Author Archives: Benj

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About Benj

I’m a native North Jerseyan, transplanted to Pennsylvania...lived and taught in Eastern Europe for six years…Old Testament professor, author, minister, musician, liturgist…husband to Corrie…father to Daniel and Elizabeth.

Grammatrain’s back!

Koeljamm brought this to my attention: Grammatrain, one of our favorite bands from the ’90s, is back after a hiatus of over 10 years! They’ve released video of their entire reunion concert, and it’s available for free download here. You … Continue reading

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No Big Government–unless it helps me

I was in the restroom today (which is the only place I read magazines anymore), and I was browsing this week’s issue of Time. I don’t usually care much for Joe Klein’s column, but he has some astute observations about … Continue reading

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Evolving in Monkey Town

Right now, I’m listening to an interesting book called Evolving in Monkey Town, by Rachel Held Evans. A young evangelical, Evans chronicles her experiences growing up fundamentalist in the American South and attending a very conservative Christian college. So far, … Continue reading

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More Daniel Pictures

Here’s some more pictures that are not up on Facebook…

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More graven images

If, as some cultures believe, a photograph steals a bit of its object’s soul, then my son ran out of soul last Thursday. As the first grandchild, great-grandchild, nephew, grandnephew, etc., on both sides of the family, this kid has … Continue reading

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Is it possible to do violence to a text?

When I read a text, I feel that it is important to read that text “on its own terms,” insofar as I am able.  By this, I mean reading it in its original context as best as I can understand … Continue reading

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A Prayer

YHWH, your mercies are new in the morning and great at night. You are faithful to your promises, remembering your covenant to children, and to children’s children. YHWH God, my sins are great. I stand before you as Israel: broken … Continue reading

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The Primary Word: Personal Jesus

I’ve commented on Bekah’s lengthy but excellent post over at The Primary Word entitled, "My Personal Jesus and the Story of Israel."

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New Arrival: Update

More pics of Daniel and family are now up on Facebook. Thanks for all your well-wishes!

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New Arrival

Introducing Daniel Joseph Giffone, born 7/25, 12:51am, 8 lbs. 0 oz., 21 in. Mother and child are fine. Corrie was so fast that they didn’t even get a chance to get the epidural in, so she was all natural. We … Continue reading

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