Happy Memorial Day to our loyal readers of the Logos Academy Blog. Here’s a 25% discount in recognition of our country’s service members and their incredible sacrifices.
[Read more…]Happy Memorial Day! From the Editor, an Annapolis Grad
The Covid Vaccine has 666 Written All Over It…and Why that Doesn’t Matter According to Revelation
by Matthew L. Halsted, PhD
In an article published last week on theLAB, COVID-19 and The Mark of the Beast, I claimed that the mark of the beast (666) is most likely not a physical or visible mark (Rev. 13:16). The biggest objection I received from readers had to do with this very point: how could the mark be non-physical and invisible if having the mark was what allowed people to “buy or sell” things (Rev. 13:17)? Wouldn’t the mark need to be visible in order to do that? Furthermore, isn’t there enough evidence that the vaccine is the “number” of the beast, including a bill currently before the House of Representatives (6666) and the very letters “C-O-R-O-N-A” themselves?1 These are good questions, and I think a response would be helpful. But first, we need to start from square one and do some background work.
[Read more…]COVID-19 and The Mark of the Beast
Watching the news a few days ago, I saw photos and videos of those protesting the COVID-19 quarantine on full display. I’m growing weary of how certain biblical texts are attached to certain political movements and demonstrations—texts that are, quite frankly, misused and misunderstood. Sadly, Christianity ends up getting misrepresented in the process.
[Read more…]Lexical Semantics and Lexicography
Part 2 of the series Observations from a Linguistic Spectator: An Annual Report.
For part 1, see here.
A Semiotic Framework
I’m going to cheat right away in this first post in this series that discusses an actual linguistic subject – quite a bit of what I discuss here isn’t that new to me. So it’s not really part of the honest annual report of new insights that I promised. Still, I feel like I have to include these considerations because in my experience this is perhaps the single issue where publications in biblical studies fail most often.
[Read more…]Best Resources for Studying New Testament Backgrounds and Context
One of the most important set of resources in which students of the Bible and pastors can invest is New Testament backgrounds and context. We will divide up our discussion into four categories.
[Read more…]Reading Broadly or Deeply? Three Years inside the Mind of a Genius
Suppose you step into the entrance of an enormous library. Like many, you feel enchanted by the possibility of learning. A bibliophile, your soul thrills at such unfettered access to human knowledge. Even the smell of books delights the senses. Each volume represents some small bit of knowledge or experience in a given field; one writer’s obsession for years or even a lifetime. But which books should you choose?
[Read more…]Bonhoeffer and COVID-19: “Life Together” in Isolation
By Charles C. Helmer IV
How are we to think theologically about our present social isolation? How might our time apart sharpen our understanding of the church? My intention here is to reflect briefly upon three theological insights from Bonhoeffer’s Life Together that may serve to hearten us in our experience living apart. None of what follows is intended to minimize the challenges the church now faces. Rather, it is to be reminded that the church is an eschatological community, united with Christ and born of and empowered by the Spirit. It is a community whose existence transcends present, worldly circumstances and a community over which the gates of hell will not prevail (Mt. 16:18). This present article suggests how I think Dietrich might consider our present ecclesiological crisis.
[Read more…]The Future of Higher Education After COVID-19
Until a few weeks ago, COVID-19 was a distant problem that many discounted as superfluous to their life; it is a global catastrophe. No one today questions the relevancy of COVID-19 to their local community. The surge of articles, blogs, and news announcements are disorienting and often troubling. The virus has impacted every sector of the economy, social life, and human experience. This article focuses on COVID-19’s impact on higher education and proposes ways forward for students and educators.
[Read more…]Academic Jobs in Biblical Studies and Theology: 4–24 March 2020
Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, jobs are being posted at teaching institutions around the world. This is a good sign, as the situation at some point must resolve, and life continue, not “as normal,” but “as new.” The past few weeks have seen new job postings introduced from Bavaria to New Zealand, California to Maryland. Happy hunting, stay safe.
[Read more…]Logos Responds to COVID-19 with Thousands of Free Resources: the Remote Learning Library
Logos has just created the Remote Learning Library in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Knowing that thousands of students are now restricted to studying from home, we are making thousands of resources freely available to faculty and students worldwide. Here are the details:
[Read more…]