Three Models of Christianity in the NT
This is a sermon I wrote for a Quaker church in Indiana in 2023. My argument is for a model of Christianity built on the letters of Paul as I understand Paul’s program for first century gentile followers of Jesus.
New Publication: A Novel Exploring the Means and the Meaning of the Execution of Jesus
I did not realize, until a few years ago, the terminology related to the terms “cross” and “crucify” had nothing to do with pieces of wood being “crossed.” The Greek word stauros refers to a single shaft of wood. We have English words like “pole, stake, pale, skewer,” which better represent the Greek term. The …. Continue Reading
A Summary of Paul’s Identity and Purpose
In this post I try to summarize the conclusions of my research on the letters of the Apostle Paul. For many people, this will not sound like traditional Christianity as it has developed over the millennia. My goal has always been to study the text of the Bible as objectively as I could and trust …. Continue Reading
My View of Christian Origins and the Development of Early Christianity
The research for my book Rewriting Paul has resulted in me formulated the following as my understanding for the development of early Christianity based on the fact that the letters of Paul represent the earliest Christian writings. The standard view of Second Temple Judaism was that as humans formed into tribes and into nations, the …. Continue Reading
Self-Mastery
One of the most common fallacies is equivocation. When it has to do with concepts derived from cultures with a different language than English, it happens by making an argument in English based on the English meaning of a term translated from another language. One example is to claim moderation is untenable because it would …. Continue Reading
You Can’t Do That!
When my daughter mentioned to somebody at her work about my creating a translation of New Testament (NT) texts, his reply was, “You can’t do that!” I’m encountering Christians who think my translating books of the Bible is wrong. “God’s Word is just fine the way it is.” “What about the curse at the end …. Continue Reading
Two Consistent Choices
After years of formal education in biblical studies and religion and countless hours of my daily free time, I concluded that there are two consistent views about early Christianity and the traditions that depend on those views. At points in my life, I have considered becoming a member of an Orthodox or Catholic church. If …. Continue Reading
Why My Favorite Text of Jewish Literature is 4 Maccabees
It is not surprising to me that people consider it strange for me to suggest Paul used language from Stoic philosophy. The background for understanding the New Testament (NT) is the Old Testament (OT). [Note: It is common for liberal Christians to say “old” is derogatory, and we should say Hebrew Bible. But I don’t …. Continue Reading
Pneuma
When translating the letters of Paul, I had some tough decisions to make. I knew I needed to have consistency, and that meant going through and making sure I did that. One of the hardest decisions was to transliterate the Greek word pneuma (in English pronounced with a silent p). After all, I tend not …. Continue Reading
Podcast intro music: “Stronger”
Recently I’ve been trying to find music to listen to while I work. I found some playlists on iTunes for “coders”: music that has a beat that motivates writing programming code. I came across the music of a guy that calls himself TheFatRat. While listening to some tracks, I heard one called “Stronger” (with Slaydit …. Continue Reading