e diel tetor 31, 2004

Why do bad things happen to good people

I am working my way throught the Old Testament book of Job. This guy seems to be a pawn in the dispute between God and Satan and as a consequence, very bad things happen to him. The book is definitely from a different culture because his "friends" have a one note reason for all these bad things...'You must have sinned against God.' God himself shows up in chapter 38 and discusses the issue with Job. The book of Job is part of the 'Kethubim' or Writings section of the Old Testament, which includes Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Ruth and others. Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiates are considered Wisdom literature from the Ancient Near East. The picture at the left is a detail from a Latin Illuminated manuscript from Northern Italy, ca. 1273. Poor Job is covered with boils while his weeping wife stands over him and his 'friends' accuse him. It is from an exhibition of manuscripts at Southern Methodist University by one of my old professors, Charles Ryrie.

(2004-10-31 06:01:17.0) Permalink

e mërkurë tetor 13, 2004

Speaking of Confessions

"You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you, O Lord" This famous quote is from the first paragraph of the first book of The Confessions of St. Augustine. I decided to reach back and review a classic for my contemplation for the next few weeks. My suggestion is not to read about great books but read the great books yourself.
(2004-10-13 17:12:52.0) Permalink

e mërkurë tetor 06, 2004

Reading

In the spiritual department, I am currently working my way through the books of Chronicles and reading the book He Gave Us Stories by Richard Pratt.  It's a technical tome on the interpretation of Old Testament narratives suitable for the serious laymen or a preacher.