Context? Culture? Keep ’em in there!

In preparation, research and study over the past several weeks, I have to say the importance of accuracy, culture and context has been screaming out to me. (Yes, I will admit the trip to Israel has greatly impacted my heart on this issue, but it was there before I went. It’s just been magnified more.) I just don’t think you can study the Word of God with any seriousness if you don’t try to dig into those issues. While that may come across as extreme, it is what it is…

So, what in particular has me reflecting on this during this rainy Thursday morning? I’m preparing for a bit more of a lesson on “How We Got the Bible.” (Not exactly a fancy title, but it is to the point!) In so much of my research, the Da Vinci Code garbage impact can’t be ignored.

Dan Brown – much like Philip Pullman and the “His Dark Materials / Golden Compass” whatnot – pushed a personal agenda behind a fictional narrative. Pullman was clear (an atheist trying to turn people from Christianity) but Brown was more vague in some ways. He pushed fiction as fact to the point of absurdity. (For example, the Priory of Sion is a mythical creation of Plantard in the 1950’s. This was proven by secular researchers long ago.)

Why do so many then take a novel and put the things it presented as fact? Why ignore culture, context and Truth? I don’t know.

• In some cases, a reason may be the desire to run from God. In the same way we rebel against our earthly parents, we rebel against our Heavenly Father. Fearing “rules,” we ignore relationship.   
• Another reason might simply be laziness. We read something and we are too lazy to check and see if it is true. I admit my own tendencies to get caught up in a novel. When I’m finished, the story (if well written) has taken on a level of reality through my engaged imagination. (Point of clarification – I don’t find the Brown novels especially well written but they do flow like a visual television program or movie at many points. Easy to get wrapped up.)

Whatever the reason, let’s be smart. The need we have to check things out in our personal and spiritual lives is paramount. If someone came to your door and told you to run because the aliens were attacking, would you run? While that may seem absurd, I find it equally mystifying to either believe or disbelieve something without doing a bit of research. 

Again, to use another Brown example, he purports that Constantine was forced to be baptized at his death. He ignores the historical culture and context of the time. It was (erroneously, I might add) believed at the time that one should be baptized close to death so that past sins would be erased. This reflects an error in teaching on several levels – but principally the Christian belief that sins are atoned for through Christ’s blood shed on the cross – not baptism. 

Ah… It’s getting time to start the regular day. Time to turn attention to the pile of work and stop musing.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Visual Guide to Bible Events

I’m very excited to hold in my hands the newly released Visual Guide to Bible Events by James Martin, John Beck and David Hansen.

Visual Guide to Bible Events

David has been an LRM Board member, team member and coordinator for a number of years. Having been blessed to spend a bit of time with him over that span, I’m always amazed at his passion for Scripture and interpretation in light of culture and context.

(I don’t know the other two gentlemen, but James Martin is the lead teacher on LRM’s trip to Israel / Egypt in 2010. Since he and David have been friends coworkers for so many years, I’m excited about this opportunity too!)

Having officially received my copy and thumbed through several pages, I have to say that it is everything I’d hoped to see. There are stunning pictures, excellent maps, Scriptural references and solid connections to help in understanding God’s Word.

FANTASTIC RESOURCE!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

And, for those who think a review isn’t complete w/o a criticism, the book is too short. Iwant to see another 250 pages!

All Roads Lead to Zion

Back in May, I taped a radio interview with William (Bill) Edmunds. We discussed his novel, All Roads Lead to Zion. Set in the time of Christ, it is told primarily from the perspective of a Roman Centurion.

Well, although I have not forgotten the book, the interview slipped my mind. However, it is finally up on our radio archive page! Forget the reasons for the delays (or where some of the other ones are), I’m highlighting it now because the book is actually good! Listen to it (or others) as you wish.

I’m a big supporter of understanding Scripture in context and culture. While God’s Word is living and active, we need to make sure we are not constantly looking at it with contemporary lenses.

If you like novels, check it out. It’s a good, intelligent read that is engaging and valuable for equipping!

Yours in Christ,
Marty