Musings on biblical studies, politics, religion, ethics, human nature, tidbits from science
The Jewish historian Josephus writes about both genuine historical persons and events and mythical characters and events as if they are all equally historical. Adam and Vespasian, the siege of Jerusalem and the last stand at Masada, are all documented in a single work of ancient historiography. Is there some method or rule that can … Continue reading “Sifting fact from fiction in Josephus: John the Baptist as a case study”
Another recent gem on Australia’s Radio National program, Encounter, 5 October 2008, were interviews with Mandaeans (followers of John the Baptist) describing their lives and challenges since the invasion of Iraq. Mandaean scholars also discussed some of the Mandaean beliefs about their own origins and practices. The transcript of the program is available here. According … Continue reading “John the Baptist according to his followers today (the Mandaeans)”
How do we determine the best way to interpret patterns and parallels between the Gospels and other literature? Here is one parallel that someone asks us to consider: Fishing for men. While at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus predicted that his followers would fish for men. “From now on you will catch men.” Luke 5:10 Titus’ followers … Continue reading “On Parallels”
Christ, meaning Messiah, is, of course, not a proper name but a title, like King or High Priest.Yet Paul’s letters use Christ as if it is a proper name for Jesus.Dunn writes in response to Price (The Historical Jesus: Five Views) what is well known to all scholars:As often noted, the fact that Christ was … Continue reading “Jesus Christ: Maybe BOTH names are titular? (Dunn on Price, again, too)”
This post is nothing more than a bit of idle trivia per se. But maybe Kakadu Dreamtime wisdom somewhere says “Clever bower bird can find something among trivia to relocate so it has power to attract a mate.” The data comes primarily (not exclusively) from two sources: The Gospel of Mark as Midrash on Earlier … Continue reading “The Twelve Disciples: their names, name-meanings, associations, etc”