While the Decalogue provides commandments concerning idolatry, passages from Isaiah offer much insight into the workings that surrounded this practice. This post will discuss one particular portion is worthy of looking at in contemporary terms. In Isaiah 44, the Prophet Isaiah brings the following message: “All who fashion statues are empty, and the objects ofContinue reading “Isaiah On Idols”
Tag Archives: bible
A Critique & Review: ” Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins”
Professor Jacob Wright’s book “Why The Bible Began” tackles a question as mysterious as to “Who wrote the Bible?” As most of the Hebrew Bible’s authors are unknown, the likelihood of finding extrabiblical evidence of their intent is even more challenging. Professor Wright, while taking time to explore some of the non-biblical resources, relies heavilyContinue reading “A Critique & Review: ” Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins””
Life As a Game, Batter Up!
Did a Prophet’s message have the dynamics of Coaching Little League Baseball? Can a Parent’s words of encouragement to a young budding athlete can have the same effect as holy words delivered by a Prophet? To explore this notion, an observation must be made with respect to a little leaguer readying for an “at bat.”Continue reading “Life As a Game, Batter Up!”
The Conflation of Kindness and Justice?
There is danger with conflation. Some concepts meant to be separate. The fact that each concept is virtuous does not dispel this notion. While surveying the Hebrew Bible’s Prophets with a Ten Commandments’ perspective, it is apparent that the Ten Commandments- as a complete body of law- is not part of their verbiage. Rather, manyContinue reading “The Conflation of Kindness and Justice?”
Behar, The Greater Sabbath
The Torah Portion Behar expands upon the notion of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is greater concept than the one expressed within the Ten Commandments. While resting remains central, the Sabbath’s target and duration has changed. With the Decalogue, Humans and Working Animals were to afforded to day off. This was in accord that the IsraeliteContinue reading “Behar, The Greater Sabbath”
Available For Speaking
If you have Zoom, perhaps we can make an arrangement. While I am not as tall or handsome as the AI generated image for this post, hopefully my speaking will be satisfying. Over three decades, I have lectured on a variety of topics at professional organizations. Recently, after developing a multitude of content, I haveContinue reading “Available For Speaking”
In All Fairness
Unfairness may be the one word that most depicts the Human Condition. The Torah Portion Emor addresses fairness within a multitude of dimensions. It is a deity’s solution towards addressing inequity. Emor, however, begins with directives and restrictions to those of the Israelite Priestly class. The sons of Aaron had limits like no other Israelite.Continue reading “In All Fairness”
The Best We Got?
If only one Torah Portion could be read to appreciate the scripture’s societal significance, what would it be? While Yitro, which tells of the Ten Commandments received from Mt. Sinai would be one suggestion, the Portion Kedoshim is likely the consensus choice. Kedoshim, however, is absent any drama or visual stimulation. The reader encounters aContinue reading “The Best We Got?”
String Cite Theory
A “String Cite” is a powerful legal writing tool. Briefs and Court Opinions often cite authority. Authority can be reference to anything from a statute, regulation, case cite to a legal treatise. String cites are like an authority on steriods; they often list three or four specific references. The cumulative nature of them suggest aContinue reading “String Cite Theory”
The “New” Old Relationship
At Mt. Sinai, while the Decalogue was delivered to the Children of Israel, there neither king annointed or the coronation of one. Rather, the holy mountain experience was a deity covenanting with his nation. The Israelites understood, as was written in stone, that their particular relationship was with a “jealous” God. Exodus 20:5. Thus, theContinue reading “The “New” Old Relationship”
The Ten Commandments Project 