The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a deeply unsettling mirror, revealing that love of one’s neighbor is tested not with strangers at the far edges of the world, but close to home—at our own doorstep, among those with whom we share past conflict, mistrust, disappointment, and hurt.
The Good Tidings of John the Baptist: An Eschatological Priestly Messiah Coming on the Clouds of the Spirit
I wish to highlight how John the Baptist’s priestly orientation also led to tension between Jesus and John the Baptist.
Candy Bars and Jesus: Taking a Risk on Jon Guerra
Some songs are wonderful for Sunday morning, but where are the songs that will get you through Monday?
A Satisfied Mind: Jesus’ Attitude Toward Wealth
And what a challenging, troubling, and unsettling attitude it is!
Locating Jesus’ Place on the Political-Ideological Spectrum of Second Temple Jewish Society
Was Jesus on the right, left, or near the center of the political spectrum of first-century Jewish society?
The Basis of Early Christian Antimilitarism
The basis of Christian antimilitarism was the influence of Jesus’ teaching and character as emphasized and interpreted by the early Church.
Language Use in the First Century: Spoken Hebrew in a Trilingual Society in the Time of Jesus
Hebrew was alive and well in a basically trilingual society in the land of Israel during the first century C.E.
Is Desiring Justice for Palestinians Anti-Semitic?
God’s love for Israel came with a blessing for all peoples. Followers of Jesus aren’t getting it right if their love for Israel isn’t doing the same.
Musings on the Magi: What Theological Lessons Can Be Drawn from Matthew’s Infancy Narrative?
The theological lessons of the magi story are complex and nuanced. They require balance and wisdom, and they stretch us beyond what we may feel is practical or reasonable to achieve. But what good is theology if it does not aspire to a vision of a better world?
