In my opinion- which is by no means a universal opinion- studying the Bible only begins with the Bible. It goes far beyond the actual words of the Bible. Without understanding the literary styles used at the time the Bible was written, the lifestyle and daily habits of those living in those times, and the political and sociological circumstances (among many other things), one can easily misunderstand, misinterpret, or misapply the Bible. Another part of Bible study- again, in my opinion- is listening to the opinions of others. It doesn't matter if one agrees or not. One must just listen.

So, today, I invite you to visit the CNN Belief Blog & read the article "My Take: The 3 biggest biblical misconceptions" by John Shelby Spong.  Link is: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/29/my-take-the-3-biggest-biblical-misconceptions/.

The three misconceptions he expands upon are listed below:
1) The Bible accurately reflects history.
2) The Bible is the literal "word of God."
3) The Bible is static and unchanging.

As always, I love my reader's opinions!  Do you believe the above statements are true?  Or misconceptions? 
(And, of course, I would love to hear WHY you think so.)

1 When men began to multiply on earth and daughters were born to them,
2 the sons of heaven saw how beautiful the daughters of man were, and so they took for their wives as many of them as they chose.
3 Then the Lord said: "My spirit shall not remain in man forever, since he is but flesh.  His days shall comprise of one hundred and twenty years."
4 At that time the Nephilim appeared on earth (as well as later), after the sons of heaven had intercourse with the daughters of man, who bore them sons.  They were the heroes of old, the men of renown. 
5 When the Lord saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how no desire that his heart conceived was ever anything but evil,
6 he regretted that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was grieved.
7 So the Lord said: "I will wipe out from the earth the men whom I have created, and not only the men, but also the beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air, for I am sorry that I made them."
8 But Noah found favor with the Lord.
9 These are the descendants of Noah.  Noah, a good man and blameless in that age,
10 for he walked with God, begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
11 In the eyes of God the earth was corrupt and full of lawlessness.
12 When God saw how corrupt the earth had become, since all mortals led depraved lives on earth,
13 he said to Noah: "I have decided to put an end to all mortals on earth; the earth is full of lawlessness because of them.  So I will destroy them and all life on earth.
14 "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood, put various compartments in it, and cover it inside and out with pitch.
15 This is how you shall build it: the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits.
16 Make an opening for daylight in the ark, and finish the ark a cubit above it.  Put an entrance in the side of the ark, which you shall make with bottom, second, and third decks. 
17 I, on my part, am about to bring the flood [waters] on the earth, to destroy everywhere all creatures in which there is the breath of life; everything on earth shall perish. 
18 But with you I will establish my covenant; you and your sons, your wife and your sons' wives, shall go into the ark.
19 Of all other living creatures you shall bring two into the ark, one male and one female, that you may keep them alive with you.
20 Of all kinds of birds, of all kinds of breasts, and of all kinds of creeping things, two of each shall come into the ark with you, to stay alive. 
21 Moreover, you are to provide yourself with all the food that is to be eaten, and store it away, that it may serve as provisions for you and for them."
22 This Noah did; he carried out all the commands that God gave him.

_ Once one starts serious Bible study, it isn’t long before they run across the terms “Masoretic Text” and “Septuagint.”  So, what are these documents? 

The Masoretic Text is the standard version of the Hebrew Old Testament as it exists today.  Until the sixth century A.D. only the consonants of the Hebrew OT were written down; the language contained no vowels.  The tradition of correct pronunciation of ancient Hebrew words was passed down orally.  Between A.D. 500 and 1000, a group of Jewish scholars known as the Masoretes (from maser- to hand down, transmit) developed a system of adding vowels, accents, and notes that guaranteed more accurate reading and copying of the ancient text.  No other text from the ancient world was as carefully safeguarded as the Masoretic Text.  Its tradition came to be regarded as authoritative and can still be considered highly trustworthy.  The Masoretes themselves date from the early Christian period until the Middle Ages
In existence today:
The earliest complete Masoretic manuscript, the Leningrad Codex (A.D. 1009) is used for the standard edition of the Hebrew Bible. 
Another source states that the standard for Hebrew Bibles printed today is the Masoretic Text from A.D. 1088, currently housed in the Saint Petersburg Public Library.
Another ancient copy, although partially lost, is the Aleppo Codex (A.D. 925)

The founding of the Dead Sea Scrolls has shown amazing consistency between the Masoretic Text and the original scrolls, even though they are separated by 1,100 years.  This gives much credence to the idea that the Masoretic Text is a reliable copy that is faithful to the original meaning intended by the writers of the OT. 

The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament (both Hebrew and Aramaic), along with a number of noncanonical Greek works known by Protestant Christians as the Aprocrypha.  The title “Septuagint” is Latin for “seventy.”  Legend/tradition holds that 72 elders, working independently of one another, each produced an identical translation of the Hebrew Pentateuch into Greek around 285 B.C.  Originally designed for Greek-speaking Jews in Egypt, the Septuagint was completed by various translators in or around Alexandria between the third and first centuries B.C. 

It came to have great authority among the non-Palestinian Jews, and allowed the Greeks to read the divine revelation in their own tongue.  The Bible of the early church, it is frequently quoted in the NT and by early church fathers.  It is still the official text of the Greek Church.  The Septuagint is organized in the following order: the Pentateuch, followed by the historical, poetic, wisdom, and prophetic books.  The order is loosely followed by our English translations.  Due to the fact that various translators at various times with varying capabilities and styles. 

At times, when translated into English, the two versions are almost identical.  Yet, in other places, they can be quite different.  One example of this is in the book of Jeremiah.  However, several partial Jeremiah manuscripts found in Hebrew among the Dead Sea Scrolls may help provide some answers to this complex issue.  Two significant manuscripts agree with the Masoretic Text, but another text reflects the wording of the Septuagint.  This evidence suggests not that one or the other of the MT or Sep. has errors, but rather that two distinct Hebrew editions of the book of Jeremiah were in circulation. 

This can also cause confusion for some reading the NT.  Quotations from the OT appear, and when the reader goes back to the OT to read the actual text, they might discover that it is quite different.  This is due to the fact that the OT was translated from the Masoretic text, whereas the NT is citing the same passage as it appears in the Septuagint.  The Septuagint was used by Hellenistic Jews and by the early church. 



Sources:
-Catholic Book Publishing, “St. Joseph Edition, New American Bible.” New York, NY: Catholic Book Publishing.
-Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, “New International Version: Archaeological Study Bible.” Zondervan Corporation: Grand Rapids, MI, 2005.
-Green, Kevin (compiler), “All-In-One Bible Reference Guide.” Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2008. 

_Did people actually live for centuries?

The New American Bible has this to say on the subject: This chapter…together with Gn 11, 10-26, its primary purpose is to bridge the genealogical gap between Adam and Abraham.  Adam’s line is traced through Seth, but several names in the series are the same as, or similar to, certain names in Cain’s line.  The long lifespans attributed to these ten antediluvian (of the time before the Biblical flood or ancient) patriarchs have a symbolic rather than a historical value.  Babylonian tradition also recorded ten kings with fantastically high ages who reigned successively before the flood. 

The Archaeological Study Bible states: It is uncertain whether the large numbers describing human longevity in the early chapters of Gn are literal, serve a literary function, or both.  The fact that there are exactly ten names in the list (as in the genealogy of Gn 11:10-26) indicates that it almost certainly contains gaps, the lengths of which are summarized in the large numbers.  Other ancient genealogies outside the Bible exhibit similarly unrealistic figures and also contain exactly ten names. 

St. Jerome’s Commentary, an extremely detailed and complex study of the Bible, notes the fact that the Mesopotamian tradition has seven ‘apkallu’s,’ the seven sages prior to the flood, who were believed to have founded the elements of culture (writing, artistic skill, etc.) The pre-flood list of Sumerian kings later became standardized to 10, a number that the Biblical writer adopts.  Some Mesopotamian lists attempt to correlate the seven sages and the 10 kings.  Segmented genealogies (both Biblical and non-Biblical) were generally not for conveying historical information but for determining domestic, politico-jural, and religious matters. In the case of early Bible genealogies- showing a line of sin, a line of “blessing of progeny and land,” a line of God’s undiminished commitment to the blessed, etc.

On the other hand, some….uh…scholars with a more literal view (such as those writing “Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses”) believe that prior to the flood, a water canopy surrounded the earth and protected the inhabitants from harmful radiation in outer space.  (They don’t mention exactly how LIGHT got through).  And, people might have been vegetarians, contributing to their longer lifespans. 

Other scholars do have various explanations, of which you may study in your own time.  If I don’t cut off this post, I’ll still be writing it into the next year.  

Sources:
Brown, Raymond E. (S.S.), Fitzmyer, Joseph A. (S.J.), & Murphy, Roland E. (O. Carm). (1990) Genesis. “The New Jerome Biblical Commentary.” Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Catholic Book Publishing. (various) Genesis: Chapter 5 Notes. “St. Joseph Edition, New American Bible.” New York, NY: Catholic Book Publishing.

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. (2005). Genesis: Chapter 5 Notes. “New International Version: Archaeological Study Bible”. Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, MI.

Rhodes, Ron. (2008). Genesis 4:17. “Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses.” Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers.”

Despite the fact that a lot of people seem to be wearing scrubs these days, scrubs are most often- and rightly in my opinion- associated with the medical industry.  And not just any medical personnel, but those working hands-on with patients, in hospitals (and clinics), and those who need to quickly be identified as medical personnel. 

Another part of being in the field of medicine is often long hours and back-to-back shifts.  Shouldn't you be comfortable?  That's where Blue Sky Scrubs come in.  They search for the finest options available in the cotton & poly/cotton world of fabrics, making them comfortable as well as practical.  You can find Blue Sky Scrubs at the following web address: http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/

However, comfortable materials are only part of it.  Shelby Marquardt, the creator of Blue Sky Scrubs, went a step further and made these scrubs fashionable.  From hats to lab coats to scrub sets, there are a variety of styles- regular cut to low-rise urban cut, among others- available.  Nursing uniform scrubs, scrubs for men, as well as shirts and lab coats are all options on the site.  Unique (as well as traditional) colors and various patterns make it easy to find a set that fits your personality. 

On a final note, Blue Sky Scrubs is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, making it easy to confidently and comfortably shop, knowing you are ordering from a reputable company.

Hebrew “sheth.”  Various meanings from different sources- appointed, compensate, granted, or substitute.  His name signifies that he was the replacement or substitute for Abel. 

Adam and Eve’s third son, born after Cain murdered Abel.  The father of Enosh.  Founder of the line of faith, which eventually includes Jesus Christ.  Seth died at the age of 912. 

Christian, Jewish, and Islam tradition all have small branches of mysticism about Seth, his various attributes, his status as a prophet, etc. 

Biblical References:
Genesis 4:25-26: “….she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, ‘God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.’  Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh…..”
Genesis 5:3-4: “…and he named him Seth.  After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years…”
Genesis 5:6-8: “When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh.  And after he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters.  Altogether, Seth lived 912 years, and then he died.” 

Sources:
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. (2005). “New International Version: Archaeological Study Bible”. Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, MI.

Green, Kevin (compiler). (2008). Eden. “All-In-One Bible Reference Guide”.  Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

Lockyear Sr., H. (Ed.) (1986) Eden. “Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible”. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

5:24 Enoch is one of two people in the Bible who does not die; they are instead "taken up" directly to God.  Walking with God is a relic of the first Paradise when people walked and talked with God in holy familiarity. 
5:29 There is a similarity in sound between the Hebrew word "noah" and the verbal phrase "yenahamenu" (he will bring us relief).  This latter refers to both the curse put on the soil because of the fall of man and to Noah's success in agriculture, especially in raising grapes for wine. 

1 This is the record of the descendants of Adam.  When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God;
2 he created them male and female.  When they were created, he blessed them and named them "man."
3 Adam was one hundred and thirty years old when he begot a son in his likeness, after his image; and he named him Seth.
4 Adam lived eight hundred years after the birth of Seth, and he had other sons and daughters.
5 The whole lifetime of Adam was nine hundred and thirty years; then he died.
6 When Seth was one hundred and five years old, he became the father of Enosh.
7 Seth lived eight hundred and seven years after the birth of Enosh, and he had other sons and daughters.
8 The whole lifetime of Seth was nine hundred and twelve years; then he died.
9 When Enosh was ninety years old, he became the father of Kenan. 
10 Enosh lived eight hundred and fifteen years after the birth of Kenan, and he had other sons and daughters.
11 The whole lifetime of Enosh was nine hundred and five years; then he died.
12 When Kenan was seventy years old, he became the father of Mahalalel,
13 Kenan lived eight hundred and forty years after the birth of Mahalalel, and he had other sons and daughters. 
14 The whole lifetime of Kenan was nine hundred and ten years; then he died.
15 When Mahalalel was sixty-five years old, he became the father of Jared. 
16 Mahalalel lived eight hundred and thirty years after the birth of Jared, and he had other sons and daughters.
17 The whole lifetime of Mahalalel was eight hundred and ninety-five years; then he died.
18 When Jared was one hundred and sixty-two years old, he became the father of Enoch.
19 Jared lived eight hundred years after the birth of Enoch, and he had other sons and daughters.
20 The whole lifetime of Jared was nine hundred and sixty-two years; then he died.
21 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he became the father of Methuselah.
22 Enoch lived three hundred years after the birth of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters.
23 The whole lifetime of Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years.
24 Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him.
25 When Methuselah was one hundred and eighty-seven years old, he became the father of Lamech.
26 Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years after the birth of Lamech, and he had other sons and daughters.
27 The whole lifetime of Methuselah was nine hundred and sixty-nine years; then he died.
28 When Lamech was one hundred and eighty-two years old, he begot a son
29 and named him Noah, saying, "Out of the very ground that the Lord has put under a curse, this one shall bring us relief from our work and the toil of our hands."
30 Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years after the birth of Noah, and he had other sons and daughters.
31 The whole lifetime of Lamech was seven hundred and seventy-seven years; then he died.
32 When Noah was five hundred years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japtheth.

While I really, really loved the old design, the dark background and white text was really hard on the eyes, especially for reading large blocks of text. 

so, I've changed to a lighter colored background. 

ALL MATERIAL IS STILL THE SAME!
So, Enjoy!

_The Hebrew spelling of this word means ‘breath,’ ‘vapor,’ that which is ‘insubstantial.’  However, it is more likely that the name should be linked with the Accadian word meaning ‘son.’  Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve and was murdered by his brother Cain because God preferred Abel’s sacrifice over Cain’s.

Abel is referenced multiple times throughout the Bible, including in Heb 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51; and Heb 12:24, always as a faithful, innocent, righteous man. 

Biblical references:
Genesis 4:2- “Next she bore his brother Abel.  Abel became a keeper of flocks, and Cain a tiller of the soil. 
Genesis 4:4- “…while Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock.  The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering,…”
Genesis 4:8- “Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.”  When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” 


Sources:
Catholic Book Publishing. (various) Genesis: Chapter 2 Notes. “St. Joseph Edition, New American Bible.” New York, NY: Catholic Book Publishing.

Green, Kevin (compiler). (2008). Eden. “All-In-One Bible Reference Guide”.  Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

Lockyear Sr., H. (Ed.) (1986) Eden. “Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible”. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers.