος and תורה (Nomos and Torah) In the New Testament, the Greek word νόμος (nomos) is … More Support For Torah Observance in Romans – “The Law”: Νόμος and תורה (Nomos and Torah)

Support For Torah Observance in Romans – Introduction: Is Paul Against the Law

August 28, 2017

The following is simply the introduction to the paper I recently finished.  You will likely be challenged by a lot of what is said here, for this message is one that less than 5% of Christians espouse. Romans is a very difficult book to understand and properly interpret, but I hope you will find the … More Support For Torah Observance in Romans – Introduction: Is Paul Against the Law

B’tselem Elohim בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים – In the Image of God

February 10, 2017

B’tselem Elohim בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים “In the image of God.” – These simple words have a meaning that resonates deep inside each who considers himself part of the crowning achievement of creation that such a divine being wrought.  Most, however, would have a difficult time putting into words exactly what it means to be made in … More B’tselem Elohim בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים – In the Image of God