The Bible as Literature

Not too long ago, Time magazine published this article, and although I don’t necessarily see the validity of all the claims Biema is making, he seems to affirm a current trend in secular education:  students, whether religious or not, should have a basic knowledge of the Bible. 

 To most of my readers, this seems implicitly obvious.  The Bible has been arguably the most influential book in American culture (probably even Western culture).  In order for American citizens, both secular and religious, to function in society they have to have a basic knowledge of the book that served as a foundation for their way of life.

As a result, the GBHS English Dept.has asked to teach an elective class referred to as “The Bible as Literature” in which we will examine the Scripture from a literary standpoint. 

Although I am terribly thrilled to have this opportunity, as a Christian with a literal approach to Biblical interpretation, I find that it will be challenging to present the Bible in an objective, even critical light.  It is important to me that students, both religious and secular, see the Bible for what it is, not what they’d like it to be.  It is also important that they leave the class with the hermeneutic tools necessary to interpret the Bible for themselves.  As such, I expect to ruffle more Christian feathers than secular ones.  I have a feeling that my students of faith will feel very threatened by treating the Bible only as a work of literature, and I anticipate some very tense moments and difficult discussions.

Were you in my shoes, how would you approach this class?  Could you teach this book objectively?Â

Biding our time

Here’s a quick update on our plans regarding my return to school.  After a lot of thinking, I’ve decided to defer my enrollment from Fall of ‘07 to Fall of ‘08.  This will give Haley and I a better opportunity to save money and hopefully I’ll be eligible for an assistanceship.

I do fear that something will happen in this interposing school year that will stop me from going, but overall I know that this is the best decision for my wife and me.  So, I’ll just bide my time for one more year in old P-Cola, and pray that things will work out for the best.

Ph.Dreams

It appears that I have been accepted into the Ph.D. program at University of Louisville.  The assistanceships are already filled, though, so funding might be a major issue.  I am still waiting on a response from OSU. 

More news to come…

Need an Idea

Through no fault of my own, I find myself the leader of a pretty amazing worship band at church.  We are planning a worship concert on Good Friday, and we’re trying to think of a good catchy name for the evening, something we can post on the marquee.  We’re trying to attract a very youthful crowd, and I thought you might have some good ideas.

So…?

A New Axe

A New Axe

Originally uploaded by jscottkill.

The Latest addition to the Killian family of stringed instruments…a Samick AV3! Sounds a lot like Slash’s Les Paul, and plays better than any guitar that I’ve ever owned.