A common theme of the New Testament is the dueling contrasts of the Hebrew “law”: the dominant interpretation as embodied in Jewish culture and religion
Author: Benjamin Knoll
Benjamin Knoll is the John Marshall Harlan Associate Professor of Politics at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.
Daily office commentary, Mark 12:28-34; living the most important commandments through proper use of our religions
28 One of the religion scholars came up. Hearing the lively exchanges of question and answer and seeing how sharp Jesus was in his answers, he
Daily office commentary, Mark 11:15-18; Jesus as a “religious populist”?
“So now this is something I am sitting with: I simultaneously applaud Jesus for giving a black eye to the religious elites who were seeking to control and economically exploit their people… while also firmly of the opinion that politicians who make populism central to their rhetoric and politics are dangerous to the health and vibrancy of a liberal democratic political system.” #dailyoffice
Christian Universalism and God’s radical acceptance, presence, and love for all, “to the ends of the earth”
“These passages teach that God’s acceptance, presence, love, and salvation are openly and freely given to all on a radically equal basis, no exceptions. While our social psychology makes it difficult (if not ultimately impossible) for us to do the same, it seems an ideal worth striving for with all our might as disciples of God.”
“Notwithstanding we believe in God, we still practice Christianity…”: religious forms that point to God
“And, notwithstanding we believe in the Universal God incarnated throughout all of Creation, we practice Christianity and tell our Christian stories, looking forward to the ultimate unitive reunification with God that will render human religious forms no long necessary.” #dailyoffice
Daily office commentary, John 3:34-36; the extravagant, lavish love of God
“God’s love is extravagant and lavish; those that receive it “get in on everything.” God’s love is poured out infinitely and inclusively upon all.” #dailyoffice
Hazelnut Notes 