This Week in Word from the Bird
Asian Christianity. Is Paul within Judaism a spent scholarly force? LIVE STREAMING EVENT. Why "Only to the House of Israel"? A pagan critique of gnosticism.
I’m recovering from the grief of my mother’s passing but also happy after a great time of worship, as well as precious time with friends and family. But to close out 2024 and launch into 2025, I have several cool things in store for readers.
Monday: Exploring the New Testament in Asia (Free Sign-Ups)
My review of a great book about the New Testament and Asian Christianity.
Tuesday: The End of Paul within Judaism? (Free Sign-Ups)
Dr. Christoph Heilig describes how “Paul within Judaism” might self-correct.
Hey, consider becoming a member of the Aviary for the new year, get early access, exclusive material, and premium content!
Wednesday: Live Streaming Event!!! (Aviary Members Exclusive).
For members of the Aviary, I’ll be holding a live chat on 1 Jan at 8:30 a.m. (Melbourne time = 3:30 p.m Chicago time on 31 Dec). There I’ll be recounting my trip to Turkey/Greece, forthcoming book projects for 2025, and offering initial thoughts on Matt Novenson’s book Paul and Judaism.
Thursday: "Only to the House of Israel"? (Aviary Members)
Why did Jesus say: “Don’t take the road that leads to the Gentiles, and don’t enter any Samaritan town. Instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ (Matt 10:5-7)?
Friday: Plotinus vs. the Gnostics (Free Sign-Ups)
A video featuring the pagan philosopher Plotinus and his third-century critique of Gnosticism. He agrees a lot with Irenaeus in places!
May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family, Dr Bird, and may the coming year be a fulfilling one.
Thoughts and prayers for you regarding your mother’s passing. On a different note, I notice that Orthodox Priest Stephen De Young has a book about Paul out too. It is called St Paul the Pharisee. Is he considered a serious scholar in this field?