I came across this 9-minute video by N. T. Wright where he attempted to explain what it means to be a Christian. I listened to it carefully more than three times, and I was stunned. I was bewildered by his sheer ability to describe what it means to be a Christian without mentioning the word … Continue reading What We Should Talk about When We Talk about What It Means to Be a Christian
A Need for Closure, Paul, and Judaism
According to Kruglanski and Freund's interesting article, the notion of “need for closure” refers to “the need to have some knowledge on a given topic, any knowledge as opposed to confusion and ambiguity” (450; emphasis mine). What they claim is nothing new because we human beings, by default, tend to avoid ambiguity. The authors' contribution … Continue reading A Need for Closure, Paul, and Judaism
Paul gave his life for the gospel of Christ
Second Timothy is the last letter Paul penned. He probably wrote it while waiting for his execution. Paul writes, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth … Continue reading Paul gave his life for the gospel of Christ
E. P. Sanders (1937-2022)
E. P. Sanders, one of the most influential New Testament scholars of this century, passed away on November 21, 2022, at the age of 85. Although I am highly critical of his view on Paul and Judaism, I cannot overemphasize the impact he brought about through his magnum opus Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A Comparison … Continue reading E. P. Sanders (1937-2022)
Sin (罪)
Who likes to talk about sin? None. Because it makes us uncomfortable. I think that the Apostle Paul was adamant in discussing the sin issue that severed us from God. Sin is not a popular topic and it never has been. It, however, seems to me that both "New Perspective on Paul" and "Paul within … Continue reading Sin (罪)