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Some people like to say that Bible-believing Christians should not be political: but that's a difficult proposition when the Bible itself contains such deeply political texts. All three readings this week make striking political statements, so we're looking at how the inspired writers bring the lens of the past to bear on the present for the people of God.

Don't forget, you can now register for the Living Faith Study Day 2019 on EventBrite! It's a gathering for those exploring their relationship to faith, the Bible, and community. There'll be four thought-provoking topics packaged in short talks, with ample time for questions and discussion. I'll be giving one of those talks, "Christian Ethics and Social Justice: The Gospel of the Human Jesus". It's going to be a great day for building faith, and for taking the Bible seriously - both in its ancient context, and in the present day.

Read transcript

Talking politics is always challenging when religion is concerned. In this week's episode we try to learn how the writers and communities of the inspired biblical texts approached the politics of their own day as the people of God, so that we can bring those same perspectives to bear on our own - very different - situations in time and place. It's not an easy thing to do, but stripping the biblical text of its political significance isn't an option for anybody determined to take the Bible seriously.

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References

Collins, John J. (1984). Daniel: with an Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature, Forms of the Old Testament Literature commentary series. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Amazon    Logos

Pervo, Richard I. (2009). Acts: A Commentary, Hermeneia - A Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
Amazon    Logos    Olive Tree

Links

episode #37: prophecy and revelation (2018/10/28), including an extra-long segment reading Daniel 4 alongside Prayer of Nabonidus (DSS)

Tags

2 Chronicles 24, 2 Chronicles 22, 2 Chronicles 23, 2 Kings 12, Daniel 5, Daniel 4, 4QPrNab, Acts 3, Acts 4, Acts 5, Acts 6, Acts 7, Psalm 2, FRMOTLIT27DA, HRMNEIA65ACPER