Tag: yhwh

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

Manifesto

March 14, 2016

I was compelled by the Spirit to write this up.  As with things of the Spirit, I had no idea exactly what would come forth – I only knew the beginning.  As time goes on, perhaps changes will be made; but for now, here it is.  I urge you to take this as your own … More Manifesto

Choose a Side

January 4, 2016

The world often tells us we must choose sides.  In fact, so many things in our society are entirely based upon us putting our allegiance with one entity and thus pitting us against another (or multiple others).  Sports are a prime example.  If you are for one team then you are consequently against all others.  … More Choose a Side

Trumpets

September 14, 2015

The trumpet is sounding. The trumpet is calling you. Make ready!  A storm approaches! I say trumpets and that likely means nothing to you.  You may think of a band or even a famous musician, but go back thousands or even just hundreds of years and “trumpet” takes on a whole new meaning. At sundown … More Trumpets

Teshuvah!

August 20, 2015

Teshuvah? That’s a word we don’t want to hear. Teshuvah has been on the hearts and minds of many these past few days.  A few days ago we began the Jewish month of Elul.  That date also corresponds to something called 40 days of Teshuvah.  The word literally means “to return” but in our English … More Teshuvah!