You are so right about Job, one of the most misunderstood books in the Hebrew scriptures. I've heard too many people quote Job's friends' arguments out of context as though they were the answer to suffering. This completely misses the point of the book, that these arguments are false.
Slave holders taught the parts about how slaves should obey their masters. This Texas nonsense is in the same vein. Carries the same weight. Echoes the same lies.
I rather like Psalm 89, which begins with praise and reminders of God's faithfulness and his promises to David, and then at verse 38, it turns to critique and accuses God of breaking his promises, rejecting his chosen ones, and siding with Israel's enemies. It does not end with hope. (The last verse appears to be a section summary rather than a summing up of the psalm.) I can imagine a lot of people, disappointed with how God has treated them, might identify with this psalm.
We just studied Psalm 89 at Bible study two days ago. It’s interesting that the lectionary version leaves out all the hard stuff, retaining just the praise. (Notice that the words of Psalm 13 are echoed in 89.) Praise without suffering is superficial and self-congratulating.
I did listen to it. I follow him so not sure how I missed it. Thank you for addressing this. One of my sons and his wife are English teachers in Texas. 🫤
I am very alarmed by the Adam and Eve passage. With the anti LGBTQ focus of the group, it can be used to justify bullying and ostracism of some students. 😞
This whole article is a joy! It’s clear and smart, faithful and tender. The closing line broke me because that’s the kind of love we should all share: whether you like it or not.
You are so right about Job, one of the most misunderstood books in the Hebrew scriptures. I've heard too many people quote Job's friends' arguments out of context as though they were the answer to suffering. This completely misses the point of the book, that these arguments are false.
Slave holders taught the parts about how slaves should obey their masters. This Texas nonsense is in the same vein. Carries the same weight. Echoes the same lies.
I rather like Psalm 89, which begins with praise and reminders of God's faithfulness and his promises to David, and then at verse 38, it turns to critique and accuses God of breaking his promises, rejecting his chosen ones, and siding with Israel's enemies. It does not end with hope. (The last verse appears to be a section summary rather than a summing up of the psalm.) I can imagine a lot of people, disappointed with how God has treated them, might identify with this psalm.
We just studied Psalm 89 at Bible study two days ago. It’s interesting that the lectionary version leaves out all the hard stuff, retaining just the praise. (Notice that the words of Psalm 13 are echoed in 89.) Praise without suffering is superficial and self-congratulating.
I did listen to it. I follow him so not sure how I missed it. Thank you for addressing this. One of my sons and his wife are English teachers in Texas. 🫤
I am very alarmed by the Adam and Eve passage. With the anti LGBTQ focus of the group, it can be used to justify bullying and ostracism of some students. 😞
This whole article is a joy! It’s clear and smart, faithful and tender. The closing line broke me because that’s the kind of love we should all share: whether you like it or not.
They're going to “teach” it from their own viewpoint, not from any theological training. What a crap show it will be!
You’re right on target with this! Thanks…
I am feeling this same gut punch. Thanks for the links.
Today is my religion in politics podcast. Nice to have this show up to watch that video. Thank you.