Category Archives: Figures of Speech

jesus’ knowledge in the gospel of john – part 1

Posted on December 12, 2015 by christopher fisher

I was recently challenged on the concept of Jesus in the gospel of John. The challenger stated that Jesus is depicted as omniscient or semi-omniscient. Jesus, throughout the gospel of John, seems to have access to God’s knowledge (and power) … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Calvinism, Figures of Speech, God, Jesus, Omniscience, Open Theism, Theology | 1 Comment

the book of life

Posted on November 27, 2015 by christopher fisher

The Bible contains several vague references to a heavenly book. This book can be considered the Book of Life. In this book, whether literal or figurative, are the names of all who are living (or, alternatively, all who are God’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Figures of Speech, Open Theism, Theology | 1 Comment

irreducible complexity in the Bible

Posted on August 16, 2015 by christopher fisher

Throughout the Bible God is said to have done, thought, and said a host of things that modern Christians would like to dismiss. The easiest way they attempt to do this is by labeling God’s actions, thoughts, and words as … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Figures of Speech, Open Theism, Theology | 1 Comment

dealing with certain contradictions in the Bible

Posted on April 15, 2015 by christopher fisher

Simple question: to whom does the Earth belong? This question is not as easy as it appears. In Genesis, man is given dominion: Gen 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, critical thinking, Figures of Speech | 3 Comments

critical thinking applied to psalms 139

Posted on March 29, 2015 by christopher fisher

In Psalms 139, the text possibly claims that God knows all words before they exit the mouth (I am purposely using an ambiguous sentence): Psa 139:4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Calvinism, critical thinking, Figures of Speech, God, Omniscience, Open Theism, Theology | 4 Comments

metaphors and anthropomorphisms

Posted on December 2, 2014 by christopher fisher

In the TV series Game of Thrones, there is a character called the Hand of the King. This character wears a bronze hand to signify who he is. No reader or watcher is confused by this title. No reader or … Continue reading →

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anachronisms in the Bible

Posted on August 9, 2014 by christopher fisher

Because the Bible was written to actual human beings by actual human beings to convey actual ideas, sometimes words and concepts are used anachronistically. If someone is talking about the foundation of the city of Rome, they may say that … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Figures of Speech | 2 Comments

God sings for us

Posted on June 1, 2014 by christopher fisher

Usually, when Christians think of singing and praise, it is a one way street. People sing to God. People praise God. People exult God. But the Bible tells us of God’s strong emotion towards those who love God. God’s zeal … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Figures of Speech, God, Immutablility, Open Theism, Theology | 2 Comments

greek calvinists

Posted on May 3, 2014 by christopher fisher

In the time of Jesus, Greek religion had already mainly converted to Platonism. As such, Homer became an embarrassment. In order to salvage Homer, Greek theologians began reinterpreting him. Here is Plutarch in Morals: So, when thou readest in Homer … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Calvinism, Figures of Speech, Open Theism, Theology | 2 Comments

hermeneutics

Posted on May 3, 2014 by christopher fisher

Hermeneutics is defined as methods of Biblical interpretation, although this term would also apply to other religious texts such as the Greek Iliad and Odyssey or any other ancient document. The Bible is a historical text, much like the array … Continue reading →

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