Monthly Archives: December 2011
Is the Tanakh “Great Literature”?
Presently, my poll shows more than 60% of my readers have read all of the Tanakh (AKA: “The Jewish Bible: — also derogatorily called the “Old” Testament by Christians). Some people would call “The Bible” great literature. But as my … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
The Tanakh: Jewish Scriptures
The Tanakh (T+N+K) The Jewish canon of scripture is called the “TaNaKh” which is an acronym for its three traditional subdivisions described below: Torah + Nevi’im + Ketuvim. The Protestant “Old Testament” (OT) borrowed all the content of the Tanakh … Continue reading
Filed under Religion
Who is a Christian?
When someone tells you what a “Christian” is, their definition will fall into one of the four major categories below. After each category I offer its short-comings (SC:). The first definition category, “Anthropological”, is my preferred definition. The next three are all … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
The Christian Old Testament
Wow, as of Dec 30th, 2011, >60% readers claimed to have read the whole OT. Join the poll — let’s see who you readers are.This diagram illustrates the ancient Hebrew texts which are present in the various Christian “Old Testaments”. … Continue reading
Filed under Religion
Was Jesus a Great Teacher?
Before addressing the question of “Was Jesus a Great Teacher“, I think it is crucially important to make explicit the assumptions of anyone who answers the question. Below are some of the important questions behind the “Great Teacher” question. I … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Distasteful Concessions
In many places, Christians live as a minority and are threatened. In America, however, Christianity is in a privileged majority position. Last night, Christmas Eve, my 9-year-old daughter lamented, “I think I am the only Atheist in our school. I … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Does Jesus save Buddhists?
I was once a Christian, and on my way out of the club, I remember reading passages from CS Lewis that rang true to me: “But the truth is God has not told us what His arrangements about the other … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Who Should Go to Funerals?
I have had several dear friends and family die over the years and I have attended several funerals. Some folks showed up at the funerals who, though nearby, never visited the dead for many years — for complicated reasons. Some … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
