Scrooge & Marley and the NT Rich Man Ebenezer Scrooge: The almost inhuman wretch whose life is marked by greed and cruelty, but who, in the end, is "saved" and transformed into a generous and kind soul. And while one ought to enjoy the fictive account of an evil man supernaturally being made new through... Continue Reading →
Sheol: A Hell of a Lot Less Than Conscious, Eternal Torment
It is often said (and, I think, wrongly so... but that's a discussion for later) that Jesus talks about fiery Hell more than he talks about blissful Heaven. But has anyone else noticed the surprising lack of references to Hell in the Hebrew Scriptures (i.e. the Christian Old Testament)? Actually, the word "Hell" isn't found... Continue Reading →
An Israeli, a Babylonian, and an Egyptian walk into a Brewery (Part 1)
"... and the car keys bounced right into the storm drain!" Joni exclaimed. The table erupted—some laughing, others groaning, each sipping the liquid remains of their once magnificently fizz-crowned Pilsner glasses. For once in my life, I finished my beer first and decided that, since the night was still young, I would fight my way... Continue Reading →