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
Paul: Far Too Radical an Apostle
I have long been wondering about the word "Radical" in the label that refers to the group of scholars who do not allow Paul to be read outside Judaism, i.e., the so-called Radical New Perspective on Paul (or the Paul-within-Judaism Perspective). I think that the term "Radical" is a red herring because placing Paul back … Continue reading Paul: Far Too Radical an Apostle
The First Draft of my Dissertation
By God's grace, I finally submitted the first draft (committee copy) of my dissertation on December 1st, 2022. I still remember that surreal feeling that I felt that night when I clicked SEND. It was a long, hard push. I would be lying if I say I never felt like quitting, because I did from … Continue reading The First Draft of my Dissertation
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)