Now that I’ve officially announced everywhere that I won’t be continuing to teach next year so that I can consecrate myself fully to writing (and to my kids, who are growing up), I have all sorts of blogging and book ideas.
For those of you who see “Bible” in the title and are sort of meh over my faith posts, but love the French stuff – don’t worry! I do intend to continue publishing my usual types of posts.
Speaking of all sorts of blogging ideas, in case you missed it, there will be a photo linkup on Wednesdays (that you can participate in either through Instagram or your blog). It’s to get people (aka – me!) off the couch, and the goal is to take a picture of somewhere you went outside of your own home and garden. I will be featuring one participant each week, as long as you use the hashtag and/or include the button.
So this idea has taken hold to put out a call for any questions people might have about Christianity or the Bible, and do a weekly post answering those questions. You can ask me something either in the comment section, on the A Lady in France FB page, or – if you want to remain anonymous – by sending me an e-mail (address in the About page). In any case, I will just use your first name when I post your question.
So. Who am I to answer questions about the Bible?
Well. No one really.
But the Bible does say in Romans 15:14 ‘I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.’ And I have 20 years of reading the Bible, studying the Bible, teaching the Bible, and (more importantly) putting it into practice.
What can you expect from my answers?
– that I will pray before responding
– that if I don’t know the answer I will tell you, or will seek guidance from people whose life and doctrine I trust
– that my life will match my doctrine (and that I’m being open with the people in my life)
– that I’ll be open to correction in the comments section (and if I am convinced Biblically that I am in error, that I will correct my post).
– that if I feel like I’m starting to go beyond what is written or get in over my head, I will stop the series.
So that’s what you can expect from me. But what about you? Do any of you have questions? Or is this series doomed to fizzle before it takes off? 😉
One of the questions I always get is where do I start in the bible…read it front to back or just open and read. Can you give me your answer?
I love your question and I will put the answer up on Friday. Thanks you!!
You might not know this, but I was a religious studies minor in college. Mostly, because this book fascinates me from a writing and historical standpoint, too.
My question for you is one of opinion: Which of the Gospel writers do you best associate with, and why?
Love your question. 🙂 As I mentioned in the e-mail, I’m giving a short comment answer to this one, rather than answering in a post.
I had to think about it, because I wasn’t really sure I could identify with any of the gospel writers. Now Peter – that’s someone I can identify with! I am just as impetuous as he is. But when I really thought about it, I decided that I relate to Mark. He was all about the action, and I like that. I like action more than words (although my life doesn’t reflect that). I like to know what Jesus DID. But Mark also noticed a lot of little things alongside the action. For instance, this is the only place where it was mentioned that Jesus looked at the Rich Young Ruler and “loved him.” How else would we know this detail? Without it, I would be inclined to judge the Rich Young Ruler for being all “yes, yes” and having no character. But Jesus didn’t judge him, so I learn not to as well. Jesus touched the leper in Mark 1 – the only place we know that. We see Jesus’ compassion in his gestures. And there are other details unique to Mark (which are listed in the Thompson Chain Reference). Jesus was indignant. The disciples were astonished. The crowd listened to him with delight.
Everyone knows how loving and amazing John is, and how much he changed with Jesus’ love. You know that with John you’re going to be encouraged by Jesus’ words. But Mark has a lot going on under the surface and it makes him seem more real to me. He abandoned Paul on the missionary journey and then gained his courage and set out again. And he records all these details about Jesus for anyone who has the heart to look for them.
So that’s my answer. 🙂
I loved your answer. I always considered the Gospel writers like four reporters covering the Jesus beat for a newspaper. When you have a town with more than one paper, the coverage depends on the writer, his/her perspective, and the audience its meant for.
Interesting to note what some writers deem most important.
Awesome idea, Jennie! I’m looking forward to reading this series.
Adrienne recently posted…10 Things No One Tells You About Homeschooling
Thanks Adrienne! 🙂