We have covered significant ground so far. Our journey began with Romans 13, often considered one of the most controversial and misused passages in the Bible. We examined how a straightforward, literal reading of this text does not hold up under closer scrutiny. We also explored the historical context of the Roman church that first…
Previously, we examined Walter Wink’s argument in detail. He presents a compelling case, suggesting that sayings long used to silence the oppressed can, in fact, be understood as strategies for bold and imaginative resistance. Examples such as refusing the backhanded slap, the debtor’s act of disrobing, and carrying a burden beyond what was required are…
In our previous discussion, I made a claim that I now intend to support: the middle path we identified in Romans 13, between passive compliance and violent rebellion, is not a recent interpretation imposed on an ancient text. Rather, I would suggest that this approach reflects what Jesus himself taught. In the twentieth century, Walter…
In the last two articles, found here and here, we cleared a great deal of ground. We saw that a literal reading of Romans 13 makes God the sponsor of tyrants and the enemy of heroes, and that it runs counter to the whole weight of a Bible that honors faithful resistance. We saw that…
In our previous discussion, we examined how a literal and unconditional reading of Romans 13 presents significant problems. Such a reading would make God appear to support every tyrant and oppose every hero, which stands in stark contrast to the broader biblical narrative that honors figures like the midwives, Daniel, and even Jesus, who challenged…
Among the many words found in the Bible, few have generated as much controversy as parthenos. This word sits at the center of the debate over the virgin birth. Parthenos is the Greek term translated as ‘virgin’ in both Matthew 1:23 and Luke 1:27. Depending on whom you ask, it is either a clear affirmation…
If you have spent any time around debates about the virgin birth, you have probably run into some version of this claim. The Hebrew word in Isaiah 7:14 is almah, which means “young woman” rather than “virgin.” If Isaiah had wanted to say virgin, he would have used bethulah. Therefore, Christianity rests on a translation…
Throughout history, some passages of Scripture have comforted readers, while others have challenged them. Romans 13 is a clear example of a passage often invoked to justify control. It has been quoted to enslaved people seeking freedom, as well as to those who sought to help them. It was used from pulpits during apartheid in…
Continuing our series on Dan Baker’s Worse Bible Passages. From feticide to invasion. When I saw this on the list, I was a bit surprised. The Old Testament is filled with warfare, which is expected as the Middle East was in a strategic position, and thus quite desirable. Besides larger civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria,…
1 Timothy 2:12 Women be Silent This is a verse attributed to Paul that states: “I permit no woman to teach or have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.” The overall context doesn’t help the matter at all. In the preceding verses, the author tells women to dress modestly and to study…