Posts Tagged ‘Biblical Seminary’

Yesterday, I posted a poll to help me choose a book for seminary. The problem: both book covers suck; both received 3 stars on Amazon; and both are similarly priced. So, I put it to a vote… And with a surprising 100% of the votes, the winner is…

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I need your help!

Here’s the deal. My professor at Biblical Seminary gave our class the option to choose between two books for one of our readings. The first is Models of Contextual Theology by Stephen B. Bevans. The second is Doing Local Theology: A Guide for Artisans of a New Humanity by Clemens Sedmak. I have no idea about either of these two books or authors. I don’t know which one is good, or maybe both are? Both book covers suck so we can’t choose a book by its cover.

So, I need your help! Please vote in the poll below on which book you believe I should read for my seminary class. Even if you haven’t read them, read the reviews on Amazon and help me out. I thank you. My class will also thank you.

Caesar Augustus

Many of my recent studies have been focused around Rome and the New Testament (as with my post on Warren Carter’s book). After doing much research, I have put together a document comparing Caesar and Jesus. We must remember that many (if not all) of these titles/topics were dedicated to the Caesars before Jesus so the New Testament’s critique on empire should not be missed. I know I left off some other important titles such as “son of God,” but this should be a good starting point. Also, I must state that I am indebted to Richard Smith from Biblical Seminary as his lectures have assisted me in these studies.

View the document “Comparison between Caesar and Jesus” here (.pdf).

Is there anything I missed?

What are your thoughts after viewing this document?

Mark 11:27 Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple… Mark 12:13 Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. ¹⁴And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? ¹⁵Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ ¹⁶And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ ¹⁷Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him (NRSV).

A few things we notice from this passage.

1. Jesus has no money on him. I’m not sure what to really make of this, and I certainly do not suggest this means we shouldn’t carry any money anywhere. However, it is thought-provoking. Why doesn’t Jesus have money? Did he give it all to the Temple already? Did he purposely not bring money to the Temple? Does he have money? Contrary to some contemporary thought, I think ultimately this shows that Jesus didn’t have much money to his name.
2. Jesus sees through the question to the intention of the Pharisees and Herodians. Pretty good observation, don’t you think?
3. If Jesus answers one of the two ways his “accusers” hope he does, he will either be seen as a “rebel” or a “traitor of the faith.” If he says, “Don’t pay taxes,” Rome comes in (and we all know how they liked to handle things). If he says, “Pay taxes,” the Pharisees will call him a “traitor,” and many of Jesus’ followers will likely leave him because of their experience of Rome’s corruption and oppression. But Jesus doesn’t answer either of these ways, and that’s where he shows true wisdom.
4. Jesus doesn’t have a coin, so he asks his “accusers” for one. This may seem meaningless when we simply look at the text, but a deeper look into the cultural context will reveal much more. I would like to turn my attention to this…

In 1st century Palestine, it was unacceptable for a Jew to bring a Roman coin into the Temple. At this time (14-37 CE), a denarius had two blasphemous images on it–the first, a picture and inscription of “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus” (emphasis mine); the second on the back, a goddess with the inscription of “High Priest.” Thus, a God-fearing Jew (or culturally savvy one) would never have such a coin on his/her person while in the Temple.

This is where it gets humorous and exciting…

As soon as the guy grabs this denarius out of his pocket, he loses! The whole team loses! Jesus takes his accusers’ attempt to get him in trouble and turns their attempt on its head! Ha! They try to accuse him, but he gets them! Wow! I can imagine at least one guy in the group smack his own forehead and say, “Doy!” Hahaha!

That’s soooo Jesus, isn’t it?

And so, it’s almost as though Jesus is saying, “Give Caesar that disgusting piece of money! I don’t want it. He can have it. But Give to God what he desires–for you to love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. That’s what I’m all about.” Is that how we feel about money and the things of God? Are money and material items disgusting to us so much so that we have no problem giving them up? Are the things of God desirable to us? It’s something that we must think about.

It seems to me that Jesus often gives only two options to this debate: God or money. You choose. I know which one Jesus would.

(All of the above took place at my most recent class at Biblical Seminary, and such observations are credited to our professor Dr. Derek Cooper).

Recent Highlights:

1. Giselle is now walking! One day, she decided it was about time she started and became a pro overnight. With this being said, she’s much more fun than she was. We can go outside, and she’ll explore. It’s really cute.
2. I went to two Phillies games last week. One was with Amanda and Giselle for Mother’s Day. The Phillies lost, but it was still nice to go. The other was with my friend Thomas, who is a Dodgers fan, so naturally we went to a Dodgers game, and naturally the Phillies lost. We had fun though.
3. Giselle can say “baseball,” which is awesome itself, but the fact that she can recognize it while at a field or on TV is even cooler.
4. Amanda and I went to my seminary retreat. It was a much-needed break from everything. We actually had some time to talk and be with each other, which doesn’t happen much (I’m discovering) when you have small child. Meredith Wheeler was the speaker, and he spoke about the pain that ministers experience from the people they are ministering to. What? The church isn’t perfect? That’s right world. We aren’t. But there’s hope—and that’s Jesus Christ.

Job update: I had/have two “second interviews” for ministry jobs so we’ll see.

Seminary update: Began a new class called Organizational Assessment and Change. I’m not a huge fan of leadership classes, but this seems to be the most applicable in many ministry situations. Also, I will begin my independent study called “The Theology of Karl Barth” soon. I’m excited about this one since it will be with a few of us and John Franke (our professor), and we will be meeting at a pub or someplace instead of in a class room.

Disappointed by:

1. I don’t know if one would consider this a disappointment, but I have to read seven books by June 9. I read one already, but it will be a lot of work.
2. The Cavs. How could you lose game 1 to the Magic??? Lebron, let me speak to you for a moment – Hog…the…ball. Score 70 points if you have to. Just don’t give it up.

Books I’m reading:

1. N.T. Wright’s Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision. I read about the first chapter, and I loved it. However, I have way too much to read for seminary so I’m putting this on hold.
2. Seminary reading

• “Organizational Assessment and Change” -  Leading Congregational Change: A Practical Guide for the Transformational Journey. I accidentally bought the workbook (which I’m sending back) so I purchased the book for a friend and paid about $1.50 for the upgrade so I can read it online. Suckers.
• Independent study “The Theology of Karl Barth” (1) The Great Passion: An Introduction to Karl Barth’s Theology by Eberhard Busch. (2) Barth for the Armchair Theologians by John Franke, who is my independent study advisor. I know it’s much more novice than the above book, but I really liked this one (yes, I finished this one already).

Looking forward to:

1. The school year is ending on June 9 for Amanda so she’ll be around more.
2. Getting a full-time job. It’s gonna happen soon. I feel it.

I’m not sure why I’ve been taking until Tuesday (or Wednesday) to do what I mean to do on Monday, but here you go –

Highlights of the Week:
1.    Giselle has “dada” and “mama” down to know that it’s Dad and Mom, but it isn’t on demand. What I mean is, I can’t say, “Who that?” to Amanda, and Elle will respond, “Mama.” We just aren’t there yet.
2.    I was able to sub at Calvary twice within the past week, and I really like it. I actually remembered Algebra well enough to help a few students. Mainly subbing is just sitting there, but I had a chance to make a difference there (haha!).
3.    Sunday at The Well was awesome! I’m pretty sure that we’re all damned because for my whole time at The Well on Sunday we had – people wearing jeans, non-KJV translation used, screens, guitars, a woman preacher, a clip from Ellen (a show hosted by a lesbian?), talk about the role of “tradition” (are we Catholic?), and the word a** was used (in reference to “donkey,” but we all know that even in that context you’re destined for hell). Yes, we’re all damned. (Please understand that I’m totally joking, but I’m poking fun at people who would really think this).
4.    Amanda and I had a wonderful two days to celebrate her birthday. Thursday – we had a family dinner with her family and mine. Friday – the two of us went to PF Chang’s and to the movie New in Town. If you have a young child, you know how rare this can be to have hours to yourselves. Happy Birthday, Mand!

Books I’m Reading:
1.    Finished Coffehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life by Ed Cyzewski. You can check out what I think here, here, and here.
2.    Finished another book from NavPress called The One True Thing by Howard Baker. The book got progressively better from beginning to end. Overall, I enjoyed it. I will review it later.
3.    Now reading for class, Goldsworthy’s Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture and Christopher Wright’s Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament

Blogs I’ve Been Enjoying:
1.    Tim writes about Pete Rollins’ “denial” of the resurrection. I think Tim’s on to something. We should be paying attention to Pete’s point, not wondering if he actually believes the resurrection happened (which for some reason I think he does).
2.    Tony Jones has been reviewing the doctrine of original sin. I’m not sure I’m on board, but it’s worthwhile to take a look at it. Here’s the most recent.
3.    Scot McKnight’s calling of pro-life, pro-Obama-ers to call out about Obama’s pro-choice decisions. We aren’t paying loyalties to any leader besides Jesus.

Put It on Repeat (what I’ve been listening to)
1.    Sufjan Stevens Illinoise – I always come back to this album to listen to it again
2.    The Almost Southern Weather
3.    Lykke Li’s one song “I’m Good, I’m Gone” on Youth Novels
4.    Panic at the Disco’s one song “Nine in the Afternoon” on Pretty. Odd. – because I enjoy playing it on Rock Band 2

Job update: I didn’t get the job at McCafferty Hyundai because they couldn’t work around my school schedule. So, oh well. I have people looking out for me, and I think God is asking me to have patience. I don’t like it, but I think that’s what he’s asking me to do.

Seminary update: Just began a class with Peter Enns (who I’ve blogged about here, here, here, here, and here) called “Preaching Christ from the Old Testament.” It’s helping many of us work through the apostles’ “butchering” of Old Testament passages.

Had a good laugh at:
“I love Jesus, but I drink a little” from Ellen was the clip we watched at church. It’s pretty funny.

Looking forward to: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Highlights of the week:

1. Anniversary celebration (01.07) took place Saturday night away with Amanda. Mom and Dad took Giselle, and we headed for “Old City” Philadelphia. We stayed in the Penns View Hotel, which was very nice. We had lunch at Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar, and dinner at Old Original Book Binder’s. At Book Binder’s, I ordered lobster, and they brought out a live lobster and asked me if it was “good.” I hesitantly replied, “Yes.” It was “good.” Sunday morning, we had breakfast at the Hotel, and we went to the 11 AM service at the historic Christ’s Church. The message was about God working in us to allow us to see ourselves as he sees us. That sounds “self-help-ish,” but it wasn’t. It was very nice. I never had wine with the Eucharist so that was different, and the style is slightly more traditional than The Well, but beautiful, nonetheless. We followed that up with a little lunch at City Tavern (which is where George Washington and many of the patriots dined) before we headed home.
2. We signed up for Netflix and are streaming it through the Xbox 360. It’s pretty cool. We’ve only watched old episodes of The Office so far, but we intend to spend more time in front of the TV, don’t you worry.
3. Gave a sermon on Job 28 for a seminary class, and I got an A. So, A’s are always nice.

Books I’m reading:

1. The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier by Tony Jones
2. The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Communicators edited by Haddon Robinson and Craig Brian Larson
3. A few pages into Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life by Ed Cyzewski, and I will be blogging about it as part of my agreement with Ed and NavPress.

Job update: I’m interview this week at McCafferty Hyundai so please pray for me.

Disappointed by: (a) The Eagles… (b) After Proposition 8’s passing (an amendment to the CA Constitution to ban gay-marriage) in California, a Google-map was put out to show who donated to the amendment and how much they donated. I suppose we have a “right” to know, but I don’t think it is proper to do so. These people/organizations could now be victims to hate/anger/frustration on the part of those who disagree. I didn’t sit well with me to add a link here since I felt that it could spread more exposure on the privacy of others.

Let’s celebrate about something: Let’s celebrate the heroic pilot who landed the a jet place on the Hudson River

Watch CBS Videos Online

Seminary update: like I said, gave a sermon on Job 28, and it was a success. So, I’m pretty much done what I need to do for this class. This is a benefit of being on the first to go.

Looking forward to:

1. Flyers’ game with Aaron on Wednesday.
2. Spring training to start…Go Phillies! (See what you’ve done to me, Eagles!)

For my class at Biblical Seminary, I had to write my own Psalm of Lament. [Please don't comment saying something like "thou shalt not add or take away from Scripture"]. The purpose was to understand the structure of a Psalm of Lament by writing one.

Pseudo-Davidic Psalm
Of Evan Curry

Rescue me, O God, by your strength,
and present me as righteous, O God, by your justice.

Turn your face towards me and listen, my Lord,
Do not turn a deaf ear to what I bid of you.

For you I have worked with great angst,
For you I have offered my every part of me,
But you, O God, have not returned such a favor.

The Lord has done mighty deeds for saints of old,
Surely, he is still strong enough to rescue even me.

May those who ignore you be humbled,
Put an end to the success of the wicked.

But for you alone will I continue to carry this cross,
I will praise you for your might deeds.

For the Lord has been faithful to deliver his people,
and he will also rescue me out of despair.

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda survived her first week teaching. I’m very proud of her. (2) The Phillies made it to the NLCS! (3) See ministry update

Book(s) I’m reading: Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

Music I’m diggin’: Coldplay’s Viva La Vida; Underoath’s Lost in the Sound of Separation

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) the Eagles still don’t know how to score a touchdown when near the goal-line; (2) that people could be so offended by things Shane Claiborne has to say; (3) Bethel’s youth worship band was excellent - much better than when I was there…hahaha 

Ministry update: High School’s “Redeem, Restore” retreat to Philadelphia was not only fun but was also a great time of growth for us. (a) scavenger hunt in downtown Philadelphia - 15th & Market, down to 2nd & Chestnut, and to Chinatown; (b) assisted the Sunday Morning Breakfast Rescue Mission and heard some great stories; (c) able to see our good friends from Montvale Church; (d) heard Shane Claiborne give a talk at Bethel - the Church at Franklin Mills; (e) We (I) got to visit The Well church for the first time; (f) cheesesteaks at Steve’s Prince of Steaks; (g) slept on Bethel’s floors for the whole weekend

Seminary update: finishing up my class Developing Relationships in Community tomorrow so I’m excited to start a new class next week with Dr. Gary Schnittjer which covers Joshua-Chronicles 

Looking forward to: (1) my dad and I being a part of John Franke’s induction into the the role of Chairman of Missional Theology at Biblical Seminary - Scot McKnight and Brian McLaren will each speak for a session; (2) meeting a my new nephew who is coming sometime soon, we hope

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda survived her first week teaching. I’m very proud of her. (2) The Phillies made it to the NLCS! (3) See ministry update

Book(s) I’m reading: Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

Music I’m diggin’: Coldplay’s Viva La Vida; Underoath’s Lost in the Sound of Separation

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) the Eagles still don’t know how to score a touchdown when near the goal-line; (2) that people could be so offended by things Shane Claiborne has to say; (3) Bethel’s youth worship band was excellent - much better than when I was there…hahaha 

Ministry update: High School’s “Redeem, Restore” retreat to Philadelphia was not only fun but was also a great time of growth for us. (a) scavenger hunt in downtown Philadelphia - 15th & Market, down to 2nd & Chestnut, and to Chinatown; (b) assisted the Sunday Morning Breakfast Rescue Mission and heard some great stories; (c) able to see our good friends from Montvale Church; (d) heard Shane Claiborne give a talk at Bethel - the Church at Franklin Mills; (e) We (I) got to visit The Well church for the first time; (f) cheesesteaks at Steve’s Prince of Steaks; (g) slept on Bethel’s floors for the whole weekend

Seminary update: finishing up my class Developing Relationships in Community tomorrow so I’m excited to start a new class next week with Dr. Gary Schnittjer which covers Joshua-Chronicles 

Looking forward to: (1) my dad and I being a part of John Franke’s induction into the the role of Chairman of Missional Theology at Biblical Seminary - Scot McKnight and Brian McLaren will each speak for a session; (2) meeting a my new nephew who is coming sometime soon, we hope