Now that RBL has published a review of Crossley's recent book, it is appropriate to write a short response for any readers of the book who visit this blog because of his references. I am one of the targets of Crossley's critique of bloggers. I have not read Crossley's entire book. I have only briefly read his critique of me, which I would characterize as misleading. Crossley does not attempt to provide a sympathetic reading of my positions. Rather he embellishes them with his own political rhetoric, at one point describing me as devoted to the "Glorious Leader." As a libertarian conservative, I wholeheartedly reject that characterization. I am greatly distressed by the growth of executive power in the United States, especially as seen in the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations. I obviously do not share Crossley's political worldview and I steadfastly reject many of the intentions, motivations, interpretations, and the meta-narrative that Crossley attributes to me. Before I was made aware of Crossley's critique, I removed most of the political content from my blog as a more general decision to avoid the complications that arise from the unfortunate polarization associated with the American political scene. I do not support political parties in the States and, despite having expressed greater support for the policy positions usually espoused by Republicans, I firmly believe that both parties long ago failed the American electorate. In any case, as a Canadian, I am an outside observer. Though also an outside observer, Crossley seems to align himself with the left wing of American politics and sadly his critique of me is more befitting the Huffington Post or Daily Kos than academia. C'est la vie! I assume, given the positive feedback he has received, that the rest of his book is more substantial and productive in its scholarly analysis. I wish Crossley no ill will and indeed, congratulate him on the positive turn of events at Sheffield this past year. If anyone is interested in clarifications of my views after reading Crossley, feel free to contact me by email.
Today, my maternal grandmother, Erna Laser, passed away in the early afternoon. She joins my grandfather, Heinrich Laser, who passed several years ago now. My Oma and Opa stood firm in the Faith through many trials, hardships, sufferings, and mistakes. Their lives testify and bear witness to God's grace. I learnt many things from them, though I didn't always appreciate the lessons at the time or learn them well. They taught me:
1. about God's love and grace. 2. the value of geneaologies and family. 3. that giving doesn't require money. 4. the value of food, milk, and water. 5. German. 6. the importance of saving and financial stewardship. 7. the value of a good argument. 8. that an argument hasn't truly been exhausted until someone declares, preferably in German, that you are going to put them in the grave. 9. that true poverty isn't the absence of wealth but the absence of God and family. 10. that cleanliness is next to godliness. 11. that notes in all sorts of places are a great way to hold people accountable. 12. the value of a Swiss Army Knife for opening presents and that wrapping paper can be reused. 13. that birthday cards can be reused because 4 + 2 = 6. 14. the value of hard work. 15. the value of a quarter, especially when a tornado is coming and people leave their shopping carts behind. 16. the value of a penny. 17. that Brandy is a good medicine and a great way to keep warm. 18. that communion is best served with wine, not grape juice. 19. volunteerism. 20. the game of shuffle board. 21. that not all Germans supported Hitler. 22. that my German heritage is something to celebrate. 23. that I have royalty in my family. 24. the power of prayer. 25. generosity. 26. that speaking German is important. 27. to appreciate my parents, especially when my parents are gone for the summer and my grandparents have to watch me. 28. the value of grandparents. 29. the value of sacrifice. 30. that I have no clue about poverty and hardship. 31. that the Eastern Front is where Germans who didn't like Hitler served out the war. 32. the value of laughter. 33. that you really can get every last remnant of peanut butter out of the jar. 35. to lick my plate clean, especially when eating rouladen and potatoes and gravy. 36. to not be ashamed to lick my plate clean when a Quebecer comes over for dinner. 37. that prayer is perhaps the most important spiritual discipline. 38. that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. 39. that only grace can save us. 40. the value of faith and sacrifice.
The list goes on and on...
Deus det nobis suam pacem et vitam æternum. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen. ✞ We love you, Oma, and await that wonderful day when we will partake with you in the blessed joy to which you have been called. Thank-you for your prayers and never-failing love!
11. What is your view on the nature and process of sanctification and personal holiness?
Sanctification is the gracious work of God by which the people whom God has called and justified are conformed to the image of Christ, that is, the process by which the image we were originally given is fully restored. Like salvation, it is both a present and future reality. By grace, from the moment we first believe and are reconciled to God through Christ, we are sanctified and members in a royal priesthood and holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). We are granted access to the mercy seat of God. He receives our petitions and his Spirit dwells in us. The Bible is very clear that only that which is holy can enter God’s presence and, therefore, since we are admitted to God’s presence, we are holy. This is accomplished through Christ. At the same time, sanctification is a daily transformation as we work out our salvation “in fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12) and “wash ourselves clean of everything that pollutes either body or spirit, bringing our sanctification to completion in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
12. What are your views on spiritual gifts as they apply in the church today? What are your views concerning the cessation of the sign gifts?
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts as they are needed to console the individual believer, strengthen the Church, and further the kingdom of God. All manifestations of these gifts should be tested against Scripture to determine their validity. I do not believe in the cessation of “sign gifts,” though I believe that seeking after such signs is generally not consistent with spiritual maturity. Such gifts are granted in the situations in which they are required.
13. What is your view of the roles of men and women in leadership in the Church? If you see limits for women’s roles, please specify.
Women played a vital role in the ministries of Jesus, Paul, and the early Church, serving even as apostles, teachers, and deacons in a time in which social structures and norms made this difficult. Acknowledging this and embracing the dictum of Gamaliel in Acts 5:38-39, I will not oppose Christian sisters who claim a calling from God to leadership. If I did, I might find that I am fighting against God! Bruce Winter, in Roman Wives, Roman Widows, has elucidated much of the likely historical context for the controversial passages of 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 and 1 Timothy 2:8-15. In my mind, his work undermines patriarchal interpretations and reinforces the tendency of Scripture towards an egalitarian model (e.g., Gal 3:28).
14. Explain briefly your personal positional views in the context of Calvinism vs. Arminianism.
While I am empathetic to the concept of prevenient grace, which enables rather than compels, my theological leanings are, by and large, nearer to Calvinism than Arminianism, especially insofar as I hold firmly to the perseverance of the saints. I do not think, however, that Scripture fully resolves the tensions between God’s sovereignty, systemic evil and corruption, human responsibility and culpability, and unmerited salvation as neatly as Augustine, Arminius, or Calvin would have it. My faith leads me to trust that God is just, his grace sufficient, and his desire that all might be saved sincere and meaningful.
Today, I rediscovered Leonard Cohen's classic song, "Hallelujah." It's a haunting piece that in recent years has been covered, perhaps most notably by Jeff Buckley. It does not present a very sanitized view of praise but nevertheless one that resonates with me because of its brutal honesty and its blurring of physical and spiritual moments of praise. Not surprisingly, the refrain has made it popular among Christians, though the verses are not nearly as well received. Consequently, a Christian artist, Lincoln Brewster, has covered the song with new lyrics. Although the Christianese lyrics are theologically sound, they obliterate the raw intensity and brokenness of Cohen's original. I'm curious to know what my readers think. Whose lyrics speak to you?
Apparently Leonard Cohen wrote some fifteen verses for this song and didn't settle on an "authoritative version" until it was covered by John Cale. I've reproduced the version of the lyrics I like the most:
Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
The lyrics for the Lincoln Brewster version, which is actually called "Another Hallelujah," are much shorter:
I love you Lord with all my heart
You've given me a brand new start
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this the fourth the fifth
The minor fall the major lift
My heart and soul are praising
Hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujan, hallelujah
I know that you're the God above
You're filling me with grace and love
And I just want to say thank you to you
You pulled me from the miry clay
You've given me a brand new day
Now all that I can say is
Hallelujah
6. What are your views on the importance of faith and works and how they relate to each other?
Faith is the assurance of justification, sanctification, and glorification. It is a gift from God and vitally important for our confidence before God. Through faith, we know and trust in the grace that saves us. Works are a demonstration or symptom of faith. They testify to our faith. By works, we preach the gospel.
7. Tell us about your view of who Satan is and how his powers relate to the power of Christ.
Satan literally means adversary. According to the Bible, Satan is a principal of the unseen realm who challenges and oppresses the people of God. He has no power except that which is given to him by God. As all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ, the powers of Satan, such as they are, are subject to Christ.
8. Describe the role of the Church as you see it depicted in the Bible. What is the appropriate role of the Church in the world today?
The Church, commissioned by Christ Jesus, is an invisible and indivisible body of those who are called, justified, sanctified, and glorified by God’s grace in faith. The Church has historically served as the trustee and representative of the revelation concerning Jesus and is commanded to evangelize, disciple, and baptize by his authority (Mt 28:18-20). The Church is not a human institution but a divine one that lives in people of faith. Wherever and whenever people of faith meet together, the Church is present and active. The unity of the Church is a spiritual reality. The Church is not called to uniformity in all matters and, as such, I regard the diversity of the Christian tradition as a sign of vitality and strength. Members of the Church are bound together in fellowship by a common confession of the lordship of Christ Jesus and should actively work in the world to bring good news and pursue love, reconciliation, consolation, charity, and justice.
9. What role is the Bible intended to play in the Christian life?
The Bible is “God-breathed and useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). Christians are instructed to meditate on and study Scripture and test all ideas, philosophies, theologies, and teachings against it. The Church has historically recognized the Bible as authoritative for the community of faith. My high view of Scripture, however, is tempered by my concern that some Christian groups have replaced the centrality of Christ with bibliolatry. Moreover, in doing so, they have ironically strayed from the Bible and what has become authoritative in these communities is a particular interpretation of it. Nevertheless, the Bible should play a central role in the Christian life and be a source of knowledge, encouragement, consolation, mystery, and passion.
10. Describe your interpretation of what the Bible says about (1) human destiny and (2) rewards for the believer.
The Bible teaches that God desires the salvation of all and that reconciliation with him leads to new life and the resurrection. The Bible also teaches that not all people will receive salvation. Some, perhaps even many, choose to remain slaves to sin, which leads to judgment and eternal separation from God. “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Recently, as a part of a job application, I had to provide short answers to fourteen questions probing my theological positions. I enjoyed committing some of my beliefs to writing. I noticed that my beliefs are fairly eclectic, and so don't really fit into any one particular stream. I thought I would share some of the questions and answers with my readers and maybe motivate you to write out what you believe. It's a good exercise to undertake, especially if you take some time to be precise and to research the historical positions taken by the Church in its various manifestations. Here are the first five questions and answers:
1. Describe the roles of God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are the co-eternal and distinct persons that co-exist as the Triune God. This relational existence is an essential quality of God’s self-sufficiency and sovereignty and also illustrates our purpose to exist relationally with God and with others. As the Triune God finds perfect satisfaction in relationship, so also humanity finds satisfaction in relationships with God and others.
The Father is the author of our salvation, the judge of all creation, and presides over the divine council. Jesus is the Word of God. He is the perfect, incarnate, and sufficient revelation of God to humanity. He is the son to the father and by his perfect sacrifice has accomplished our salvation. The Spirit is the advocate of the revelation given through Jesus Christ. The Spirit dwells in and among the members of the Body of Christ, empowering them with gifts to accomplish God’s purposes. The Spirit provides consolation and strength and ministers to those who are in need. All three were active in creation and continue to sustain it.
2. Explain your view on the deity and humanity of Christ.
The deity and humanity of Christ are essential confessions of Christianity. The Bible affirms that Christ is both fully human and fully divine, though it does not specifically address the manner in which these natures co-exist in the person of Christ. Consequently, while I generally affirm and would consider myself Chalcedon compliant, I also accept as potentially valid the miaphysite position of the Eastern Orthodox Churches. In more general terms, I teach and affirm that Jesus possessed two natures, a human and a divine nature, but also accept that Jesus may have possessed one nature in which both his human and divine natures are fully present without separation, confusion, or alteration. I reject any view that would undermine the humanity or the deity of Christ. I also believe that Christ did not give up his divine prerogatives during his earthly ministry. He lived and continues to live as an integrated, unified human incarnation of God.
3. Describe the nature and effect of sin in humankind and define the biblical pathway to salvation.
Sin is moral failure. It exists because God endowed humanity with the capacity for ethical deliberation, choice, and freedom. Sin causes corruption and consequently the world is systemically evil. God saves us from this corruption by grace. Becoming fully human and living perfectly without sin, Jesus Christ demonstrates that grace. For, while being perfectly God, he chose to reconcile and redeem humanity, to be sacrificed for it, rather than to destroy it. Though God could take our lives, as God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, God instead sacrifices himself, his own son, so that humanity might always be able to appeal to the righteousness of Christ for continued grace.
According to the Bible, salvation has been accomplished through Jesus. We, as the Church, declare that salvation, encouraging people to join in common fellowship. For the individual, salvation is a process by which God, through the testimony of Christ and the advocacy of the Holy Spirit, leads a person to acknowledge their sin and recognize their need for relationships, chiefly with God but also with others. Although the Church attempts to foster this process through spiritual disciplines such as confession, baptism, and communion, God initiates and sees the process to its completion and Christ alone judges its fruit. The Church exists to preach Christ and then to bring into fellowship and discipleship those who seek God and whom God has called. There are no definitive steps a person can take to be saved; nothing but the grace of God through Christ Jesus saves. Assurance that God has saved us comes through prayer, confession, baptism, communion, discipleship, fellowship, and the promise that “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable,” that is, “those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 11:29; 8:30).
4. What is the role and purpose of water baptism?
Water baptism is a symbol and a sacrament. Water baptism symbolizes the covenant of grace that God has established with humanity through Jesus Christ. It is public testimony to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the circumcision of the participant’s heart in light of those events. It declares the desire of the participant to become a communicant within the Church and a disciple for Christ. Water baptism is also a sacrament because God’s grace and forgiveness are mysteriously mediated to the participant and the Body of Christ through its faithful observance. The participant receives assurance and spiritual renewal (that is, regeneration) and the Body of Christ welcomes another member into its fellowship. Although it is not necessary for salvation, faithful observance of it demonstrates the authenticity of an individual’s claim to circumcision and repentance and their acknowledgment of the lordship of Jesus Christ.
5. What is the role and purpose of communion?
Communion, likewise, is a symbol and sacrament. While water baptism affirms that our salvation has been accomplished through Jesus Christ, communion affirms that salvation is a process of justification, sanctification, and ultimately glorification that takes place within community. Consequently, communion, like baptism, is public testimony to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The body and blood of Christ are the source of our salvation and new life. We eat and drink emblems of the body and blood of Christ so that we might experience anew the life given to us and remember the sacrifice of grace that accomplished it. Participation in communion affirms the baptism of the believer and ongoing fellowship within the community. It mediates God’s grace, providing assurance and spiritual renewal, and strengthening the fellowship of believers. Scripture repeatedly warns us, however, not to partake of communion lightly. It must be preceded by confession and approached with a reverence parallel to that shown by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. Communicants who are not prepared to show such reverence should abstain until such a time as they can resolve any burdens that weigh on their spirit.
As I mentioned in my previous review of Netflix, my wife and I have really enjoyed it. The streaming feature, in particular, is really cool. Although the selection isn't quite as good as I would like, it's great not to be tied down to a specific location or waiting for a couple of days for another movie to arrive through the mail. You can stream as many movies as you like each month, wherever you have Internet access. The quality of the streaming is really quite good. The other day I had to bring my kids with me to the exam I was giving to one of my classes at Penn State. In order to keep them occupied, I put them in one of the neighboring classrooms and streamed Blues Clues through my Netflix account. Aidan loved the big screen! It was great and got me thinking that Netflix is a great pedagogical tool. With a Netflix account, you can stream clips from any of the movies they have available to illustrate or support points. I'm not sure though whether you could legally show a whole movie as that may violate licensing. Netflix, however, should look into marketing itself to universities and college, and really ramping up their selection of documentaries. No more pulling DVDs and videos from the library! Just login and stream the documentary directly to the classroom computer! Does anybody know if Netflix is already doing this?
One of the movies my wife and I recently streamed on Netflix was a documentary called Food Inc.. This documentary examines the American food supply chain and reveals some pretty interesting facts about factory farms, genetic engineering, food-borne illnesses, pesticides, chemical processing, and the politics and business of food. The film only rarely falls into predictable "left-wing" sentiments, e.g. with its segment on illegal immigration and the food industry. More often, the film takes a balanced approach to issues and so, e.g., advocates a combination of market and government driven solutions for the problems it identifies. On the whole, the movie is a balanced, informative, and even entertaining documentary. Well worth watching!
For my family, the issues raised in this documentary touch close to home. My wife, Melissa, suffers from an autoimmune disorder called ankylosing spondylitis while my son, Aidan, was recently diagnosed with moderate-to-severe autism. Through consistent research, we've discovered that autism spectrum disorders and autoimmune conditions can have food triggers. We've also discovered connections between autoimmunity in parents and autism in children. The reasons for the connections are complex. In my causes, a new section of my website, I've posted some of the books and medical research articles that support this emerging understanding. In any case, my wife and son are now benefiting from an organic, GFCF diet. They avoid gluten, casein (a protein in animal milk), corn, sulfites, nitrates, preservatives and additives (e.g., BHA/BHT), metals, phenols, and yeast. They also avoid sugars as much as possible, substituting Organic Blue Agave or Stevia. It's not an easy diet to maintain as you can imagine. After watching Food Inc., you'll have an even deeper appreciation for the difficulties! However, we have noticed demonstrable improvements. My son clearly feels better and has improved behavioral functioning and communication while my wife has been able to better control flare-ups. The instant she breaks her diet, her hips flare-up and she is severely limited for the next two or three days. Keeping the diet and ensuring you still get the right nutrients is especially challenging and my wife (a Registered Nurse) highly recommends a certified nutritionist work with you and that your doctor is informed, though the latter may not support your decision and even attempt to dissuade you because of the extreme challenges of the diet and potential for malnutrition if you are not prepared to carefully monitor and manage your nutritional intake. Many doctors also continue to operate under the assumption that there is lack of supporting clinical research indicating the benefits (though see the resources in my causes). A certified nutritionist will help not only with a diet plan but by prescribing helpful probiotics, supplements, and herbal adjuvant remedies (e.g. Stinging Nettle for Rheumatological conditions). You can follow our family's journey with these issues at Melissa's Moments, my wife's blog devoted to our challenges living with ankylosing spondylitis and parenting a child with autism.
At present, I don't keep the diet as strictly as my wife and son, because I fortunately don't suffer from an autoimmune condition. I do, however, like many of the foods and snacks. In particular, whether you are on the diet or not, I highly recommend the Angel Food Ministries' Allergen Free Box and Meat Box, Hormel Natural Choice Uncured Salami, Wegman's Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Kettle Brand Chips. Excellent stuff, though note that not all Kettle Brand flavors are casein free! I also recently discovered Goat's Milk Brie Cheese and Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread with Sesame (God apparently is an accomplished baker. Go figure! Sovereign Lord and Baker Extraordinaire!). These technically violate the diet—goat's milk contains the casein protein and the Ezekiel 4:9 Bread still contains organic gluten—. The casein in Goat's Milk, however, is generally tolerated better than the cow's protein. My wife has tried it and suffers no ill effects. Our nutritionist also said the Ezekiel 4:9 Bread was acceptable for our circumstances, though my wife doesn't want to take any chances and so does not to give it to our son or take it herself.
I just finished uploading some significant site updates. I'm especially excited about two new sections to my website: your Bible Guide and my Causes. Although the latter is not completely finished, I did finish the Health and Wellness section, which focuses on autism, ankylosing spondylitis, and dietary intervention. Throughout the site, I have fixed bad links, updated probably three quarters of my product links, added the Logos RefTagger to a number of pages for easy reference to biblical texts that I cite, and added social networking features. I am hoping that the new features will generate more traffic for the site. I appreciate my visitors who have continued to buy through the links on my website. While I don't earn a lot of money through this site, what do I earn is greatly appreciated. More importantly though, I hope that the products and ideas are helpful and useful. Please feel free to leave comments here if you notice any glaring problems with the new features.
I danced in the morning
when the world was begun,
and I danced in the moon
and the stars and the sun,
and I came down from heaven
and I danced on the earth,
at Bethlehem
I had my birth.
Refrain:
Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
and I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
and I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he.
I danced for the scribe
and the pharisee,
but they would not dance
and they wouldn't follow me.
I danced for the fishermen,
for James and John -
they came with me
and the dance went on. Refrain
I danced on the Sabbath
and I cured the lame;
the holy people
said it was a shame.
they whipped and they stripped
and they hung me on high,
and they left me there
on a Cross to die. Refrain
I danced on a Friday
when the sky turned black;
it's hard to dance
with the devil on your back.
They buried my body
and they thought I'd gone,
but I am the Dance,
and I still go on. Refrain
They cut me down
and I leapt up high;
I am the life
that'll never, never die;
I'll live in you
if you'll live in me -
I am the Lord
of the Dance, said he. Refrain
Last year, I was privileged to have Eisenbrauns publish Community Identity in Judean Historiography: Biblical and Comparative Perspective, a collection of essays that I co-edited with my advisor, Gary Knoppers. It was a great pleasure to share editorial responsibilities for this volume. Many of the essays came from papers presented at the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies 2007 Annual Meeting, which was held in Saskatoon, SK. You can still view the Saskatoon Sessions at the Historiography Seminar website. Contributors to the volume include Kenton Sparks, John Van Seters, Gary Knoppers, Louis Jonker, Mark Boda, John Kessler, Mark Leuchter, Katie Stott, Ehud Ben Zvi, James Bowick, and myself. Recently, this volume was reviewed by Rainer Kessler (PDF) for the Review of Biblical Literature. The review was reviewed by John Hobbins.
I also had the distinct honor of contributing to a volume published by Continuum and edited by my colleague at Penn State, Deirdre Fulton, along with my advisor, Gary Knoppers, and Lester Grabbe. Exile and Restoration Revisited remembers the enormous contribution of Peter Ackroyd through a collection of articles that clearly stand on the shoulders of this great scholar. My essay entitled, "Rebuilding Jerusalem: Zechariah's Vision within Visions" elucidates and comments on the prophetic-scribal vision of Jerusalem in Zechariah 1-8. One of my dissertation chapters revisits and incorporates aspects of that article, though I take aim at some of my earlier ideas, especially in one scathing footnote! I would like to extend my appreciation to the editors and the publisher for including my article.
In any case, I really enjoyed the experience of editing and publishing. Hopefully, my contributions are well-received.
Brief Response to Crossley
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