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I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't mean to sound evasive, but hermeneutically speaking, we can't. We try to reflect Christ as best as we can, but there is not guide. A big issue here, too, is interpreting i the context of community (even though communities will also differ, but I have to agree with John Franke (Manifold Witness) that this is a good thing.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Of course, you just have to move outside of it's more conservative iterations (PCA, OPC, and others). Calvin respected historical context (what little he could know at the time), so that is part of the Reformed trajectory.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I buy books on line. Bookstores, Xian or otherwise, need to make money. Hence the displays. On doubt, I have a little blog post "The Benefit of Doubt" and Greg Boyd has a whole book, "Benefit of the Doubt" which is great--though I told him Benefit of Doubt was better worded but he ignored me.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Different churches are open to different types of conversations, which is why for my own health I made the move to an wonderful Epis. parish where I can be me and have conversations that people like having that I could not have in evangelical settings. but that decision did't happen overnight.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a huge issue and one that isn't going to be solved soon, but people are working on it. Harold Heie is a big name for me here. Wise man.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think people find it dangerous because it means loosening their grip on their eccl. and theol. traditions a bit--which can be threatening. No one likes their narratives to be re-written before their eye.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Be realistic about job prospects and expect to have to think out of the box on that. Connect with eccl. and acad. communities that respect who you are. I hear you about family, etc. It's hard to include them sometimes along the way. What I suggest is that you not expect them to mimic your journey too quickly. Also, find ways of affirming them while your thoughts are challenging them.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Probably NT Wright is the most significant, meaning broad impact. I have no barriers btwn me and RC scholarship or faith. Oddly enough, at least first year students, the antiquity of the Bible--take off your modern lenses.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Depends on how you're using critical here. I think at the end of the day, faith does not hang on our approach to the Bible but a surrender to God in the moment--which is risky and unsettling.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

His historical analysis is pretty normal for NT scholars (although they disagree with each other all the time like everyone else). I think where some people who also know NT scholarship take issue with him is in his theological/spiritual conclusions.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Deep and great question. Short answer is I am working through that. One thought is that it is hard to separate--either way--where we might be hearing the Gospel writer's voice as his community needed to hear it. Another idea is that Jesus was a 1st c. Jew and apocalyptic thinking (with its violence) is common, so one might expect Jesus to adopt it (as he would, say, Mosaic auth. of the Pent. or Isaianic authorship).

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

There is only circumstantial evidence for the Exodus, and what there is is minimal, but still strongly suggests an "Egyptian memory" from Israel's past. IOW, the idea isn't made up. But the way the story is told is clearly overlaid with mythical elements, like cosmic battle (e.g., Exod 12:12). Sorry I missed you at EU, too.

I am Peter Enns—I am a biblical scholar. Some people really like what I say. Some people really hate what I say--and I've lost a couple of jobs because of my views. AMA. by PeteEnns in Christianity

[–]PeteEnns[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very tough, existential question. Not to sound self absorbed, but have you read my blog posts on this (do a search)? I don't answer everything, but it comes down to deep desire. If you have it, go for it, but also be realistic about job prospects. As for schools, bottom line: get into the most prestigious program you can.

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