Hi Tim: You have a gift for this work – don’t let my ratings discourage you.
If I were to rate the 3 audios I listened to so far, Jonah 1 would get 10/10. Saul 7/10 and the dishonest steward 5/10. My criticism of Saul is that while there is a story and humour, you might be better to tell us less and let us hear more. Some day I hope you will do something on the humour in the Song (the brothers’ change of mind; the playfulness of the geography; and as we discussed earlier the language games) – it is for me like Wisdom at play before the foundation of the world.
Of the dishonest steward – I think we need the cultural reframing as you have done, but there is still something more to be read into it. Using unrighteous Mammon and balancing responsibility with “what-me-worry” – I think too much, but some I know well cannot think – remember obligations, anticipate consequences. The one I raised with such brain damage is a constant challenge to my European colonial culture. He is God’s secret agent but it is God’s secret. I think you need to reframe without the moral statement. (If I sell all my goods and have not love, I am nothing).
see also W. H. Auden: I cannot grow; I have no shadow To run away from, I only play.
I cannot err; There is no creature Whom I belong to, Whom I could wrong.
thanks so much for your insight. I was just talking with an associate about how much our western mindset impacts our theology and the living out of our faith.
I found your blog recently while looking for five minute bible studies. I am quite impressed with what I have listened to so far in your series. I have been trying to find quality biblical information and hopefully scholarly information in my journey closer to God. I’d just like to drop a quick thank you as I could not find any contact info.
Hi Tim: You have a gift for this work – don’t let my ratings discourage you.
If I were to rate the 3 audios I listened to so far, Jonah 1 would get 10/10. Saul 7/10 and the dishonest steward 5/10. My criticism of Saul is that while there is a story and humour, you might be better to tell us less and let us hear more. Some day I hope you will do something on the humour in the Song (the brothers’ change of mind; the playfulness of the geography; and as we discussed earlier the language games) – it is for me like Wisdom at play before the foundation of the world.
Of the dishonest steward – I think we need the cultural reframing as you have done, but there is still something more to be read into it. Using unrighteous Mammon and balancing responsibility with “what-me-worry” – I think too much, but some I know well cannot think – remember obligations, anticipate consequences. The one I raised with such brain damage is a constant challenge to my European colonial culture. He is God’s secret agent but it is God’s secret. I think you need to reframe without the moral statement. (If I sell all my goods and have not love, I am nothing).
see also W. H. Auden:
I cannot grow;
I have no shadow
To run away from,
I only play.
I cannot err;
There is no creature
Whom I belong to,
Whom I could wrong.
…
I shall never be
Different. Love me.
Moralising is always a preacher’s déformation professionnelle! I am also finding the 5 minute format quite a challenge – I must be getting old 😉
God bless,
Tim
thanks so much for your insight. I was just talking with an associate about how much our western mindset impacts our theology and the living out of our faith.
Yes, it’s funny how when we are too close to things we don’t see them, the air we breathe the culture we live in…
BTW you might find this one interesting too http://5minutebible.com/e100/luke-15-1-32-lost-and-found/
Hi,
I found your blog recently while looking for five minute bible studies. I am quite impressed with what I have listened to so far in your series. I have been trying to find quality biblical information and hopefully scholarly information in my journey closer to God. I’d just like to drop a quick thank you as I could not find any contact info.
Cam