Category Archives: Seasonal

A Good Friday/Easter reflection on the promise of paradise

Posted on April 10, 2020 by theoutwardquest

On this Good Friday, and with a quarantined Easter coming, I offer some thoughts about the so-called “thief on the cross” and Jesus’ statement to him “Today you shall be with me in paradise.” This story comes from Luke 23:39-43. … Continue reading →

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The sign above the cross

Posted on April 19, 2019 by theoutwardquest

In the gospels only Gentiles call Jesus king of the Jews. The Magi, Pilate, and the Roman soldiers use the term. Jews prefer King of Israel (John 19:21 below is kind of an exception, but those Jews are quoting the … Continue reading →

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Why the good news he preached got Jesus killed

Posted on April 16, 2019 by theoutwardquest

It is holy week and I am continuing to think about what historically led to the crucifixion. Most studies about the historical Jesus assume some things about the synoptic gospels. They assume that Mark was written first and is closer … Continue reading →

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The disillusionment of the masses and Jesus’ Passion

Posted on April 10, 2019 by theoutwardquest

As the Christian holy week approaches I am thinking about some of the background for the events that led to Jesus receiving the death penalty. C. H. Dodd was a twentieth century, English New Testament scholar who put a lot … Continue reading →

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Herodians and the death of Jesus

Posted on April 8, 2019 by theoutwardquest

Since I am between reading projects, I am going to write a few posts about the end of Jesus ministry and historical life.  For many Christians, the next two weeks are a time to reflect on the last days and … Continue reading →

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Fredriksen and my thoughts on Purim

Posted on March 21, 2019 by theoutwardquest

Today is Purim on the Jewish calendar. This holiday has the Book of Esther at its center. Haman hated the Jews and wanted to eliminate them. The Book of Esther tells how they were saved–not how God saved them, since … Continue reading →

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Metallica and the apocalypse

Posted on March 4, 2019 by theoutwardquest

This post is an aside. But it connects with the Paula Fredriksen posts that see Paul as shaped by an apocalyptic world-view. Wednesday evening I will go to the Metallica concert in Kansas City. It is part of a year-long … Continue reading →

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Let the drummer go

Posted on December 28, 2018 by theoutwardquest

I am not a Calvinist. But this Christmas I listened to a lot of the band, Theocracy. Calvinism kind of fits with the darker themes of Heavy Metal. Anyway, I think their Christmas stuff is great. Sometimes it is hilarious. … Continue reading →

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2018-Christmas letter

Posted on December 10, 2018 by theoutwardquest

As I have done before, I post my family end-of-the-year, Christmas letter here: Yule—Our Germanic ancestors got really drunk and sacrificed somebody to Chris Hemsworth (Thor). We too really want the days to start getting longer. We’re going to refrain … Continue reading →

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More deeply into Advent

Posted on December 5, 2018 by theoutwardquest

Here is a semi-poetic Advent meditation that I link because I haven’t yet done anything to mark Hanukkah or the impending Nativity celebration.  Be sure to watch and listen to the video at the end. It may help to know … Continue reading →

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