"Media" used to mean "print media" like books and newspapers, but the world has grown. Today media can also mean radio, television and movies delivered to personal computers, tablets and cell phones. As the world's best selling book of all time the Bible continues to make headlines, both good and bad, across all forms of media. Pakistani Asia Bibi whose life is in eminent danger is denied religious refuge status by the United Kingdom, Big Bang star Mayim Bialik criticizes the Bible's parenting advice, and Black Panther star Letitia Write reveals how her Christian Faith shapes her acting career.
"Media" used to mean "print media" like books and newspapers, but the world has grown. Today media can also mean radio, television and movies delivered to personal computers, tablets and cell phones. As the world's best selling book of all time the Bible continues to make headlines, both good and bad, across all forms of media. Sarah Silverman blasphemes Jesus in latest skit, Michael Buble thanks God for his son's remission of cancer, a woman calls the cops against her parents who asked her to church, and two US states pass pro-life Constitutional amendments to outlaw abortion.
If Proverbs was written to the "young man", Ecclesiastes was written for a more mature and experienced man, someone comfortable in circles of power and who lived among the elite. The original audience was expected to be knowledgeable, rich in wealth and material possessions. They were people who needed to hear the message of wisdom this books offers: all the privilege of wealth and power may be intoxicating while you have it but becomes fleeting and meaningless, a "chasing after the wind." Life without God expresses vanity, but with God life has substantially more value, purpose and meaning.
When I was 12- or 13-years old I had a very Old Testament theology. I believed that by living according to God's commands one would be blessed with a good life. So when I began to evangelize my middle school and received the persecution that usually follows, I was confused. Thinking that God hadn't lived up to his end of things, I walked away from him. Even then, I never doubted God's existence, so I never went off the deep end by experimenting with drugs, alcohol or sex. I reasoned that if I were going to leave God, I needed to live wisely.
Israel, 740 BC — King Uzziah is dead, long live king Jotham. As the prophet began his new carrier the kingdom was divided, but both Judah and Israel existed. To say the times were troubled would be an understatement, with Assyria on the rise and Israel's military might being taxed and depleted by border skirmishes, if the nation didn't turn things around the land would be taken from them. It was a busy time in history, but especially for Isaiah, who not only began a new career but was involved in burying his cousin, King Uzziah, as well.
Don't blush. For over two thousand years followers of God have tried to make the Song of Songs about anything but what it is really about. It has been seen as an allegory of God's love for Israel, an allegory of philosophy, an allegory of Christ's love for the church, and a myriad of other allegories. The truth is, it's no allegory. This is a love poem. A poem written to honor God's gift of romance and sexual love in the context of a marital relationship. It is sometimes provocative, it is sometimes explicit and it is always beautiful. So don't blush.
Jacob, the son of Isaac, had a propensity for naming places and things. And for setting up rocks and altars. After wrestling with God he set the stone he'd used as a pillow on its end — making a "standing stone" and called the place "Bethel" (House of God). At that time God had given Jacob a new name, Israel. Later in life he settles down a bit and buys some property near Shechem. While there Israel built an alter and inscribed upon it the name of his God: Elohe Yisrael — the God of Israel. The story is told in Genesis 33.
When tradition clashes with reality it's easy for tempers to flare and opinions to fly. Thankfully, today's name of God is obscure enough that the true meaning of Elohe Chasedi isn't likely to provoke anyone to anger. This particular name is used only once, is found in Psalm 59 and has traditionally been translated as "the God of my mercy." Better scholarship, however, provides the translation "the God who loyally loves me." The verse from which this name is derived reads: "Elohe Chaseddi will help me; God will enable me to triumph over my enemies" (verse 10).
The mass of people were gathered at the base of Mount Sinai, Moses was addressing them. The prophet knew the people well. They were stiff-necked and needed many reminders. So he began, saying that God chose them not because of their numbers (they were small), not because of their greatness (they were weak), but because he was fulfilling a promise he made to their ancestors. "So realize that the Lord your God is the true God, El Emunah (the faithful God) who keeps covenant faithfully with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations..." (Deuteronomy 7.9)
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and quickly got up. He said to his ministers, “Wasn’t it three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied to the king, “For sure, O king.” He answered, “But I see four men, untied and walking around in the midst of the fire! No harm has come to them! And the appearance of the fourth is like that of a god!” Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire. He called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of El Elyon, come out! Come here!” —Daniel 3.24-26
"Media" used to mean "print media" like books and newspapers, but the world has grown. Today media can also mean radio, television and movies delivered to personal computers, tablets and cell phones. As the world's best selling book of all time the Bible continues to make headlines, both good and bad, across all forms of media. Former LGBTQ members plan march to tell how Jesus changed them, Pastor who spent two years imprisoned in Turkey shares the Bible verse that got him through, 13 Christians were beaten then released in the Sudan, and the Museum of the Bible removes a forgery from exhibit.
"Media" used to mean "print media" like books and newspapers, but the world has grown. Today media can also mean radio, television and movies delivered to personal computers, tablets and cell phones. As the world's best selling book of all time the Bible continues to make headlines, both good and bad, across all forms of media. Quebec tries to tell government employees to to stop wearing religious symbols to work, Bring Your Bible to School day happened, the Sudan releases Bibles wrongfully held in port Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are turning toward God, and many Christians have really bad theology.
