Category Archives: Bible-Theology

Allen on “Theological Babel”

Posted on 24 February 2017 by Benj

“The great spiritual theologians such a Evagrius of Pontus, Gregory of Nyssa and Maximus the Confessor are ignored by most theologians and pastors. Have we utterly lost them, and many others, because of the rise in modern times of a … Continue reading →

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Papers from Seminary

Posted on 21 February 2017 by Benj

I was rummaging (metaphorically) through my archives, and discovered some papers I wrote back in seminary. It is both humbling and fascinating to see what was of interest to me at that time.

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Review, “Belonging in Genesis”

Posted on 17 February 2017 by Benj

My review of Amanda Beckenstein Mbuvi’s “Belonging in Genesis” has been published in the Review of Biblical Literature. Continue reading →

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Altmann on the Limitations of Economic Analysis

Posted on 12 January 2017 by Benj

“Ethics-related economics in the sense supported by Sen instead follows Aristotle (thus placing the discussion back in the Persian period!) in the concern for subordinating economics to the pursuit of the good of humankind. The difference lies in the purpose … Continue reading →

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Sermon: Jesus and Hanukkah

Posted on 2 January 2017 by Benj

Audio of a sermon delivered at First Presbyterian Church of Norristown, PA, entitled, “A Newer, Truer Hope.” Continue reading →

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America Rejoices/Weeps in Utter Disbelief

Posted on 11 November 2016 by Benj

A few scattered reactions to the election…

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On National Symbols

Posted on 25 September 2016 by Benj

“Every nation develops symbols, such as national anthems, which unite it in a common purpose. These symbols are important and can enable a nation to flourish justly and wisely, drawing on its collective experience through the centuries. The danger is that sometimes these very symbols become idols designed to glorify the nation and justify its deeds whether right or wrong, or that the symbols themselves become substitutes for reality.” Continue reading →

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How Did Judas Die?

Posted on 22 September 2016 by Benj

My sister recently asked: I’m reading Acts 1:18 and it says that Judas bought the Field of Blood and burst open with his entrails. I thought he hung himself! She gave me permission to share my answer…

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Evangelical Pope(s)

Posted on 9 September 2016 by Benj

"As Nathan Hatch and Mark Noll have pointed out, one of the peculiarities of American evangelicalism is that its theological disputes are often settled in the court of popular opinion. Whereas evangelicals appeal to the ‘Bible alone’ for authority, they … Continue reading →

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Was Samuel a “Nazirite”?

Posted on 8 September 2016 by Benj

In MT 1 Sam 1:11, Hannah vows to YHWH that a razor would never touch her son’s head (should YHWH give her a son). But the LXX (1 Kgdms 1:11) contains a plus: that her son would never drink wine … Continue reading →

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