What is the significance of the Tower of Babel narrative in the Bible, seemingly abruptly inserted between Noah and Abraham- The two crucial figures of monotheism? Who led the building of the Tower of Babel, and what impact did it have on later human society? The Bible has no direct interpretation, thus making it available for the reader to interpret. Based on the biblical commentaries and other rabbinical texts related to the Tower of Babel incident, this article puts forward the argument that the Tower of Babel is a watershed of human moral civilization and discusses it from the three aspects: the event of Tower of Babel brings two types of religion bases (Human-based and God-based), brings two philosophical categories (theocentrism and anthropocentrism), and brings the two cultural societies (Babel style and Abraham styles), which conducts some analysis around the theme from three sources that influence the definition of morality: religious belief, philosophy, and culture.
{"title":"THE TOWER OF BABEL AND THE WATERSHED OF MORAL CIVILIZATION","authors":"Chen Lifan","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2022.4207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2022.4207","url":null,"abstract":"What is the significance of the Tower of Babel narrative in the Bible, seemingly abruptly inserted between Noah and Abraham- The two crucial figures of monotheism? Who led the building of the Tower of Babel, and what impact did it have on later human society? The Bible has no direct interpretation, thus making it available for the reader to interpret. Based on the biblical commentaries and other rabbinical texts related to the Tower of Babel incident, this article puts forward the argument that the Tower of Babel is a watershed of human moral civilization and discusses it from the three aspects: the event of Tower of Babel brings two types of religion bases (Human-based and God-based), brings two philosophical categories (theocentrism and anthropocentrism), and brings the two cultural societies (Babel style and Abraham styles), which conducts some analysis around the theme from three sources that influence the definition of morality: religious belief, philosophy, and culture.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"58 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127535843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Concluding a treaty should lead to the realization of the existence of God as the absolute Being to whom all vows and promises are made. It should also promote human values, especially faithfulness, and trust. However, this goal is farfetched. Nowadays, it remains difficult to know which principles and values humanity still holds on to because of the constant breaking of vows and promises. The Gibeonites’ ruse shows human deception to honor its promises, and this endangers human society and its values. The failure to honor the promises threatens human society, for it brings about a lack of confidence and trust. Joshua’s faithfulness to the treaty calls for human faithfulness to its life commitment that promotes human and divine values. Faithfulness to treaties leads to the finding and confirmation of God’s perpetual presence and actions in human life. The paper calls on humanity to honor its promises and vows as a way of building a better human society grounded in faithfulness and confidence.
{"title":"JURIDICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ISRAEL AND GIBEONITES’ TREATY IN JOSHUA 9:3-27: HONOURING ONE’S PROMISE","authors":"Pascal Bihorubusa","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2023.5103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2023.5103","url":null,"abstract":"Concluding a treaty should lead to the realization of the existence of God as the absolute Being to whom all vows and promises are made. It should also promote human values, especially faithfulness, and trust. However, this goal is farfetched. Nowadays, it remains difficult to know which principles and values humanity still holds on to because of the constant breaking of vows and promises. The Gibeonites’ ruse shows human deception to honor its promises, and this endangers human society and its values. The failure to honor the promises threatens human society, for it brings about a lack of confidence and trust. Joshua’s faithfulness to the treaty calls for human faithfulness to its life commitment that promotes human and divine values. Faithfulness to treaties leads to the finding and confirmation of God’s perpetual presence and actions in human life. The paper calls on humanity to honor its promises and vows as a way of building a better human society grounded in faithfulness and confidence.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132006453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This article introduces some of the themes and structural dynamics of the Fourth Gospel in closer integration with the religio-cultural aspects of the South Asian context. As John’s Gospel has the potential to appeal to and accommodate the spirituality of South Asia, a re-reading of the Gospel is possible through the means of a crosspollination of ideas. The four major parts of the Gospel, i.e., the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Epilogue, demonstrate several cultural and ideological parallels with that of the South Asian realities. A reading that encourages religio-cultural sensitivity can be a required formative factor in the process of interpreting the Fourth Gospel. Some of the key aspects of the Gospel such as the theme of discipleship, the sign language, the “I AM” Sayings, the characters and the characterization, mystical expressions, and dualistic tendencies can be dynamically interlocked within the South Asian ideological and cultural aspects. The universalistic language of the Gospel can have a special appeal to the common realities of the South Asian people.
{"title":"READING THE FOURTH GOSPEL IN THE SOUTH ASIAN CONTEXT","authors":"J. Thomaskutty","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2022.4203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2022.4203","url":null,"abstract":"This article introduces some of the themes and structural dynamics of the Fourth Gospel in closer integration with the religio-cultural aspects of the South Asian context. As John’s Gospel has the potential to appeal to and accommodate the spirituality of South Asia, a re-reading of the Gospel is possible through the means of a crosspollination of ideas. The four major parts of the Gospel, i.e., the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Epilogue, demonstrate several cultural and ideological parallels with that of the South Asian realities. A reading that encourages religio-cultural sensitivity can be a required formative factor in the process of interpreting the Fourth Gospel. Some of the key aspects of the Gospel such as the theme of discipleship, the sign language, the “I AM” Sayings, the characters and the characterization, mystical expressions, and dualistic tendencies can be dynamically interlocked within the South Asian ideological and cultural aspects. The universalistic language of the Gospel can have a special appeal to the common realities of the South Asian people.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133962925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study analyzes the factors leading to the Jewish uprising against the Romans in 66-70 CE. The study presupposes that the nexus between the Romans and the Jewish religious leaders is pivotal in the Jewish uprising against the Romans. Some of the issues that are taken into consideration in the study include the socio-economic, religious, political, and military aspects of the nexus between the Jewish religious leaders and the Romans. As a corollary to their nexus, the Romans demanded heavy taxation from the Jews. The high priest became greedy and often failed to engage in his religious duties. Therefore, the unhappy masses rose against the Roman rulers and their associates in 66-70 CE. But one must keep in mind that this study only serves as a general study on the issues related to the nexus between the Jewish religious leaders and the Romans. A detailed study would demand a much longer paper.
{"title":"THE NEXUS BETWEEN THE ROMAN RULERS AND THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS: A FACTOR LEADING TO THE JEWISH REVOLT IN 66-70 CE","authors":"Mr. Lian Muan Kham Suante","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2022.4204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2022.4204","url":null,"abstract":"This study analyzes the factors leading to the Jewish uprising against the Romans in 66-70 CE. The study presupposes that the nexus between the Romans and the Jewish religious leaders is pivotal in the Jewish uprising against the Romans. Some of the issues that are taken into consideration in the study include the socio-economic, religious, political, and military aspects of the nexus between the Jewish religious leaders and the Romans. As a corollary to their nexus, the Romans demanded heavy taxation from the Jews. The high priest became greedy and often failed to engage in his religious duties. Therefore, the unhappy masses rose against the Roman rulers and their associates in 66-70 CE. But one must keep in mind that this study only serves as a general study on the issues related to the nexus between the Jewish religious leaders and the Romans. A detailed study would demand a much longer paper.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"87 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131794024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper explores the Hebrew worldview on forgiveness. The paper explores several terms used in the Old Testament Scriptures. In addition, an attempt has been made to dive into Rabbinical understanding on forgiveness. The aim of the paper is to examine the values and priorities of the Jewish world in relation to forgiveness and repentance.
{"title":"AN UNDERSTANDING OF FORGIVENESS IN HEBREW WORLDVIEW","authors":"N. V. Deepak","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2022.4206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2022.4206","url":null,"abstract":"This paper explores the Hebrew worldview on forgiveness. The paper explores several terms used in the Old Testament Scriptures. In addition, an attempt has been made to dive into Rabbinical understanding on forgiveness. The aim of the paper is to examine the values and priorities of the Jewish world in relation to forgiveness and repentance.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"224 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"113953431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The book of Hosea presents sincere devotion and commitment to the Lord. The prophet’s message was mostly warnings, but there is a note of hope in the form of sincere repentance and asking for God's forgiveness, followed by a renewed commitment to the Lord. The people of Israel may find forgiveness and restoration to God’s favour and blessings. The prophet Hosea was instructed by God to symbolically prophesy to the Israelites about their disobedience to His call, and they would be punished if they did not return to the Lord their God. The prophecy is aptly represented in the marriage of Hosea to an adulterous woman, Gomer. God, represented by Hosea, had a covenant with Israel, but the latter turned him over to other gods. God foretold the punishment that would befall Israel, as well as the mercy that would befall them if they repented and returned to him through Hosea. The prophet’s message speaks of God’s steadfast love, portrayed through the suffering husband of an unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message is also considered a warning to them, and they will turn their backs on God’s love. Through the symbolic presentation of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, God’s love for the idolatrous nation of Israel is displayed in a rich metaphor. This essay explains how the message of Hosea is relevant in the present context.
{"title":"The Imagery of Love in the Book of Hosea (Hosea 3:1-5): A Word Study","authors":"Rev. Dr. N. Subramani","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2022.4103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2022.4103","url":null,"abstract":"The book of Hosea presents sincere devotion and commitment to the Lord. The prophet’s message was mostly warnings, but there is a note of hope in the form of sincere repentance and asking for God's forgiveness, followed by a renewed commitment to the Lord. The people of Israel may find forgiveness and restoration to God’s favour and blessings. The prophet Hosea was instructed by God to symbolically prophesy to the Israelites about their disobedience to His call, and they would be punished if they did not return to the Lord their God. The prophecy is aptly represented in the marriage of Hosea to an adulterous woman, Gomer. God, represented by Hosea, had a covenant with Israel, but the latter turned him over to other gods. God foretold the punishment that would befall Israel, as well as the mercy that would befall them if they repented and returned to him through Hosea. The prophet’s message speaks of God’s steadfast love, portrayed through the suffering husband of an unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message is also considered a warning to them, and they will turn their backs on God’s love. Through the symbolic presentation of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, God’s love for the idolatrous nation of Israel is displayed in a rich metaphor. This essay explains how the message of Hosea is relevant in the present context.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"139 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133699519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christianity is the largest religious group in the world with about 2.6 billion adherents globally. Christianity is, therefore, expected to influence the character of most people in the world. But recent happenings prove otherwise. This research sought to examine how Christian eschatology might impact the public sphere from a Ghanaian socio-religious perspective. The researchers used qualitative research that employs the conceptual analysis approach. During the research, the researchers found out that scanty information exists in academia when it comes to eschatology in Africa. Another finding is a wake up calls on the church to review its eschatological position in the light of sound biblical interpretation. As eschatology influences the theological position of almost all doctrines and practices of the church, it is crucial for the church to revisit its eschatological doctrines and examine its biblical foundations. The research provided lessons and guiding principles for the Ghanaian Christian community.
{"title":"ESCHATOLOGY AND CONTEMPORARY GHANAIAN CHRISTIANITY","authors":"I. Boaheng, Nicholas Abbam, Frank Agyapong","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2022.4304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2022.4304","url":null,"abstract":"Christianity is the largest religious group in the world with about 2.6 billion adherents globally. Christianity is, therefore, expected to influence the character of most people in the world. But recent happenings prove otherwise. This research sought to examine how Christian eschatology might impact the public sphere from a Ghanaian socio-religious perspective. The researchers used qualitative research that employs the conceptual analysis approach. During the research, the researchers found out that scanty information exists in academia when it comes to eschatology in Africa. Another finding is a wake up calls on the church to review its eschatological position in the light of sound biblical interpretation. As eschatology influences the theological position of almost all doctrines and practices of the church, it is crucial for the church to revisit its eschatological doctrines and examine its biblical foundations. The research provided lessons and guiding principles for the Ghanaian Christian community.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123909889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The 70 weeks prophecy is among the most complicated biblical texts, but which many think are simple. This fact is undeniable because it is among the most widely researched, variously interpreted, and intensely debated biblical texts. Exegetical method is adopted for the best interpretation of the context of the Bible for appropriate and adequate meaning. The most widely accepted interpretation is its relation to the first advent of our savior Jesus Christ. The current study debunks this popular view by bringing in a completely new but scholarly and historically supported interpretation linking the prophecy to Zerubbabel, Onias III and Antiochus (IV) Epiphanes. The current study exhibits how easy it is to misinterpret biblical texts if not examined carefully. The study suggests adequate and appropriate interpretations to passages of the Holy Bible as they can influence human eternal destination.
{"title":"RE-EXAMINING AND RE-INTERPRETING THE 70 WEEKS PROPHECY: A THESIS (Dan. 9:25-27)","authors":"Hannington Gitonga Ngai","doi":"10.54513/bsj.2022.4210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54513/bsj.2022.4210","url":null,"abstract":"The 70 weeks prophecy is among the most complicated biblical texts, but which many think are simple. This fact is undeniable because it is among the most widely researched, variously interpreted, and intensely debated biblical texts. Exegetical method is adopted for the best interpretation of the context of the Bible for appropriate and adequate meaning. The most widely accepted interpretation is its relation to the first advent of our savior Jesus Christ. The current study debunks this popular view by bringing in a completely new but scholarly and historically supported interpretation linking the prophecy to Zerubbabel, Onias III and Antiochus (IV) Epiphanes. The current study exhibits how easy it is to misinterpret biblical texts if not examined carefully. The study suggests adequate and appropriate interpretations to passages of the Holy Bible as they can influence human eternal destination.","PeriodicalId":373844,"journal":{"name":"BIBLICAL STUDIES JOURNAL","volume":"95 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128605549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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