I just returned from a 13 day stay at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) in Alexandria, VA. I was there from Sunday, November 3, 2019 to Saturday, November 16, 2019. I was invited to spend a few weeks there during my sabbatical from UNC Charlotte by the Dean and President, the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D. It was an incredible experience. I learned a lot over these two weeks including things I didnāt even expect. I anticipate writing a few posts reflecting on what I learned. For this one, I want to include some pictures and an overall reflection. Iāll dig deeper later.Ā
Continue reading “My time at Virginia Theological Seminary”What do I believe – 2 years later? part 4
This is part 4 of my reflections on what I believe. As explained in part 1 (found here), I wrote a blog post over two years ago titled “What do I believe?” I plan to look at that original post after Iāve finished this series. I have no idea how many posts Iāll write this round. My first post focused on my struggles with a bodily resurrection. The second focused on the Holy Spirit. The third focused on the Bible. For this post, I will focus on the other āworldā I navigate: science.Ā
Continue reading “What do I believe – 2 years later? part 4”What do I believe – 2 years later? part 3
This is part 3 of my reflections on what I believe. As explained in part 1 (found here), I wrote a blog post over two years ago titled “What do I believe?” I plan to look at that original post after Iāve finished this series. I have no idea how many posts Iāll write this round. My first post focused on my struggles with a bodily resurrection. The second focused on the Holy Spirit. For this post, I want to focus on a different topic: the Bible.Ā
Continue reading “What do I believe – 2 years later? part 3”What do I believe – 2 years later? part 2
This is part 2 of my reflections on what I believe. As explained in part 1 (found here), I wrote a blog post almost two years ago titled “What do I believe?” I plan to look at that original post after Iāve finished this series. I have no idea how many posts Iāll write this round. My first post focused on my struggles with a bodily resurrection. For this post, I want to focus on a different topic: the Holy Spirit.
Continue reading “What do I believe – 2 years later? part 2”What do I believe – 2 years later? part 1
That’s kind of a weird title. Two years later from what? I’ve been going through my reflections the past few days to see where I need to create new tags to help me write my book. I noticed that almost two years ago I wrote a blog post titled “What do I believe?” Full disclosure, I’ve not read it in two years. I thought it would be interesting to first reflect on what I believe now and then compare the two posts to see if anything changed. I anticipate writing multiple posts on this topic.
Continue reading “What do I believe – 2 years later? part 1”Sinai and Synapses, Solar Eclipse, and a new Podcast
I recently started a new endeavor with four other 2017-2019 Sinai and Synapses Fellowship Alumni: Rabbi Rachael Jackson, Reverend Zack Jackson, Kendra Holt Moore, and Dr. Adam Pryor. We decided to launch a new podcast focused on science and religion, titled Down the Wormhole. New episodes are released each Wednesday and I hope people will join in on the conversations.
Continue reading “Sinai and Synapses, Solar Eclipse, and a new Podcast”Just some general updates and thoughts
On Monday, 7/15, I’m heading off to Houston, TX, to participate in a writing workshop with the Write Brilliant program I’ve been part of these past few months. I’m excited about this opportunity. I convinced my research partner, Mark, to join me. We are going to have a great time.
Continue reading “Just some general updates and thoughts”Matthew 27-28
Matthew 27
This chapter starts with the chief priests and elders deciding that Jesus should be put to death and sent him off to Pilate. Judas hears of this, tries to return the silver, explaining that he betrayed an innocent man, and hung himself.
Jesus is questioned by Pilate. The only response he gives is when Pilate asks him if he is King of the Jews and Jesus replies āThatās what you say.ā Pilate clearly wanted to release Jesus, knowing that Jesus was in front of him simply because of jealousy by the priests. Apparently it was the custom during this time of year to release a prisoner to the crowd, whomever they chose. He told the crowd to pick between Jesus Barabbas or Jesus himself. The elders and priests convince the crowd to ask for Barabbas and demand that Jesus be crucified. Clearly Pilate doesnāt want to do this, but this happens according to the text (27:24-26; CEB Study Bible, p. 60 NT).
Continue reading “Matthew 27-28”Matthew 26
Matthew 26: Just a quick little note, thereās a lot going on in this chapter. The text is just bouncing around from topic to topic.
This chapter starts with Jesus telling his followers that it was just a matter of time before he would die. The text then tells us that Jesusā opponents were plotting to capture and kill him. We then see a woman pour expensive perfume on Jesus and his followers admonishing her because they thought the perfume could be sold and given to the poor and needy (honestly, this is what I wouldāve done). Jesus tells them to back down, making it clear that what she is doing is actually preparing his body for burial. We then see reference to Judas approaching the chief priests asking what they would give him for betraying Jesus.
Continue reading “Matthew 26”Matthew 25
Matthew 25: This chapter starts with the parable of the 10 bridesmaids. They went out looking for the groom, each with a lamp. Only 5 brought extra oil. The 5 foolish ones (those that didnāt bring oil) ran out of oil, had to go buy more (because the other 5 wouldnāt share), and missed their chance to enter with the groom. The bridesmaids represent the people and the groom represents God. The notion here is that people need to remain faithful so they are always prepared. This means that people need to always follow Jesusā teachings.
Continue reading “Matthew 25”