Category Archives: Hermeneutics

The Blue Parakeet: The End, Part 2 (The New Earth)

Posted on April 8, 2009 by Jay F Guin

Paradise Strong’s Dictionary says “paradise” derives from the Hebrew pardec, meaning an orchard or forest. It’s a reference back to Eden. This is strongly suggested by – (Rev. 2:7b) To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat … Continue reading →

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The Blue Parakeet: The Story’s End, Part 1 (The Resurrection)

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Jay F Guin

We’ve covered the creation accounts, the sin of Adam and Eve, the Curse, God’s covenant with Abraham, and several strands of Old Testament thought that tie the Law of Moses tightly to Christianity, at least more tightly than we normally … Continue reading →

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The Blue Parakeet: More on the Law and Circumcised Hearts

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Jay F Guin

Again, when discussing this topic with the teachers, it occurred to me that there are many passages in the Old Testament that contradict the old saw that the Law was about an external, superficial worship, and New Testament Christians worship … Continue reading →

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The Blue Parakeet: Community, Part 2 (Salvation)

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Jay F Guin

While covering this week’s material with the teachers Wednesday night, I remembered an old post that might add some interesting depth to the subject. Here it is re-edited for our present purposes. Most commentaries, heavily influenced by Luther and Calvin, … Continue reading →

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The Blue Parakeet: Covenant Community

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Jay F Guin

Background After sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, God began the work of putting things right. This work begins most significantly through Abraham. Now, in my childhood, I was taught that there are three dispensations: Patriarchal, Mosaic, and … Continue reading →

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How to Argue Like a Christian: The Last-Verse-Read Argument

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Jay F Guin

Perhaps the biggest failing of believers of all kinds is our persistent use of the last-verse-read argument. For example, in the Churches of Christ, we deny once saved, always saved (the perserverance of the saints), as we are Arminian in … Continue reading →

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How to Argue Like a Christian: Answering

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Jay F Guin

Now, the second-most common problem I observe in Christian discussion groups is the failure of one side to finish the conversation. For me, the common pattern is: a conservative Christian announces that progressives have no well-defined theology of when someone … Continue reading →

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How to Argue Like a Christian: Listening

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Jay F Guin

I follow a number of Church of Christ internet forums. I don’t have the time to participate as I once did, but I do enjoy seeing what people find interesting or controversial – and I pitch in now and then. … Continue reading →

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How to Argue Like a Christian: Unsupported Accusations

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Jay F Guin

Many of our authors make startling accusations against their opponents without giving any basis for the charge — and certainly nothing that allows their facts to be checked. Sometimes the charges are true. Sometimes they are not. But you just … Continue reading →

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How to Argue Like a Christian: Abusing the Language

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Jay F Guin

Another reason that we in the Churches of Christ have trouble working things out amongst ourselves is our abuse of the language. In fact, a stranger to our publications would often be mystified by our use of words. Liberal For … Continue reading →

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