Site:Blog threads

Anyone should feel free to add to this list of blog threads discussing scriptures (in some loose and broadly-defined sense).

July 2006

• a curse for thy sake Connor Boyack discusses what it means to curse something for their sake as the phrase is used in the scriptures.

Apr 2006

Apr 29

• Only (adj) in Modern Scripture, Part 1 of ? by Edje

Looks at puzzling uses of the word only in LDS scripture.

[Link added to D&C 1:30 page.]

Apr 26

• Little Less than the Gods by Kevin Barney at BCC

Discusses KJV vs. other translations (there are good lexical notes to be gleaned from this post!)

Apr 20

• The KJV: A Sealed Book? by Julie M. Smith

Discusses Bible translation issues

Mar 2006

Mar 18

• Is the Celestial Kingdom Divided into Three Subdegrees? by Kevin Barney at BCC

[Added to related links on D&C 131:1 page.]

Mar 16

• A Brief Note on Paradise by Mogget at FPR
• Just How Uninspired is the Song of Solomon? by Ed Snow at BCC
• Market Dominant Minorities in the Book of Mormon by John Fowles at T&S

Discusses the Nephites as a "market dominant minority". Considers to what extent wealth inequality may've played a role in the Nephites downfall. Other keywords: Mulekites, Amy Chua, Sorenson.

Mar 8

• God's Own Blood by Kevin Barney at BCC

Alternate readings of Acts 20:28.

[Added to related links on Acts 20:28 page.]

Mar 6

• What is Salvation? by Rob Osborn at Rock of Salvation

Discusses grace and salvation—argues that even Telestial glory is properly called salvation.

Mar 2

• Who was the Elias of D&C 110?] by Kevin Barney at BCC

Looks carefully at D&C 110:12-13 and Mark 9:3, suggest that Elias may be John the Baptist instead of Elijah.

[Added to links to D&C 110:12 and Mark 9:3 pages.]

Feb 2006

Feb 25

• "The Decline of Covenant in Early Christian Thought" by Jeff Lindsay at Mormanity

A review that plugs Noel Reynold's essay on this topic.

Feb 24

• The Non-transferable Priesthood by Steven B. at Open Sky Visions

In depth discussion of how to understand priesthood as used in the New Testament as opposed to how we understand it today.

[Added link to Heb 7:24 page.]

• Ethesis

Personal thoughts about resentment and the scriptural notion that failing to forgive is the larger sin.

[Link added to D&C 64:9.]

• Daniel Rona insights from the Old Testament by Geoff B at M*

Offers a couple random scriptural tidbits from a Jewish-Mormon perspective.

[Link added to Gen 22:2.]

Feb 23

• Targum: Genesis 1:1 by et-ha'adam

Alternate texts and scriptures talking about the beginning of creation.

[Link added to [[Gen 1:1].]

• Genesis 12:1 - A Minor Textual Problem by David J at FPR

Quibbles about the definite article a describing the land of Canaan in Gen 12:1

[Link added to Gen 12:1.]

Feb 22

• Ye Must Pray Always by Murray at Messenger and Advocate

Personal thoughts on this scriptural phrase.

• The Book of Ruth and a civil union compromise by Geoff B. at M*

Bloggernacle discussion of another post discussing Dr. James Dobson's (of Focus on the Family fame) support for a bill in the Colorado legislature that would extend many legal rights to civil unions. Uses Ruth's loyalty to Naomi as support.

Feb 21

• Eating Meat by KathleenP at BCC

Some historical but mostly personal thoughts about eating meat and the advice given by the Word of Wisdom.

• Can we hurt God? by John C. at FPR

Asks the question but not much discussion as of Feb 25, 2006.

Feb 20

• Creative Quietude by John D. Nielson at Small and Simple

Compares D&C 121:45-46 with the Taoist notion of being, advocating an approach to the gospel that will keep us from feeling burned out.

• Ethesis

Personal reflections on 1 Cor 15:19 and Rom 8:37-39.

• On Nephi's Steel Bow by Kevin Barney

Apologetic discussion of seemingly anachronistic use of the term steel describing Nephi's bow. Reviews other apologetic arguments (steel = bronze or strong as in 2 Sam 22:35, Job 20:24, Ps 18:34, and Jer 15:12) and offers a new interpretation based on an alternative reading of the bible phrase proposed by the biblical scholar, Aron Pinker where the Hebrew word translated as "steel" actually means "snake-like or serpentine". Kevin argues Joseph Smith made the same mistake as the KJV of the bible and interpreted the description of the snake-like, serpentine bow as steel.

Feb 19

• That Men May Be by darth_ender at Correct Principles

Thoughts on why God didn't set Adam and Eve up to sin. Summary last paragraph: "Adam and Eve were innocent, and therfore incapable of sin. They fulfilled God’s plan by transgressing the law, and were thereby given the opportunity for growth. Yet through it all, God did not cause them to sin."

• On Ammon, Social Class, and Sharing the Gospel by John Mansfield at Millennial Star

Thoughts about Ammon's aristocratic upbringing and how it might've helped him feel comfortable before Lamoni. Mostly personal reflections on parallels in 19th century Russia and on on John's mission in Argentina.

• “Precept upon Precept” and Corianton by Adam Greenwood at T&S

Wonders why Alma seems to give Corianton knowledge in a way that isn't according to the precept upon precept principle....

Feb 17

• Melchizedek, the King of Salem by: Geoff J

Discusses theories that Melchizedek is actually Shem or the pre-mortal Christ

Feb 16

• Healing the crippled woman and church (Luke 10:13-17) by Dora at Exponent II

A feminist perspective, discusses the synagogue ruler's pharisaism and contrasts it to Jarius' in Mark 5:21.

• The JST by Julie M. Smith at T&S

Asks "How authoritative is the JST?" Some examples are given of some complex insights from the JST.

• On Ammon, Google, and "Cooperation with Tyranny" by Jeff Lindsay at Millenial Star

Is it wrong to consort with enemy institutions? Ammon didn't seem to think so....

Feb 15

• Abraham as our literal Adam by Geoff J

Speculation that Abraham was the first literal prophet and pre-Abrahamic stories are figurative

Feb 14

• Additional Readings on the Mormon/African Descent Topic by John Dehlin

Gives references that attempt to dispel the notion that the curse of Cain was a ban from holding the Priesthood (a follow-up to this post, though I couldn't find the podcast link...).

Feb 13

• Apocrypha by Kim Siever at Our Thoughts

D&C 91 mentions says there are many truths in the apocrypha--why don't we study it more?

• At Sixes and Sevens by Rosalynde Welch at T&S

Reflections on the the Articles of Faith, esp. gender in articles 6 & 7

• Namesake by Deborah at Exponent II

Retelling and personal reflections on Deborah (Judges 4 and 5).

• Gods Faith? by Ian at Ian's LDS blog

Claims that "even God is required to have faith".

• Sometimes a Cigar is Just a Cigar by Julie M. Smith at T&S (this post is not included on the regular Sunday school list that Julie posts, so it is included here)

Argues that Gen 19:5 is not about homosexuality, as is commonly thought (notice comment #10 by Ben S. provides a well-researched counter-argument)

• The Top 10 Mormon Lesson Manuals … Ever by Ed Snow at 'BCC'

List of good books that were used (or almost used) as church lesson manuals

Feb 12

• Good or Evil? by Wade at The Blogger of Jared

Discussion on what scriptures have to say about the nature of man

• Circumcision, Debates and Covenants by Mathoni at Teach them Correct Principles

Thoughts on the covenant and significance of circumcision, and ultimately the reason Mathoni didn't circumcise their son.

Feb 10

• Does anyone ever humble themselves? by John C. at FPR

Discussion about the poor among the Zoramites and our ability to humble ourselves (follow-up to T&S post "Is Poverty Satanic")

• 007 Things about Q by Ed Snow at BCC

Discusses the synoptic problem in the first 3 gospels, and the various theories trying to explain their similarities to each other.

Feb 9

• Revelation 22, Curses, and Copy Protection. Something You Probably Haven't Heard Before by Ben S. at M*

Apologetic discussion about the passage in Rev 22:18-19 about not adding to the revelation of John.

• The Premortal Double-Risk by A Random John at Nine Moons

Asks whether, in regard to Christ's pre-mortal plan, there might've been not only risk associated with our not using our agency correctly, but also risk that Christ might not successfully atone for sin.

Feb 8

• John the "B" and Elijah by Don Clifton at Nine Moons

One bible commentator speculates that John the Baptist attracted a large following b/c he was wearing Elijah's actual cloak (handed down through generations by some legends).

• Elect by Kaimi Wenger at T&S.

Link to a new LDS blog aggregator called LDSelect; links to other aggregators are also given. (It might be worth thinking about trying to get a Feast wiki feed page that is somehow appropriate for these kind of aggregators, somehow filtering short an minor changes....)

Feb 7

• Scriptures we all know about, but don't really believe in.... by Ivan Wolfe at M*

Discussion of scriptures that Mormon culture seems to ignore (e.g. "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it" plaques vs. the "my yoke is easy my burden is light" scripture).

• Feed My Sheep - Who are the Sheep? by Geoff J at New Cool Thang

Analyzes scriptures referring to sheep and concludes that sheep are they that listen to the Lord's voice

• Hermeneutics by Jim F. at T&S.

Jim's thoughts on how to interpret scripture

Feb 6

• The Exegesis of a Stop Sign by Mogget at Faith Promoting Rumor

Humorous.

Feb 5

• Study as Worship by Ed Snow at By Common Consent

Personal essay on how scripture study is a form of worship.

Feb 4

• A Masterpiece? Alma 36 by Christian Y. Cardall

Wonders if chiasm in Alma 36 is really evidence of BOM historicity. Includes links to articles analyzing this chiasmus.

Feb 3

• Secular Sam’s Guide to the OT: The Lineage and Honors of Cain by Mogget at Faith-Promoting Rumor

Feb 2

• Tagging by Kim Siever at Our Thoughts]

Link to a cool site on scripture tagging.

• The Noah version of the creation narrative (or, ark=uterus?) by Geoff J at New Cool Thang (Notice there is a scriptures category tab on this blog.)

Based on Dialogue article about creation narrative in story of Noah.

Jan 2006

• 2006 Jan 31: Abraham and the Urim and Thummim by John A. Tvedtnes at The Seer Stone Society

Abraham's seer stone in Jewish and Mormon tradition.

• 2006 Jan 31: How should we interact with authority? by Christian Y. Cardall at The Spinozist Mormon

Discussion of women wearing veils a la 1 Cor 11:10.

• 2006 Jan 29: Alma as an Authentic Ancient Jewish Male Name by Jeff Lindsay at Mormanity

BOM evidences

• 2006 Jan 26: Alma 7:11 - Indications of Ancient Hebrew Origins? by Jeff Lindsay at Mormanity

BOM evidences

• 2006 Jan 26: OT: Ezekiel’s Sticks by Kevin Barney at By Common Consent

Discussion of what "sticks" may mean in Ezekiel.

• 2006 Jan 25: The Classics: What think ye of Judas? by Ryan at The Blogger of Jared

Discussion of whether Judas will be forgiven or not

• 2006 Jan 24: Weird OT: Euphemisms (’Uncovering the Feet’) by Kevin Barney at By Common Consent

Says "feet" means, in various OT phrases, genitalia, defecating, urine, pubic hair, promiscuity, etc.

• 2006 Jan 23: OT Straight Dope: Names of God by David J on By Common Consent

Yahweh (Jehovah), El, El-Elyon, El-Shaddai, and Elohim.

• 2006 Jan 21: Bible Wars by RoastedTomatoes at Latter-day Saint Liberation Front

Earlier historical trends regarding the 1950's changing views on the bible in Protestant churches.

• 2006 Jan 21: A Neglected New Testament Passage? 2 Peter 1:2-10 by Jeff Lindsay at Mormanity

Personal thoughts on becoming more like God, and how this is ingored by other Christians.

• 2006 Jan 20: Classical Figures in the Creation and Fall Narratives by Mogget at Faith-Promoting Rumor

Somewhat esoteric discussion of figures in the creation and fall (e.g. is J/E intending God to sound satirical in saying "man has become one of us").

• 2006 Jan 19: Secular Sam’s Guide to the Old Testament: The Septuagint by David J at Faith-Promoting Rumor

Introduction to the Septuagint.

• 2006 Jan 19: Interpretation: A Place of Peace in the Book of Mormon Wars by J. Nelson-Seawright at By Common Consent

BOM historicity

• 2006 Jan 17: What’s in a name? by Ben S. at Faith-Promoting Rumor

Hebrew etymology for: Adam, Eve, Eden, Elohim, and Yahweh.

• 2006 Jan 16: The Documentary Hypothesis by Dave at Dave's Mormon Inquiry

Introductory: basically the claim, widely believed by scholars, is that there were 4 main authors of the Pentateuch. Gives an example of how this sheds light on Gen 1 and Gen 2.

Dec - Jan 2005

• 2005 Dec 23: Argumentation in the Context of Faith by Jeffrey D. Giliam at Issues in Mormon Doctrine

Interesting thoughts on avoiding contention when discussing controversial topics ala 3 Ne 11:29.

• 2005 Dec 2: Mesoamerican Fortifications and the Book of Mormon by Jeff Lindsay at Mormanity

Apologetic (BOM historicity)

• 2005 Dec 2: Exaltation: It’s All About Who You Know… or… Puncture or Perish… or… Storm Chasers by Geoff J at New Cool Thang

Thoughts on personal revelation vs. other types of study and meditation.

• 2005 Nov 5: Secret Gospel of Mark, Early Christianity, Temple Initiations, and FARMS. Oh, and SSA by Ben S. at Millenial Star

Discussion of a new book that with strong evidence against Morton Smith's Secret Gospel of Mark--includes a discussion of homose*ual motivations and innuendos regarding M. Smith.

• 2005 Oct 31: Environmental Themes in the Book of Mormon by RoastedTomatoes at LDSLF'

Finds evidence in the Book of Mormon supporting environmental conservation

• 2005 Oct 5: The Social Message of the Book of Mormon by RoastedTomatoes at Latter-day Saint Liberation Front

"The Book of Mormon narrative contains a persistent and pervasive emphasis on the socially marginal at the expense of the central. This narrative convention reflects a deeper “theology of social inversion” at the core of the text."

• 2005 Oct 5: A Bible, a Bible, do we need a new Bible? by Ronan at BCC

Thoughts about the KJV—includes a survey.

• 2005 April 18: Everyone is the Literal Blood of Israel by Geoff J at New Cool Thang

Thoughts on literal vs. adopted Israel