As many of you are likely aware, this coming Sunday is Pentecost. On this day, we are reminded to celebrate the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit poured out on us all. I felt that I would be remiss if I did not also point out that Pentecost corresponds to the Jewish festival called Shavuot, which means "sevens" or "weeks." Thus, the festival has come to be called the Feast of Weeks. Two things are important to point out about what this feast means for the Jewish people. First, it is a celebration of the gift of Torah to the people of Israel. Second, after Passover, they beginning counting the days (50) until they will celebrate this festival in anticipation of God's revelation at Sinai. We should be excited to celebrate the revelation of the Spirit at Pentecost, realizing that God's promise, delivered through the prophet, Jeremiah, to write the Torah on our hearts was actualized on the culmination of Shavuot/Pentecost.
In modern Jewish tradition, this festival is celebrated by reading the Torah all through the night (yes, that means that they do not sleep). Since we will be reading Genesis-Deuteronomy five times before the year is out, I though we might as well make it six. It has been my plan to participate in this endeavor on Saturday night/Sunday morning this coming weekend. Will you join me? If so, here is what I plan on reading:
1. Genesis - Deuteronomy
2. Nehemiah 9 (This is a re-narration of the basic story of Torah that the Levites give to the assembled Israelites after God brought them out of captivity).
3. Acts 7 (Stephen's re-narration of the basic story of Torah given to an assembly of Jews that I think creates an interesting correlation to Nehemiah).
4. Matthew 5-7 (Jesus' exposition of the basic tenants of the Torah and how they are to be understood).
If you run out of readings before the night is up, shoot me a note on the blog, on Facebook, or on Twitter and I will recommend more.
I hope this will be fruitful for you. I know it is a lot to read. A word of advice: try doing it while you are standing or pacing the room, otherwise you will likely fall asleep. Also, try doing it in pairs to further prevent such sleeping. I think you will sense the blessing of the Spirit as you commemorate the pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh and the confirmation that the words we are reading have indeed been written on our hearts. May we hear them and respond to them.
By the way, I have also started a Twitter account to track the progress of this endeavor. You can follow me @StrategicBible. I will be posting here and there through the night using the hashtag #Shavuot and #Pentecost. Hopefully this will provide you with the community that you need to participate.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Reading for Subtlety, A Response
It has been a while since I posted “Reading for Subtlety.”
In that post, I asked a few questions. I received one answer/frustration with
the passage that I presented. I mentioned that I had in mind, but I wanted to
see what you all had to say. In he absence of comments, here are my thoughts:
At first glance, these two stories seem to be coincidentally
presented. Perhaps this is due to the fact that they happened historically in
this order. I have no doubt that this is in fact the case. However, there also seems
to be a thematic progression as well. The connection is brief. In the first
crisis presented, 12:10-20, Abram flees to Egypt. In the midst of this crisis, God makes an appearance in this story, but not to the person we would
expect. God appears to Pharaoh in order to warn him of the coming danger and
offer the chance of repentance.
Moving to the next story, a second crisis is presented (13:1-18): Lot perceives a lack of space and resources for both his family and
that of Abram. God appears at
the end of this crisis again, but notice to whom God appears: Abram.
So here is my proposal: In each of these stories, Abram
responds to a crisis. Likewise, God responds to the situation. What I suggest
is that in both cases, God responds for the good of Abram, which is no
surprise. But I assert further that God appears to the wronged party in each case. What this suggests is that,
despite God’s undisputed choice to bless Abram, God still makes an effort to
work on behalf of those who find themselves on the other side of this blessing. More can be said, but I wish to be brief.
The Strategy:
I want you to be thinking about whether or not this is a good, or even a possible,
way to read and understand these stories. As you read, you should be looking
for patterns. As you discover these patterns, in your first reading and
make note of them, you should look to see if they are consistent in your
subsequent readings. This will allow you to temper and test your hypotheses.
So give it a shot, read through the story of Abram/Abraham
and see if this way of reading is convincing and consistent. If it is, what are
other examples this that would support it? What are further implications of this possibility? Thank you again for participating. I
hope it is helping you to reconceive how you can read the Bible.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Reading for Subtlety
Most of us are familiar with the phrase "read between the lines." It is something that we do intuitively in conversations; we "read" emotion, tone, and inflection, actively interpreting what someone might be saying to us. However, when we are reading a text, the text does not have the natural ability to emote, provide tone, or inflect. We often have to do it for the text, which means we have to do our best to hear the text in different ways to allow the appropriate balance of these three aspects to emerge.
This is often a frustrating activity. We would much rather the author just announce what he or she intends to be understood. Or do we? In a classic episode of Futurama, the original series finale entitled, The Devils Hands Are Idle Play Things, this point is excellently illustrated. Fry, the main character, is composing an opera about the woman he loves, Leela. In the midst of this a character named The Robot Devil (whose character is exactly what his name implies) becomes frustrated with Fry's composition and announces, "You can't just have your characters announce how they feel, that makes me feel angry!" This ironic line, in context, is hilarious to say the least. However, its point is precise: subtlety allows for much deeper and varied meaning than a direct statement can ever convey.
This fact stood out to me recently as I was reading through the Abram/Abraham narrative. The first movement of the story is Abram going into Egypt and swindling Pharaoh by misleading him regarding his relationship to Sarai. Pharaoh is warned of the nature of the situation and responds in repentance. So Abram leaves with wife and new goods in tow. Arriving in the land, Lot confronts Abram about the ability of the land to sustain both of their families. Abram responds by allowing Lot to choose his land and take it. Lot chooses the "better" land and they part ways and God confirms his covenant with Abram. This is the simple progression of the narrative that forms a very general pattern: two characters interact to produce a result with God communicating with the one of the parties.
But what is going on between the lines? This is the place where assumptions are made that can radically alter how you might read these stories. There are good ways to do this and there are bad ways; but, there are multiple ways.
I have some thoughts, but what do you see happening as you read Genesis 12:10-13:18? What are the connections between the two stories presented? I would like you to think through your assumptions and try to name them and articulate them. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and what subtleties come out as you read, so thank you ahead of time.
This is often a frustrating activity. We would much rather the author just announce what he or she intends to be understood. Or do we? In a classic episode of Futurama, the original series finale entitled, The Devils Hands Are Idle Play Things, this point is excellently illustrated. Fry, the main character, is composing an opera about the woman he loves, Leela. In the midst of this a character named The Robot Devil (whose character is exactly what his name implies) becomes frustrated with Fry's composition and announces, "You can't just have your characters announce how they feel, that makes me feel angry!" This ironic line, in context, is hilarious to say the least. However, its point is precise: subtlety allows for much deeper and varied meaning than a direct statement can ever convey.
This fact stood out to me recently as I was reading through the Abram/Abraham narrative. The first movement of the story is Abram going into Egypt and swindling Pharaoh by misleading him regarding his relationship to Sarai. Pharaoh is warned of the nature of the situation and responds in repentance. So Abram leaves with wife and new goods in tow. Arriving in the land, Lot confronts Abram about the ability of the land to sustain both of their families. Abram responds by allowing Lot to choose his land and take it. Lot chooses the "better" land and they part ways and God confirms his covenant with Abram. This is the simple progression of the narrative that forms a very general pattern: two characters interact to produce a result with God communicating with the one of the parties.
But what is going on between the lines? This is the place where assumptions are made that can radically alter how you might read these stories. There are good ways to do this and there are bad ways; but, there are multiple ways.
I have some thoughts, but what do you see happening as you read Genesis 12:10-13:18? What are the connections between the two stories presented? I would like you to think through your assumptions and try to name them and articulate them. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and what subtleties come out as you read, so thank you ahead of time.
Monday, May 14, 2012
The Schedule Is Here
I have received a few requests now for the schedule that I will be using
starting July 1st. Well, here it is:
The Schedule
There are a few points that should be clarified:
1) There are roughly 5-7 chapters to read each day. It is a lot to read; but, if you get into the habit, it will not be very difficult.
2) There is a reflection day scheduled every seventh day (it just seemed right). However, a word of warning: Do not get behind and say, "I will catch up on day seven!" There will be activities that you will be doing as part of the program on that day. Trust me; it is better to stay up with the reading.
3) You will notice that we will read Genesis through Deuteronomy five times, each time start from a different place. This is to help us make different connections.
4) Most importantly, if you feel that you cannot keep up the pace, then make your own schedule. When I post the activities that we will do with each read through, you can simply complete one reading (Genesis-Deuteronomy) and the activity for that reading (first, second, third, etc.) before you move on to the next read through and activity.
Let me know if you have any questions. I will continue to post thoughts leading up to July 1st. I will also begin posting the instructions for the activities in the coming weeks. I look forward to your feedback.
If you have not yet responded to the previous post, I would encourage you to do so. I would like to hear any thoughts and strategies you use to read. Here is the secret: you have a strategy even if you do not realize it. Just try to put some words to it (even if you do not post it on the blog) and it will help you as you move forward.
The Schedule
There are a few points that should be clarified:
1) There are roughly 5-7 chapters to read each day. It is a lot to read; but, if you get into the habit, it will not be very difficult.
2) There is a reflection day scheduled every seventh day (it just seemed right). However, a word of warning: Do not get behind and say, "I will catch up on day seven!" There will be activities that you will be doing as part of the program on that day. Trust me; it is better to stay up with the reading.
3) You will notice that we will read Genesis through Deuteronomy five times, each time start from a different place. This is to help us make different connections.
4) Most importantly, if you feel that you cannot keep up the pace, then make your own schedule. When I post the activities that we will do with each read through, you can simply complete one reading (Genesis-Deuteronomy) and the activity for that reading (first, second, third, etc.) before you move on to the next read through and activity.
Let me know if you have any questions. I will continue to post thoughts leading up to July 1st. I will also begin posting the instructions for the activities in the coming weeks. I look forward to your feedback.
If you have not yet responded to the previous post, I would encourage you to do so. I would like to hear any thoughts and strategies you use to read. Here is the secret: you have a strategy even if you do not realize it. Just try to put some words to it (even if you do not post it on the blog) and it will help you as you move forward.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Thinking about Thinking-While-Reading
Metacognition is a fancy word for thinking about thinking.
The basic idea is that we need to think about what we are going to think while
we read. Make sense? Well, let me provide a metaphor. It has to do
with Star Trek (quick background: I watched every episode of every series for
the first time in the last 9 months; it is very fresh in my mind.), but stick
with me. After watching the latest installment in the Star Trek movie franchise
recently with my wife, I told her that I finally realized why I disliked almost
every Star Trek movie whereas I loved the television shows. The movies are
mostly action and little contemplation; the television shows are mostly
contemplation and little action. When I expressed this to my friend and fellow
Trek fan, Jordan, he showed me this gem from The Onion, please watch before you
continue:
The Onion is precisely on key in their analysis.
But here is the thing: it is really true (and not in a sarcastic way). Star Trek
was a successful series because of its dialogue, not its action. The
particularities of the show were for the Sci-Fi geeks in all of us, but the
true genius of the show was in the conversations that pervaded the series. The
fact is that the show had a lot of good thinking. No matter the
situation, Spock, Kirk, and McCoy would always engage in some kind of
philosophical banter that pitted logic against faith against passion in true
Karamazov-ian form.
So here is the payload: our society lives on thoughtless
action—a ramshackle approach to living that is demonstrated so clearly in our
media (see the satire in The Onion). What made Star Trek so intriguing to me
was its dedication to thinking before acting. But not just that, it was
dedicated to thinking about thinking-while-acting. I hyphenate all of those words
together because that is what I want us to do as we read. We do not simply need read, we need to think-while-reading. And to figure out how to do that, we need to think about thinking-while-reading. Now does it make sense?
That is what this program is going to be. The fact is that
we often read in ways that are ineffective for comprehension and retention. We
need to be contemplating strategy about how we will approach this task of
thinking-while-reading. This is the first step. So, here is what I want to hear from any of you that
are reading (or thinking-while-reading) this:
1)
How have you approached reading (in general) in the past,
maybe for a literature class or a test? What were the results?
2)
How do you currently approach reading the Bible? What are the
results?
Our goal is to determine, over the next month, how we are
going to approach this reading project. I have my strategies lined up, but I
want you to be thinking as well because you all might influence me in a
different direction. I look forward to hearing from you.
P.S. Look for the schedule of readings in the next few days.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Finding Connections
This imminent reading activity (described in the previous post) will begin on July 1st, however, myself and a few others have been priming for it by completing an intense six-month reading of the Bible, cover-to-cover. It has been an interesting journey that has brought up many connections and questions.
This morning I finished the book of the prophet, Zechariah, a compelling and confusing compilation of narrative, prophecy, and apocalyptic. I also am currently preparing for a two-week, intensive module on the book of Revelation, which requires me to read through the book 8 times (7 would seem more appropriate, but alas...). The connection of the imagery in Zechariah to the imagery of Revelation is intriguing. Zechariah employs the use of colored horses, horns, lamp-stands, lamps, trumpets, olive trees, and ethereal messengers that have a propensity for measuring things (see also Ezekiel 40-48). One-third is used to describe the number that will be preserved. And so on. Suffice it to say that there are several areas of continuity. Though I must still ponder what these images might mean (a task that is by no means as simple as many might lead you to believe), I find it meaningful to notice and point out areas of close continuity.
So what am I getting at? Simply this: One of the most important ways that we learn and retain information is by making connections. As surface level as they might be, naming continuous themes and images throughout Scripture builds a foundation upon which we can begin to see patterns; these patterns produce context and context help us discover meaning.This is a simple but effective strategy.
Intrigued? I hope so. Hop on board; follow this blog; join me in this fun project. I am certain that it will be a fascinating learning experience.
This morning I finished the book of the prophet, Zechariah, a compelling and confusing compilation of narrative, prophecy, and apocalyptic. I also am currently preparing for a two-week, intensive module on the book of Revelation, which requires me to read through the book 8 times (7 would seem more appropriate, but alas...). The connection of the imagery in Zechariah to the imagery of Revelation is intriguing. Zechariah employs the use of colored horses, horns, lamp-stands, lamps, trumpets, olive trees, and ethereal messengers that have a propensity for measuring things (see also Ezekiel 40-48). One-third is used to describe the number that will be preserved. And so on. Suffice it to say that there are several areas of continuity. Though I must still ponder what these images might mean (a task that is by no means as simple as many might lead you to believe), I find it meaningful to notice and point out areas of close continuity.
The Prophet Zechariah, by Michelangelo
So what am I getting at? Simply this: One of the most important ways that we learn and retain information is by making connections. As surface level as they might be, naming continuous themes and images throughout Scripture builds a foundation upon which we can begin to see patterns; these patterns produce context and context help us discover meaning.This is a simple but effective strategy.
Intrigued? I hope so. Hop on board; follow this blog; join me in this fun project. I am certain that it will be a fascinating learning experience.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Here Is the Skinny
This is the beginning of a long journey. Over the next four years, I will be engaging in an in-depth study of Scripture. Every 180 days (roughly half of a year) I will be reading through a portion of Scripture several times. During this reading, I will also be engaging in activities that will help solidify the information, stories, etc. in my mind. This blog will record my progress as I move along and provide resources for those that wish to hop on board.
So, on July 1, 2012, this journey will begin. I hope that some of you will join me in this endeavor. If you so choose, there will be several resources that I will be posting to help you through this process. The first two will be a reading schedule and an activity plan for the first 180 days. These will be posted in the next few weeks so that you can prepare for this trek.
Basically, this first 180 days will consist of reading through the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) five times. Each week, I will post a video of my progress with some words of encouragement, insights, and instruction to help you continue through this process.
So, if you are interested in knowing the Bible, but are prone to getting lost in some of the difficulties, I hope that this will be a resource that will help you make the progress you have always struggled to make both by giving you a structure to follow and accountability to lean on. Give it a shot and I will do my best to aid you along the way.
Stay tuned and let me know if you are interested, your disciplined participation and feedback will be appreciated and, I think, very rewarding.
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