The Liberating Truth

In the book Reversed Thunder “The Revelation of John & the Praying Imagination”, Eugene H. Peterson writes a remarkable analysis and interpretation on the biblical text Revelation. Historically, the book of Revelation has been described as difficult to interpret by theologians. Consequently, preachers and teachers of the bible have tended to ignore or avoid this segment of scripture. In stark contrast, those who choose the difficult task of interpreting this text have diverse and drastically different opinions. However, Peterson with powerful vivid illustrations and analysis opens and simplifies the interpretation of Revelation to his readers. This book is a must read for any preacher, teacher and scholar of the Holy Writ. Specifically, I highly recommend this book for any reader of Revelation, who has been bombarded with confusing and confound translations of this remarkable text. Peterson defines revelation and apocalypse at the outset of his book. “St. John’s word for what he ...

In the magnificent book, The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann, the reader is impacted by the author’s unique paradigm concerning the interpretation of the biblical text. Brueggemann deftly sets new parameters for biblical scholars to interpret scripture, specifically the prophetic texts. In this revised second edition, the author illustrates the restraints of the utilization of historical criticism by biblical scholars. For instance, the author speaks of the environment of biblical study during the first edition of his book in 1978. Brueggemann states that “at that time, however scripture study generally awaited the articulation of methods that moved beyond or underneath historical criticism of a conventional kind. Specifically, social-scientific criticism, stunningly introduced into Old Testament studies by Norman Gottwald in 1979-the year after my book - opened the way to see texts as ideological statements evoked by and evoking specific forms of social action and policy,...

The text concerning the death and raising of Lazarus was at the forefront of my mind as I was writing my most recent sermon. Why would the one who is the beginning and the end cry.The bottom line is that Jesus loves us and is in touch with our humanity ! Jesus crys with us and for us. Like Mary and Martha in the text we must rush to Jesus. Jesus asks us where have we buried our faith as he asked the sisters where they have buried him(Lazarus). Like the sisters we should say "come and see' where we have laid him ".Wow. let Jesus see where you have buried your faith, Then Look up ! Jesus says "didn't I tell you if you believe you will see the glory of God. Keep believing, hold on to your faith, keep believing and we shall see the glory of the Lord.That is the truth ! Perhaps, you buried your faith at the gravesite and death of a loved one, or upon a diagnosis or prognosisi of a doctor, or in a court room or school room.Wherever you left it, show Jesus and belie...

The Democratic convention on Monday night was one to watch. The tribute to Sen. Kennedy was marvelous and Michelle Obama proved she will be an excellent first lady.She was articulate in illustrating and imaging Obama as a family man with the ability to lead a nation. The "dream still lives and hope never dies" ! powerful words indeed.

The search for truth is eternal.What is truth? This blog will engage and challenge our thoughts concerning our journey to find truth. Truth can be found.It is not something that can't be grasped in our life times. I invite others to share their thoughts on a myriad of issues. Is there a right and wrong or is their vaguness and an eternal cloud that veils our senses from ever experiencing the turht in our existential existence. The bible says "the truth will set you free". For those of us who seek total freedom the search for the truth is a daily endeavor. For any question we have in life, there is an answer. This is truly liberating. For full disclousure, I am a christian, I believe that truth is found in Jesus Christ.