Moralistic, therapeutic deism, a term first used by Christian Smith, seems a fitting description of much of what passes for Christianity in North America. This philosophy leads people to believe in a God who wants them to be good, wants them to feel good about themselves, doesn’t need to be consulted except in case of … Continue reading Moralistic, Therapeutic Deism
Authorized Version
The power of small
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Thus … Continue reading The power of small
Glossary of unfamiliar words in the AV (KJV)
These are words that have shifted in meaning since 1611 or are no longer in general use. The list is not complete and probably not error free. I would be happy for suggestions from readers. Words of Anglo-Saxon or Old Norse origin anon - at once cattle - domestic livestock. Small cattle - sheep and goats. … Continue reading Glossary of unfamiliar words in the AV (KJV)
More meanings from the margins
Here are some more examples of marginal readings that give a somewhat different sense than the reading in the main text. I have highlighted the words in the regular text in orange, and the reading from the margin in green and added my own comment on the difference. Genesis 4:26 - And to Seth, to him … Continue reading More meanings from the margins
Some clarifications and an illustration
The Bible translation produced in 1611 was never given an official name. In England, Scotland and many other places it is referred to as the Authorized Version, but that name does not appear in the Bible itself. The text now in common use dates from 1789. Typographical errors had crept into the various printed versions. … Continue reading Some clarifications and an illustration
Why I do not read the King James Bible
I read the Authorized Version instead, of which Cambridge University Press is the main publisher. The text is identical to that in Bibles that are called the King James Version, except that the AV maintains the alternate marginal readings that were placed there by the translators 400 years ago. I suppose that if we would … Continue reading Why I do not read the King James Bible
Uncovering the well
When Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, she was succeeded by James Stuart, already King James VI of Scotland. He became King James I of England, uniting the kingdoms of England, Ireland and Scotland under his authority. James was a blend of imperious authority and humility. Tradition says that he told his portrait painter: “Paint … Continue reading Uncovering the well
Three keys to getting the most out of reading the Bible
Read it like a story book, not a recipe book A cook will pick up a recipe book and look for the type of dish he wants to make. The recipe will list all the ingredients and provide all the instructions needed to prepare that dish. Some folks try to use the Bible in the … Continue reading Three keys to getting the most out of reading the Bible
Perfection and humilty and servanthood and leadership
Is it possible to be perfect, humble, a servant and a leader all at the same time? According to the New Testament, God expects us to be all of the above. If that seems impossible, perhaps we have gotten hung up on a misunderstanding of the meaning of one or more of those words. Many … Continue reading Perfection and humilty and servanthood and leadership
The pursuit of happiness
Times are tough for writers today. Every writers' group and every writers' conference tells us that no publisher will even look at a book manuscript unless the author has an impressive "writer's platform." That would consist of a blog with at least 10,000 followers and a similar presence on Facebook and Twitter. And then there … Continue reading The pursuit of happiness
Flatlander Faith 