This Week in Word from the Bird
Unfreedom in Russia. Ambiguities in the Atonement. Misconceptions about Judaism. Jesus did not consider plundering the planet.
I’m back from Canada, had a great time at Wycliffe College and Crandall University, mostly lecturing on political theology. Yet sadly I seem to have a case of DVT! So I covet your prayers as I recover. More tests this week. Doctors don’t seem too worried for me, but gosh, that heparin injection into the belly hurt! But the show goes on. Also, I’m now planning some live “Aviary” events via the Substack app! More anon.
Monday: Book of the Week: Timothy Snyder on The Road to Unfreedom
In sum, Snyder’s book is about the rise of Russia from the demise of communism, the fall of Yeltsin, the ascent of the oligarchs, and Putin’s transformation of Russia into a “schizofascist” state (his term, not mine).
Tuesday: Ambiguities of the Atonement (Paid Subscribers)
What does the word “for” mean when we are told that Jesus died “for” us? The meaning of “for” (the Greek preposition is hyper) is ambiguous.
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Wednesday: Misconceptions About Ancient Judaism (Free Sign-Ups).
Over at Talmud for Everyone, Dr. Isaac Oliver has a great piece on Five Misconceptions (There Are More!) about Ancient Judaism. It is very good!
Thursday: Jesus Did Not Consider it Plunder (Paid Subscribers)
One area where I think I agree with Crispin Fletcher-Louis is that Jesus’s refusal to engage in harpagmos in Phil 2:6 might be making a contrast between Jesus and the other gods who descended from heaven to engage in rapine, rapacious behaviour, and revelry.