Reader, Careful, critical biblical scholarship is invaluable. But even as you do this, there are 12 reasons you still need to read your Bible. And after you check them out, have a look back in your inbox. I'll have there shortly the reading plan that my students and I will use this semester, and you're welcome to join us in working through it. Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Reader, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and that of Latin America more broadly. Here are four readings in honor of the occasion. Read more Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it might help.
15 days ago • 1 min read
Reader, After a house style, SBL Press itself provides the next highest-level style authorities. These are the SBL Handbook of Style blog and the SBL Handbook itself. Read more Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it might help.
22 days ago • 1 min read
Reader, H.-G. Gadamer’s Truth and Method is a key text on hermeneutical theory. The newest English edition is a wonderful resource, but it’s not without problems. Read more Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it might help.
29 days ago • 1 min read
Reader, Among Jesus’s first followers, some fared better than others in accepting his resurrection. But it should have been something all of them were anticipating. Read more Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it might help.
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Reader, In Mark 10, the disciples are inclined to vie for greatness with each other. Jesus critiques this inclination, however, because he himself "did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Now that Jesus has come and served and given his life, has the situation changed? Does his glorious enthronement at the Father's right hand invite Jesus's followers to vie for greatness? In short, no, because even in his royal reign, not even he vies and grasps....
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, Seeing how others work can help you hone your own craft. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Jared Saltz’s essay in Reading for Unity in Genesis 1:1–11:9. Read more Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it might help.
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, Seeing how others work can help you hone your own craft. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Kevin Youngblood’s essay in Reading for Unity in Genesis 1:1–11:9. Read more Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it might help.
2 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, The Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar is continuing its series on difficult texts. This year’s sessions focus on Joshua and Judges. We hope you’ll join us! Read more Until next time, keep honing your craft. Blessings,David P.S.: A rising tide lifts all boats. Feel free to send this article to others you think it might help.
3 months ago • 1 min read