Growing up, I frequently butted heads with a belief called “biblical inerrancy,” the idea the bible as we have it today is perfect and free of error in all things. … Continue reading You Know, Maybe Paul Didn’t Actually Say That (Against Biblical Inerrancy)
A Personal Note about Speaking in Tongues (Prelude to Chapter 14)
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “speaking in tongues”? Do you imagine a group of people praying together in languages unique to them with a leader … Continue reading A Personal Note about Speaking in Tongues (Prelude to Chapter 14)
1 Corinthians 13 (Part 5): The Greatest of These Is Love
Love is the greatest because while faith is preached and hope pertains to the future life, love reigns. As 1 John says: ‘By this we know his love, that he … Continue reading 1 Corinthians 13 (Part 5): The Greatest of These Is Love
Chapter 13 (Part 4): A Glass Darkly
The prisoners sat in a line facing the cave wall. Their shackles not only bound them in place; the restraints prevented them from looking over their shoulders or even to … Continue reading Chapter 13 (Part 4): A Glass Darkly
1 Corinthians 13 (Part 3): Words for Love and Why They Matter
Copious ink has been spilt over the different Greek words for love in the New Testament. There’s eros, which refers to romantic love. Philia describes affection like you might feel … Continue reading 1 Corinthians 13 (Part 3): Words for Love and Why They Matter
1 Corinthians 13 (Part 2): Clanging Symbols
Love is the very head of religion, and someone who has no head is dead. —Ambrosiaster I sometimes find myself in debates about the finer points of theology, and while … Continue reading 1 Corinthians 13 (Part 2): Clanging Symbols
Chapter 13 (part 1): Putting “The Love Chapter” Back in Context
Paul tells the Corinthians that love is the greatest of all because there was jealousy and strife among them, and the church was in danger of being divided. —Theodore of … Continue reading Chapter 13 (part 1): Putting “The Love Chapter” Back in Context
Chapter 12: One Body
As we discussed last week, when Paul talks about worship with the Corinthians, he also emphasizes equality among Christians. The Corinthians were really messing up in this department by granting … Continue reading Chapter 12: One Body
BBQ Theology
I grew up in Memphis, TN, and because of this upbringing, I like my BBQ a certain way: pulled pork shoulder or pork ribs coated in dry rub, completely inundated with … Continue reading BBQ Theology
Chapter 11: Women & Men, Bread & Wine
Paul has spent several chapters now talking about meat sacrificed to idols— a practical issue with larger implications for community and belief. Similarly, in chapters 11 through 14, Paul goes … Continue reading Chapter 11: Women & Men, Bread & Wine