We often see the term "tax collectors and sinners" paired together in the Bible. The Bible presupposes in these cases that both groups are social and moral outcasts. "Why? Tax collectors were collaborators with the Roman imperial authorities and hence were considered disloyal and suspected of treason. They often collected indirect taxes such as tolls and customs (Catholic Book Publishing, MT 5:46 footnote). The collectors paid a fixed income to the Romans "for the right to collect customs duties within their districts. Since whatever they could collect above this amount constituted their profit, the abuse of extortion was widespread...hence...were regarded as sinners, outcasts of society, and disgraced along with their families" (Catholic Book Publishing, MK 2:14 footnote). Sinners [was] a technical term for members of despised trades thought susceptible of ritual uncleanness and other blemishes (one list...gives ass-driver, camel-driver, sailor, caster, herdsman, shopkeeper, physician (= blood letter?), butcher" (Brown et al., p.649). Note: This definition will be in the "Definitions & Facts" page in the 'Bible Questions' section...thus it might be expanded in the future. Please check there for most up to date info.
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As part of our "Bible Questions" series, today we'll look at the question of: did Eve fall alone? Or was it the fall of Adam and Eve? Note: Not certain I, personally, 100% agree...but thought this was an interesting perspective. Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, has dedicated her life to understand the Bible and sharing that knowledge with others. I am going to quote her directly out of my respect for her learning…..my paraphrasing would be insult to her concise and well-reasoned arguments. I went back and double-checked the Bible verses myself. She’s right…the Bible specifically states that they WERE together when the serpent spoke to them; God DID create them as equal; and they were BOTH cursed/punished, not just Eve. Anyway, in her own words: “According to the the account in Genesis 2-3, the woman is created to be a companion corresponding to (not originally subordinate to) the man. Because the two of them eat the forbidden fruit, the man is destined to toil as a farmer in fields of thorns and thistles, and the woman is destined to suffer pain in childbearing. It is in the aftermath of these divine pronouncements that the man names the woman as he had earlier named the animals, thus indicating dominion over her. Both Jewish tradition and the New Testament offer a very negative view of Eve, presenting her as representative of the alleged weaknesses of women. Paul feared that the Corinthian Christians would be led astray from Christ as Eve was deceived by the serpent (2 Cor 11.2). In 1 Timonthy 2.13-15, Eve’s deception by the serpent and also her creation subsequent to the man are cited as reasons that women must keep silent in church (cf 1 Cor 14.34-35) and hold no authority over men. Early Christian theologians contrasted Eve’s sinfulness with the perfection of the “new Eve,” Mary, the mother of Jesus. This traditional emphasis on the gullibility of Eve and her tendency toward sin is one possible interpretation of the Genesis narrative itself. Genesis 3 gives no indication why the serpent addressed the woman and even indicates that the man and woman were together when the serpent spoke. It has been suggested that the serpent might have addressed the woman as provider of food or as theological thinker, not as the more gullible of the couple, and that the woman’s addition to the divine prohibition about the fruit (“we may not touch it”) represents not a lie, but a desirable exaggeration meant to make sure that the basic command would not be broken. The man and woman together discover their nakedness, together make fig leaf garments, and together hide from the deity. Both are destined to a life of pain (neither is cursed) because of their actions, and together they are expelled from the garden. Thus, once the reader sets aside the portrait of Eve based on later tradition, the great skill of the Genesis narrator in presenting a character open to diverse interpretation becomes apparent.” I hope she doesn't mind my using her answer to this question. But I thought this was an interesting take on the question of if it really was the fall of Eve. Or if perhaps Adam was there as well. • If you have your own Bible questions -or- a different take on how I've answered a question, please let me know! I'll link back to your site if you have a good answer and/or something to add. *Note: Expanded definitions from the ones previously posted. These updated and expanded definitions will be posted on the "People" page under the "Beyond the Bible" tab. • Pharisees- Greek 'Pharisaioi' is 'separate ones.' In Hebrew means "separatists." According to Josephus, there were three major sects within Judaism at the time of Jesus: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. There were also the "Zealots, and probably many lesser sects. Even though they tolerated each other's existence, each saw itself as the most authentic expression of Jewish identity" (MacCulloch, p.72). They helped to develop an elaborate system of oral laws to apply to the written law of Moses to Jewish life after the destruction of the temple and the Roman conquest of Israel. Thus, they were known for devotion to the law, written and oral. The law was rigorously applied to everyday life. Scribes, experts in the law, belonged predominantly to this group. Many people, having lost respect for priesthood due to corruption, looked to the scribes, who were often pious and disciplined (Lockyear, p.830). While relatively small in number (due to their exclusivity), they nevertheless enjoyed prestige and respect of the people and could affect both popular opinion and national policy at times. "If they [Pharisees] despised the Herods and the Romans, they hated Jesus' doctrine of equality and claims of messiahship with equal fervor" (Green, p.475). Other sources say that while the Pharisees were not always unfriendly to Jesus (and Mark has them taking no part in his death), Jesus criticized them severely precisely because their religious leadership was so serious. Originally helping to save Judaism (a noble thing), it had degenerated over time and become too rigid/exclusive. • Sadducees- Greek 'Saddoukaioi' means 'followers of Zadak,' perhaps 'righteous.' According to Josephus, there were three major sects within Judaism at the time of Jesus: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. There were also the "Zealots, and probably many lesser sects. Even though they tolerated each other's existence, each saw itself as the most authentic expression of Jewish identity" (MacCulloch, p.72). Priestly, wealthy, aristocratic class, centered in Jerusalem. "They enjoyed privileged positions in society and managed to get along well under Roman rule" (Lockyear, p.936). They were the most flexible/allowing in regards to relations with outsiders. In contrast to the Pharisees (in Mark), as the priestly party connected with the Temple, the Sadducees are more directly involved in the death of Jesus, probably due to the fact that they were much more politically minded. Despite their central role in Jesus' death, they did not enjoy the influence among the people that the Pharisees did. "They accepted as scripture only the first five books of the Old Testament, followed only the letter of the law, rejected the oral legal traditions, and were opposed to teaching not found in the Pentateuch, such as the resurrection of the dead." (Senior et al., Matthew 3:7). Sadducees- Greek 'Saddoukaioi' means 'followers of Zadak,' perhaps 'righteous.' According to Josephus, there were three major sects within Judaism at the time of Jesus: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. Priestly, wealthy, aristocratic class, centered in Jerusalem. "They enjoyed privileged positions in society and managed to get along well under Roman rule" (6, p.936). In contrast to the Pharisees (in Mark), as the priestly party connected with the Temple, the Sadducees are more directly involved in the death of Jesus, probably due to the fact that they were much more politically minded. Despite their central role in Jesus' death, they did not enjoy the influence among the people that the Pharisees did. "They accepted as scripture only the first five books of the Old Testament, followed only the letter of the law, rejected the oral legal traditions, and were opposed to teaching not found in the Pentateuch, such as the resurrection of the dead." (10, Matthew 3:7). Pharisees- Greek 'Pharisaioi' is 'separate ones.' In Hebrew means "separatists." According to Josephus, there were three major sects within Judaism at the time of Jesus: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. They helped to develop an elaborate system of oral laws to apply to the written law of Moses to Jewish life after the destruction of the temple and the Roman conquest of Israel. Thus, they were known for devotion to the law, written and oral. The law was rigorously applied to everyday life. Scribes, experts in the law, belonged predominantly to this group. Many people, having lost respect for priesthood due to corruption, looked to the scribes, who were often pious and disciplined (6, p.830). While relatively small in number (due to their exclusivity), they nevertheless enjoyed prestige and respect of the people and could affect both popular opinion and national policy at times. "If they [Pharisees] despised the Herods and the Romans, they hated Jesus' doctrine of equality and claims of messiahship with equal fervor" (5, p.475). Other sources say that while the Pharisees were not always unfriendly to Jesus (and Mark has them taking no part in his death), Jesus criticized them severely precisely because their religious leadership was so serious. Originally helping to save Judaism (a noble thing), it had degenerated over time and become too rigid/exclusive. Honestly, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is a fairly shadowy figure in the Bible. The last mention of him chronologically is when Jesus is age 12. This is the episode in which Jesus returned to the temple without his parents knowledge; once they found him, they asked what he was doing. His response was that he was in his His Father's house. Jesus seems surprised that they did not know this. It is up to us to decide if mention of Joseph ceased at this time because of Jesus' first reference to his heavenly Father, or whether Joseph passed away. Joseph is mentioned nowhere during the accounts of Jesus' ministry, he is absent from the wedding at Cana, and- most tellingly- at Jesus' crucifixion, he gives the care of his mother over to one of his disciples. We first learn about Joseph at the same time as the Annunciation. Matthew specifically refers to him as a "just man" and his behavior supports this. Upon learning of Mary's condition, rather than taking action that could have resulted in her death, he decides to privately put her aside. Of course, an angel speaking his dream cancels this course of action. Later verses indicate his profession: a carpenter. The Greek word used (tekton) indicates he was also skilled in other craft work, such as stone. We also learn he is a descendant of David. It is Joseph's adoption of Jesus that fulfills the prophecy that the messiah will be a descendant of David. We see Joseph is obedient to the will of God multiple times. He follows the angel's instructions to marry Mary and father her child. When the angel speaks again telling him to flee to Egypt, he obeys. When an angel appears after Herod's death and instructs him to go to Galilee (not to his place of origin Judea), he obeys. He follows the Hebrew law about presenting the first-born in the temple and offer sacrifice. He followed the law about trekking to Jerusalem during the required holy days. While we might not have many Biblical references to the man who is referred to a Jesus' earthly father, the information we do have is telling. He cared for his family, followed the Lord's commandments, and was a "just man." We can also assume that God's choosing him was not arbitrary; he is an example to follow. As Pope Francis is Time's Person of the Year and due to the fact that I highly respect him, I've decided to share some of his words with everyone. "If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and has good will, well who am I to judge them?" "Women are asking deep questions that must be addressed. The church cannot be herself without the woman and her role. The woman is essential for the church. Mary, a woman, is more important than the bishops." "How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?" “To love God and neighbor is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete: it means seeing in every person and face of the Lord to be served, to serve him concretely. And you are, dear brothers and sisters, in the face of Jesus.” I've also included a link to his Apostolic Exhortation. (I've left the URL unmasked in case the link doesn't work for you...then you can just cut and paste!). The PDF document is also available at /beyond-the-bible.html http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium_en.pdf While there is more than one Enoch (as well as an Enosh) referenced in the Bible, I am referring to the Enoch spoken of in Genesis 5:18-24. 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. Why is Enoch of interest? Because of the simple phrase "Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him." In this phrase, he is one of only two people (the other being Elijah) in the Bible who do not die...instead they go directly to/with God. This mysterious phrase gave rise to much extrabiblical literature focused on his "heavenly secrets," commonly referred to as the book(s) of Enoch (Brown, Fitzmyer, & Murphy, 1990, p.14). These are considered part of the apocalyptic literature written after the exile. More recently, those who have adopted the (extremely) recent idea of the rapture believe that all the faithful will be taken up like Enoch was before for the "Tribulation." The word 'with' implies familiarity with God, not just a distant or awe-filled relationship. Perhaps the lesson to take from Enoch's life, even if only granted a mysterious single sentence in the Bible, is that he 'walked' with God, implying a long, steady, continuous journey with God (MacDonald, 1995, p.38). Sources: Brown, R.E., Fitzmyer, J.A., and Murphy, R.E. (1990). Genesis. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Catholic Book Publishing, “St. Joseph Edition, New American Bible.” New York, NY: Catholic Book Publishing. MacDonald, W. (1995). Genesis. Believer's Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc. 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. _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. |
Jennifer Becker Landsberger
Who am I? Freelance writer (magazines, websites, & copywriting), Catholic, military wife, and Mensan. Double Bachelor's in History & Psychology. Witnessing by charity and love are above all. Studying the Bible and beyond helps me on this quest. Feel free to join my walk into the Bible.
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Oh creator of the universe, who has set the stars in the heavens and causes the sun to rise and set, shed the light of your wisdom into the darkness of my mind. Fill my thoughts with a loving knowledge of you, that I may bring you like to others. Just as you can make even babies speak your truth, instruct my tongue and guide my pen to convey the wonderful glory of the Gospel. Make my intellect sharp, my memory clear, and my words eloquent, so that I may faithfully interpret the mysteries what you have revealed. Categories
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To my readers & fellow writers,
I promise: 1. I will pray that God's grace helps illuminate all of our interactions- both those of simple reading and more active conversations. 2. I will communicate with you respectfully and civilly. These are (rightly) issues which we feel passionate about. But even in disagreements, I will respect you fellow "seekers of truth." 3. I will not fall into negative behavior or words, such as insinuations, exaggerations, blames, or personal attacks. I respectfully ask you to do the same. 4. I will pray we will all find the truth and strive to fulfill the two greatest commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31) This site will occasionally feature paid posts! I always 100% verify everything I endorse. You will not see posts for products or sites I would not use myself.
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