tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206003362024-03-07T02:42:30.771-05:00Slave of the WordCommitted to submitting my views to the Word of GodDavid A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-53396069580552421672022-04-04T21:35:00.002-05:002022-04-05T14:36:59.750-05:00<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX46XdcdYao6DTlfC1uJn_kliVqXqge01SUoM4M56sGsON6uF_VlydkCrMkRRhiHoO4c1KR8TEgwl6eSSOtJgGscsI_di0Vjje4BSwl4fvEV1mwcuLDdf29B5knJsyqeUM0qNP6Ms3T6qmxQV2HokCq0Vxa1qMSrlpY7fGwo3ZmrHm5BxYQ/s188/steve%20johnson.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="143" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX46XdcdYao6DTlfC1uJn_kliVqXqge01SUoM4M56sGsON6uF_VlydkCrMkRRhiHoO4c1KR8TEgwl6eSSOtJgGscsI_di0Vjje4BSwl4fvEV1mwcuLDdf29B5knJsyqeUM0qNP6Ms3T6qmxQV2HokCq0Vxa1qMSrlpY7fGwo3ZmrHm5BxYQ/s1600/steve%20johnson.jpg" width="143" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/CkN4nyBeZzc">Will Smith: Rage or Righteous Indignation?</a><br /></p><p>Steve A Johnson, PhD</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We have all probably heard multiple times about --<b>The Big Slap</b>—Will Smith “smacked” Chris Rock at the Academy Awards ceremony. Many of us are trying to make sense out of it and are asking questions, such as…</p><p>· Was it for real?</p><p>· Why?</p><p>· Is this an example of poor modelling for children and others who look up to Will Smith as a role model?</p><p>· Was Will’s response a warranted and appropriate form of support for his wife in the face of an insensitive and inappropriate joke about her?</p><p>· Is it just another example of toxic masculinity in which wives are viewed and treated as property?</p><p>· Is it evidence of a possible mental health problem exhibited by Will Smith, something such as poor impulse control, emotional dysregulation, misattribution of threat, or something else?</p><p>· Is it appropriate and proportional righteous indignation?</p><p>As a psychotherapist who practices Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I wondered whether this model can help answer some of these questions about the meaning of the event. Let me try.</p><p>REBT does distinguish unhealthy anger/rage from healthy anger, sometimes called righteous indignation. Does this distinction help us assess the appropriateness or inappropriateness of Will Smith’s behavior? Both unhealthy anger/rage and healthy anger/righteous indignation begin with an individual attributing a specific meaning to a situation or event, and that meaning is that someone or something violated a value or principle important to the individual. Apparently, Will Smith believed that the joke by Chris Rock violated Will’s principle of fairness, appropriateness, compassion, etc.</p><p>However, what distinguishes unhealthy anger/rage and righteous indignation are the beliefs added to the meaning given to the event, i.e., Chris Rock’s joke. The beliefs that contribute to unhealthy anger/rage are as follows (not all need to be held for an individual to exhibit unhealthy anger):</p><p>1. My important value/principle must not or should not have been violated.</p><p>2. It is utterly horrible or awful that it was violated.</p><p>3. I can’t stand that it was violated.</p><p>4. The one who violated it is no good, evil, totally unjust, irredeemable, unforgiveable, etc.</p><p>The beliefs that contribute to healthy anger/righteous indignation are as follows:</p><p>1. I wish that individual had not violated my value or principle.</p><p>2. I don’t like that it was violated and wish that it hadn’t happened, but it is not utterly horrible.</p><p>3. I don’t like what was done, but I can stand it.</p><p>4. The person who violated it did something wrong, perhaps very wrong, but the individual is not irredeemable, unforgiveable, evil, etc.</p><p>Also, the behaviors associated with unhealthy anger/rage and righteous indignation are quite different. They are:</p><p>1. Behavior associated with unhealthy anger: Attacking or other aggressive behaviors</p><p>2. Behavior associated with righteous indignation: Assertive statement that the action was inappropriate and unwarranted, statement of desire that the individual refrains from such behavior in the future, statement that an apology is due, etc.</p><p>The bottom line is that the behavior associated with unhealthy anger/rage is aggressive, condemnatory, and tends to break relationships. The behavior associated with righteous indignation is assertive, unapproving of the action, but does not break off relationship.</p><p>Did Will Smith exhibit unhealthy anger/rage? It certainly looks like it. But then another question arises, namely, should he be condemned? While his behavior does warrant being declared as inappropriate, unacceptably aggressive, and may warrant appropriate consequences, condemning him might just perpetuate the relational break and not lead to Will getting help for his unhelpful anger, poor impulse control, poor frustration tolerance, and aggressive behavior.</p><p>What about those of us who witnessed THE BIG SLAP? The responses seem pretty typical for where America is now about the ethics of violence. We are divided into at least two tribes: One tribe applauds Will and the other tribe condemns him. REBT would not support the responses of either tribe. The ideal is that we are one tribe of individuals connected to each other in ways that protect and support each other for the common good. To maintain those healthy connections, we need to help each other when one among us acts inappropriately, have consequences for that individual, but also have a mechanism to forgive and help those who act inappropriately so they can, in the future, change their ways for the better and contribute to the common good. Instead of having winners and losers, we can begin by holding appropriate beliefs about such a situation so we maximize the possibility that there is a win-win.</p><p>As I was thinking through this event in light of REBT, I wondered whether the Bible supports REBT’s distinction between unhealthy anger/rage vs. healthy anger/righteous indignation. Here are some biblical verses I found that, while they don’t use the same terminology seen in REBT, they definitely point to two different realities with respect to types of anger. Take a look at this ancient wisdom which is confirmed by modern science as seen in the REBT model.</p><p>· John 16: 33: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. · </p><p>· Ephesians 4:26: In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry</p><p>· Psalm 37:8: Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.</p><p>· James 1:19-20: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.</p><p>· Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you</p><p>· Matthew 5:43-44: You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,</p><p>· Matthew 18:21-22: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times</p><p>· Ephesians 4:31: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice</p><p>· Proverbs 29:11: A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense</p><p>· Ecclesiastes 7:9: Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools</p><p>· Colossians 3:8: But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.</p><p>It matters what we think because the way we think greatly impacts our behavior and this behavior impacts how we live in community—whether we live in harmony or chaos.</p>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-476002392397091512020-12-08T11:30:00.001-05:002020-12-08T11:30:05.670-05:00Article: The Love of Money is the Root of all Kinds of Evil<p><a href="https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/why-does-paul-teach-that-money-is-the-root-of-all-evil.html?fbclid=IwAR2wvhXVCLjFqvKFKkMuAttwkONTvChTWNlx-HZfY3yfFwKsdiKa0rlw2xw" target="_blank"> Here is an article</a> that came out last week on Christianity.com on 1 Timothy 6:10.</p>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-69830124802007834662020-12-07T11:30:00.001-05:002020-12-07T11:30:18.065-05:00Connections and Relationships in Mental Health<p>Here is an interview with Dr. Seth Scott on connections and relationships in mental health. <a href="https://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/seth-scott">Dr. Scott</a> has a BS in Biblical Studies and Intercultural Studies from Emmaus Bible College, an MA in Community Counseling from Regent University, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. He has been teaching at CIU since 2019.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IW6WxGTZ87E" width="320" youtube-src-id="IW6WxGTZ87E"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-44789049419969658672020-12-04T11:45:00.001-05:002020-12-04T11:45:03.628-05:00Unity: A Gift and Obligation (sermon)<p> Preaching from Ephesians, I addressed how Christ positionally unified all Christians, but we are obligated to live out that unity.</p><p>See the video for the sermon <a href="https://fb.watch/294dcknQKT/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-88841632531215965462020-12-03T16:22:00.003-05:002020-12-03T16:22:32.856-05:00Hospitality in Mission interview<p>I interviewed Dr. Ed Smither about doing hospitality in mission. Dr. Smither has PhD's from the University of Wales-Trinity Saint David and the University of Pretoria. He has been teaching at CIU since 2012 and is the dean of the College of Intercultural Studies. He served for 14 years as a missionary working primarily among Muslims in France, North Africa, and the USA. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eNsaQp9L0g0" width="320" youtube-src-id="eNsaQp9L0g0"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-60793014572677075032020-10-16T11:24:00.002-05:002020-10-16T11:24:09.719-05:00Trevor Castor on Ministering to Muslim Immigrants<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Here is an interview with <a href="http://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/trevor-castor" target="_blank">Dr. </a></span><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="http://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/trevor-castor" target="_blank">Trevor Castor</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="http://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/trevor-castor" target="_blank"> </a>on Ministering to Muslim Immigrants. Dr. Castor is the managing director of the </span><a href="https://www.zwemercenter.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">. He received his PhD from the Australian College of Theology.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MbuJa7BMA1g" width="320" youtube-src-id="MbuJa7BMA1g"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-35255940448343778622020-08-17T08:00:00.001-05:002020-08-17T08:00:04.040-05:00Mike Langston on Military ChaplaincyHere is an interview with Dr. Mike Langston on Military Chaplaincy. <a href="https://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/michael-w-langston">Dr. Langston</a> has an MA from the Naval War College, and MDiv from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a DMin from Bethel Theological Seminary, and a PhD from the University of Aberdeen. He has been teaching at CIU since 2011.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lng91MPsQyw" width="320" youtube-src-id="lng91MPsQyw"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-68483910165383280912020-08-12T17:23:00.002-05:002020-08-12T17:23:00.879-05:00Seth Scott on Christian Integration in CounselingHere is an interview with Dr. Seth Scott on Christian Integration in Counseling. <a href="https://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/seth-scott">Dr. Scott</a> has a BS in Biblical Studies and Intercultural Studies from Emmaus Bible College, an MA in Community Counseling from Regent University, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. He has been teaching at CIU since 2019.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l6gP3d4FYhA" width="320" youtube-src-id="l6gP3d4FYhA"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-22025856651169650512020-08-10T15:46:00.001-05:002020-08-10T15:46:00.306-05:00Time Management as a Pastor interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is an interview with Andre Rogers on time management as a pastor. <a href="http://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/andre-rogers" target="_blank">Professor Rogers</a> has a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary and a DMin from Columbia International University. He has been teaching at CIU and pastoring for 21 years.<br />
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David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-58028167398617011372020-07-15T15:41:00.000-05:002020-08-06T17:22:18.010-05:00Reading Scripture Missiologically interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is an interview with Dr. <a href="http://www.ciu.edu/discover-ciu/who-we-are/faculty-staff/trevor-castor" target="_blank">Trevor Castor</a> on Reading Scripture Missiologically. Dr. Castor is the managing director of the <a href="https://www.zwemercenter.com/" target="_blank">Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies</a>. He received his Phd from the Australian College of Theology.<br />
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David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-87943383917640519822020-07-13T15:36:00.001-05:002020-07-13T15:36:37.093-05:00Mission During a Pandemic interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I interviewed Dr. Ed Smither about doing mission during a pandemic and how his response relates to the current COVID-19 situation. Dr. Smither has PhD's from the University of Wales-Trinity Saint David and the University of Pretoria. He has been teaching at CIU since 2012 and is the dean of the College of Intercultural Studies. He served for 14 years as a missionary working primarily among Muslims in France, North Africa, and the USA.<br />
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David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-84216654603789184152018-12-12T16:52:00.001-05:002018-12-12T16:52:50.751-05:00New PhD in Biblical Studies at CIU<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An exciting new opportunity to earn a PhD in Biblical Studies. Read <a href="http://www.ciu.edu/newsstory/unique-fully-online-phd-biblical-studies-coming-ciu" target="_blank">here</a>. Anyone wanting to do a PhD in New Testament, Old Testament, Biblical Theology, Hermeneutics, Greek, or Hebrew should contact me at david.croteau@ciu.edu.<br />
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Soon we should be able to announce a PhD in Theological Studies, including Systematic Theology and Historical Theology.<br />
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Blessings!<br />
Dave Croteau<br />
Director of the Ph.D. Program<br />
Columbia Biblical Seminary</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-69226576414068583972017-05-09T19:50:00.005-05:002017-05-09T19:50:54.820-05:00Unintentional Sin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Does the Bible ever distinguish between
intentional and unintentional sin? If it does, does it indicate that
unintentional sin is less serious, or, maybe even, not serious at all? For
example, if someone sins unintentionally, does that person even need to ask for
forgiveness from God (or, if against another person, from the one sinned
against)? Does <b><i>God</i></b> take unintentional sin seriously? There are a few passages
in the Old Testament that address this issue explicitly and two I’ll discuss in
the New Testament. Sin is defined as a violation of God’s law which leads to a
rupture in the sinner’s relationship with God.<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Before diving in to the Old
Testament passages, let me make a few comments on the Old Testament law and the
Christian. While some people believe that the law for was Israel and has
virtually no application to Christians today, I do believe this is a huge
mistake. First of all, when Paul says, “All Scripture</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for
correcting, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16, CSB), he was, at the
very least, including the Old Testament (it was probably primarily about the
Old Testament). If Paul believes the Old Testament is profitable or “useful”
(NET), then we should as well. Second, while many of the specifics in the Old
Testament law do not apply, one of the primary purposes of the laws is to teach
us more about the character of God. There are underlying principles to the laws
that are eternal, as God’s character never changes. Let’s begin by looking at
Leviticus 4–5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Leviticus 4–5: Unintentional Sin is Forgivable<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Leviticus 4:2 says: “When
someone sins unintentionally.” We can now say with clarity that unintentional
sins, as a category, do exist. Some of the next questions are: what is the definition
of an unintentional sin and how were unintentional sins viewed and/or dealt
with in the sacrificial system? Leviticus 4:3–12 describes what a priest must do
when he unintentionally sins; Leviticus 4:13–21 describes what must take place
when unintentional sin occurs by the whole community of Israel; and Leviticus
4:22–26 describes what must happen when a leader unintentionally sins. Finally,
Leviticus 4:27–31 describes what must happen when the “common people” commit an
unintentional sin: an unblemished female goat must be sacrificed. When a common
person has completed that, “he will be forgiven” (Lev 4:31, CSB). This entire
chapter communicates the seriousness of unintentional sin. The fact that
forgiveness is bestowed <b><i>after</i></b> the sacrifice has been
completed provides solid evidence that when someone commits an unintentional
sin, God views that as a serious offense that needs forgiveness. However, we
still haven’t defined unintentional sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Leviticus
5 to the rescue! Verses 2–3 gives an example of someone touching something
unclean without realizing it; this would be considered an unintentional sin.
Verse 4 says that when someone makes a rash oath, and later realizes it, that
would be an unintentional sin. So, these are some examples to help us
understand the type of actions that would be considered unintentional sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Leviticus
5:5 is very interesting: “If someone incurs guilt in one of these cases, he is
to confess he has committed that sin” (CSB). When someone realizes they have
sinned unintentionally, they need to confess that they have, in fact, sinned.
Verses 6–13 explain the sacrifice that is necessary to receive forgiveness. The
ending of Leviticus 5 discusses the seriousness of unintentional sin. Someone
who commits an unintentional sin “bears the consequences of his guilt” (Lev
5:17, CSB). After the appropriate offering is given for “the error he has
committed unintentionally … he will be forgiven” (Lev 5:18, CSB). Before he
makes that offering, “he is indeed guilty before the LORD” (Lev 5:19, CSB). It
appears fairly clear from 5:18–19 that the person is not forgiven until
restitution is made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> That
summarizes Leviticus 4–5. It helps answer a few questions: unintentional sin is
a valid category and it is considered a serious offense that requires
forgiveness. A few examples were provided, but not enough for a full definition
to be understood. Sklar concludes that “lack of intent does not mean the sinner
is automatically excused.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Leviticus 6: Intentional Sin is Forgivable<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> In
Leviticus 6 we appear to transition from unintentional sin to intentional sin.
Examples of an intentional sin in Leviticus 6 are deceiving your neighbor, or
lying (6:2), and defrauding your neighbor. Then in 6:4–5, Moses says that “once
he has sinned and acknowledged his guilt” (CSB) that he must make restitution
for the sin he committed. After making restitution with the person he committed
the sin against, he then must make the appropriate offering (6:6). Once that is
completed, “he will be forgiven” (6:7, CSB). This is a description of an
intentional sin that can be forgiven. But, as Sklar concludes: “Provided, of
course, that the sacrifice was accompanied by confession of sin and a repentant
heart.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Numbers 15 and 25: Defiantly Intentional Sin is
Unforgivable<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Numbers
15 discusses various offerings connected to the sacrificial system in the
Mosaic Law. Starting in 15:22, the topic of unintentional sin begins. Verses
22–29 summarizes the laws discussed in Leviticus 4–5. Verse 30 turns to a
closely related but different issue: defiantly intentional sin. Some
translations keep the idiom from the Hebrew: sin with “a high hand” (ESV). The
NET Bible has a footnote that helps define defiantly intentional sin, which
will help us, in contrast, to understand unintentional sin: “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The expression
means that someone would do something with deliberate defiance, with an
arrogance in spite of what the LORD said. It is as if the sinner was about to
attack God, or at least lifting his hand against God. The implication of the
expression is that it was done in full knowledge of the Law (especially since
this contrasts throughout with the sins of ignorance). Blatant defiance of the
word of the LORD is dealt with differently.” The NET Bible concludes (when
discussing Lev 4:2) that the term “unintentional sin” “refers to sins that were
committed by mistake or done not knowing that the particular act was sinful.”
If the text of Numbers 15 supports these definitions, then it would be valid to
view defiantly intentional, simply intentional, and unintentional sins
differently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Numbers 15:31 explains the
consequence of defiantly intentional sin: “He will certainly be cut off … his
guilt remains on him” (CSB). This is immediately followed with a narrative
about a man gathering wood on the Sabbath. Connecting narratives with the laws
is helpful in understanding both. It appears that the reason this narrative is
placed right after the punishment for defiantly intentional sin is to provide
an example of this type of sin. There was no sacrifice for defiantly intentional
sin in the Mosaic Law. The man gathering wood was put to death. Sklar concludes
that a defiantly intentional sinner is “one who has completely rejected the
covenant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord
himself. In short, it is the defiant sin of an apostate that is in view, sin
for which no sacrificial atonement is possible.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Notice that we now have three
categories: unintentional sin (which is forgivable), simply intentional sin
(which is forgivable), and defiantly intentional sin (which is unforgivable).
The difference between simply intentional sin (see Leviticus 6) and defiantly
intentional sin (see Numbers 15) is an issue of attitude and the heart. It’s
not just the action that is committed, but the attitude and disposition of the
heart. Defiantly intentional sin is committed by someone who has rejected the
covenant with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Leviticus 19:20–22 mentions an offering to
receive forgiveness for someone who has committed adultery, but Numbers 25:6–8
gives a different picture. Numbers 25:6 describes an Israelite man who “came
bringing a Midianite woman to his relatives in the sight of Moses and the whole
Israelite community.” The context (Numbers 25:1–5) makes it clear that the
issue was sexual sin and worship of idols. Notice that the man did this in the
“sight of Moses and the whole Israelite community.” The reason this is
mentioned is so that the reader recognizes that this is defiantly intentional
sin. Phinehas kills both the man and the woman with a spear. Defiantly intentional
sin brings with it dire consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Much of the sacrificial system was built
upon the sins committed being unintentional. But unintentional and simply intentional
(non-defiant) sins are dealt with in a very similar way. It is defiantly
intentional sin that is different. King David is an example of someone who sinned
intentionally, but was quick to be contrite and repent of his sin. Humility and
repentance is a key to knowing whether or not a sin is defiant. That is how we know
King David was not defiant in his intentional sin. Part of the reason for the
sacrifices in the Mosaic Law was to teach the Israelites about the seriousness
of their sin. So, while defiantly intentional sin certainly brought with it
much more grave consequences, unintentional sin was viewed very seriously as
well. This validates dealing with these categories of sin differently, but it
does not validate viewing any category as dismissible.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1
Samuel 14: An Example of Unintentional Sin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> 1 Samuel 14 begins by explaining a
battle that the LORD won for Israel. Utilizing Jonathan, the LORD handed the
Philistines over to Saul and his army. When we get to 14:24, the story takes a
fascinating turn. The Israelite troops were “worn out” because Saul had placed
them under an oath: any man who ate food before evening was cursed (1 Sam
14:24, CSB). When the troops went into the forest, there was honey flowing on
the ground, but none of them ate it because of the oath. Jonathan, however,
“had not heard his father make the troops swear the oath” (1 Sam 14:27, CSB)
and he ate some honey. After the troops sinned by eating meat with blood still
in it, and Saul made an altar and had animals sacrificed to atone for their sin
(1 Sam 14:32–35), Saul decided he wanted to attack the Philistines and finish
them off. The priest insisted that they consult God first (14:36). Saul
inquired, but God did not answer. Therefore, Saul concluded that there must
have been a sin that caused God not to answer. Saul declared that whoever
sinned, even if it was his own son, that person must die (14:39). Through
casting lots, God selected Jonathan as the guilty individual. Jonathan admitted
that he ate honey. Saul was ready to kill Jonathan, but the people convinced
Saul not to kill him. So, Saul did not pursue the Philistines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Interestingly, Jonathan initially
defended his action of eating honey (14:29–30). He defended it on the grounds
that eating the honey would be helpful for the troops and they could have done
much better in the battle with the energy given by the honey. But notice
Jonathan’s response when confronted: he quickly admitted to the action and
then, in an expression of being contrite, humble, and repentant, said “I am
ready to die!” He took ownership for his sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The main point to take away from
this story regarding unintentional sin is that God himself viewed the <b><i>sin</i></b>
(see 1 Sam 14:38) as being so serious that He didn’t respond to King Saul. This
is a pretty extreme example of “unintentional,” as Jonathan could not have
known that what he was doing was wrong. Yet God Himself still held Israel
accountable for the sin, though it was unintentional. God takes unintentional
sin very seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
about the New Testament?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> There
does not seem to be much discussion about intentional and unintentional sin in
the New Testament. That doesn’t mean the distinction is invalid, however. One
of the clearest statements regarding unintentional sin was made by Jesus in
Luke 23:34.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Note: I
realize that this passage has text-critical issues connected to it. Several
early and important manuscripts lack the key statement. Some scholars have
concluded it was not original but still an authentic saying of Jesus. This is
not the place for a detailed discussion on this issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Luke
23:34a: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, because they do not know what
they are doing.” There isn’t too much we can draw from this statement. </span><a href="http://www.dennyburk.com/is-it-sin-if-it%E2%80%99s-unintentional/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Denny Burk points out</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> that “Jesus does not treat them
as innocents.” Instead, He “plainly says that his opponents need forgiveness,
which presumes that they have sin for which they are accountable. Their
ignorance does not get them off the hook.” Jesus recognizes that unintentional
sin is still sin that needs forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> One
other passage in the New Testament mentions the concept of unintentional sin in
the context of salvation: Acts 3:13–19. After God uses Peter to heal a crippled
man at the Beautiful Gate, a crowd gathers. Peter decides that this is a great
opportunity to preach and he says that they “denied the Holy and Righteous One
and asked to have a murderer given to” them (Acts 3:14, CSB). In 3:17, Peter declares,
“I know that you did it in ignorance, just as your leaders also did.” In other
words, their sin was unintentional. Then Peter explains how they should
respond: “repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.”
Unintentional sin continues to be a valid category, but it is never dismissed
as inconsequential. </span><a href="http://www.dennyburk.com/is-it-sin-if-it%E2%80%99s-unintentional/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Burk</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">concluded: “They are not excused by their ignorance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> The
Bible does distinguish between defiantly intentional, simply intentional, and unintentional
sin, in both the Old and New Testaments.<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Unintentional sins do appear to be less significant, as the punishment for them
was less severe than the punishment for defiantly intentional sin. However,
they are still sin and therefore still significant. It seems as if simply
intentional sins and unintentional sins are actually more closely related to
each other than defiantly intentional sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Just as
God responds to unintentional sin differently than defiantly intentional sin,
so should we. If someone intentionally sins against you, that is going to be a
much more significant offense and more difficult to deal with emotionally.
Forgiveness is still required when the offender repents, but it could be,
understandably, difficult to forgive. If someone sins unintentionally against you,
forgiving them is much easier. All you should generally need to hear is that
they are sorry and they ask for forgiveness. Motives are important in
relationships, both vertical and horizontal relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> But what
if you’re sinned against, it was unintentional, and the person doesn’t
apologize, doesn’t repent, and simply brushes it off as excusable because it
was unintentional. I believe that one way you can tell if a sin was
unintentional is that when you point out the sin to the offender and they see
that is was sin, they are instantly contrite. If they aren’t, it probably
wasn’t unintentional. </span><a href="http://www.dennyburk.com/is-it-sin-if-it%E2%80%99s-unintentional/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Burk notes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> that the knowledge that we “commit unintentional sins
should cause us to be humble in our relationships with others.” His next
comments are very insightful: “How many of us try to justify bad behavior with
our spouses and friends on the basis of it being unintentional. ‘<i>I didn’t mean to do it, so you shouldn’t be
hurt</i>.’ Oftentimes, words like that reveal the very insensitivity that led
to the <i>unintentional</i> sin. This is not
to say that there’s no moral difference between intentional sins and …
unintentional ones. There is. It’s just that in either case there is still an
offense that must be dealt with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> For a very similar definition, see
Jay Sklar, “Sin and Atonement: Lessons from the Pentateuch,” <i>Bulletin for Biblical Research</i> 22.4
(2012): 468.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[2]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Sklar, “Sin and Atonement,” 470.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[3]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Ibid., 481, n.
35. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leviticus 19:20–22 also discusses an intentional sin
where the offending person can receive forgiveness with the appropriate
offering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[4]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Ibid., 476.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/dcroteau/Desktop/Situation/Unintentional%20Sin.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[5]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Possible New Testament references
to defiantly intentional sin include Matthew 12:22–32, Mark 3:22–30, Hebrews
6:4–8, 10:26–31, and 12:25–29.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-7376359718756604852016-01-04T14:06:00.002-05:002016-01-04T14:06:42.398-05:00Three New(ish) Interviews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In late December I had the honor of being interviewed on two local TV stations (WIS and WLTX). These stories were picked up by different local TV stations around the country (Missouri, Nevada, Louisiana, etc.).<br />
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This first video is from WIS TV, with Dawndy Mercer Plank:<br />
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The second video is from WLTX TV:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3oabuQHh8_mKWp5ADM6BILJNTWfgnARLQdDbAPU66iuTxizEafYx7aVhWX0xpEa7RRdciL4XhaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I was also interviewed by the Stacy Long with the American Family Association. That article can be found <a href="http://www.afajournal.org/recent-issues/2016/january/think-again/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-22387145813764564712015-12-10T14:16:00.001-05:002015-12-10T14:16:08.079-05:00We Three Kings of Orient Are<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over at Facts & Trends, they have an excerpt from my book, Urban Legends of the New Testament. Check it out <a href="http://factsandtrends.net/2015/12/10/christmas-urban-legend-three-kings-of-orient-are/#.VmnPG0orKM9" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-71747011843976532772015-12-07T11:16:00.001-05:002015-12-07T11:16:17.149-05:00Interview with Shaun Tabatt on Urban Legends book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3995532/height/360/width/640/theme/standard/direction/no/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-89793238384865392882015-12-01T08:40:00.001-05:002015-12-01T08:40:39.873-05:00Christmas Urban Legends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
CIU just published this article about Urban Legends dealing with the Christmas story and our nativity scenes. See <a href="http://www.ciu.edu/newsstory/common-misconceptions-about-christmas-story-ciu-professor-takes-biblical-look?utm_campaign=Facebook%20Tab&utm_content=23999560&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-5766277265116719582015-10-24T18:15:00.000-05:002015-10-24T18:15:28.122-05:00Janet Mefferd Podcast on Urban Legends of the New Testament<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This aired yesterday, 10/23/2015. Hope you enjoy it!<br />
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David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-55842930350389866592015-10-01T16:23:00.002-05:002015-10-01T16:23:44.173-05:00John Ortberg and Tithing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few months ago John Ortberg preached a sermon called "<a href="https://vimeo.com/128085148" target="_blank">The Main Thing</a>." The general theme was about how to keep the main thing the main thing. In this message (around 22:45 into it) he brings up being generous. Being generous is a great principle for giving clearly advocated in Scripture. I have zero doubts about this. But as he discussed the concept of "generous giving," he reminded them a "The Tithing Challenge" he gave to the church last year. That is, give 10 percent of your income to the church for 90 days. If, at the end of 90 days, that is not financially sustainable, inform the church as they will refund your money. Over a 100 signed up, only 2 said it didn't work. What to make of this?<br />
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First, I do believe that the vast majority of American's should be able to give 10 percent of their income to their local churches without it being a huge financial strain. That is what this anecdote demonstrates. But that's all.<br />
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Second, the real issue is whether this challenge can legitimately be based upon Malachi 3. A few things to note about Malachi 3:<br />
1) the tithe discussed was probably meant for the support of the Levites and priests.<br />
2) the "offerings" discussed were not voluntary but required.<br />
3) the "storehouse" referred to an actual building (see 2 Chronicles 31:10-12) constructed many, many years after the Mosaic Law of tithing was given.<br />
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These three things are the beginning reasons for the issues of directly applying the Malachi 3 passage on tithing to Christians today:<br />
1) pastors are not Levites nor priests; in the church age we are all now priests, with Christ Jesus as our high priest.<br />
2) the word "offerings" are used today to reference voluntary gifts rather than required gifts; however, if they were required gifts in Malachi 3, and tithing is required because of the reference to it in Malachi 3, then those offerings would be required today.<br />
3) the "storehouse" in no way refers to the church today; it was simply a barn-type structure.<br />
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Therefore, using Malachi 3 the way that Ortberg does is not justified. Many people in America should be able to give 10 percent of their income without it being too burdensome, but many people in America cannot. There is no justification in Scripture for mandating a tithe. Theological and historical arguments fall short as well.</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-38837665085788638332015-09-24T16:48:00.000-05:002015-09-24T16:48:06.691-05:00Podcasts of Recent Interviews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.3333px;">I was asked if I could list some of the podcasts for recent interviews I've done on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Legends-New-Testament-Misconceptions/dp/1433680122/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1438092604&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Urban Legends of the New Testament</a> book. Here are a few:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://www.rushtoreason.com/" target="_blank">Rush to Reason</a> on Tuesday, 9/15, see <a href="https://soundcloud.com/rushtoreason/rush-to-reason-09-15-15-hour-1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pastorgregyoung.org/" target="_blank">The Chosen Generation</a> on Thursday, 9/17, see <a href="https://app.box.com/s/59mrb3qgrgow8bpq8a4c/1/466653748/37643890966/1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ksbj.org/djs-shows/shows/sunday-night-live" style="font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">Sunday Night Live</a><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> on Sunday, 9/20, see </span><a href="http://www.ksbj.org/djs-shows/shows/sunday-night-live" style="font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">.</span></div>
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<a href="http://pointofview.net/" style="font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">Point of View</a><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> on Tuesday, 9/22, see </span><a href="http://pointofview.net/show/tuesday-september-22-2015/" style="font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-53845291405896980872015-09-23T10:40:00.000-05:002015-09-23T10:40:16.535-05:00You Mean I Don't Have to Tithe?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some of you know that I published a revision to my dissertation in 2010. While published dissertation's usually cost over $100, mine is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mean-Dont-Have-Tithe-Deconstruction/dp/1606084054/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1443022602&sr=1-2" target="_blank">paperback and only $44</a>. However, that price is still a little high for some people. <a href="http://wipfandstock.com/you-mean-i-don-t-have-to-tithe.html" target="_blank">My publisher</a> has just made available (about 1 month ago) my dissertation in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mean-Dont-Have-Tithe-Deconstruction-ebook/dp/B013XTPTCS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1443022602&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Kindle for only $9.99</a>. This is a huge savings. So if you were wanting to get it but were inhibited because of the price, now is the time to buy it.</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-59044196377351743062015-09-22T14:02:00.000-05:002015-09-22T14:02:49.798-05:00Interview with Kerby Anderson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm being interviewed right now by <a href="https://www.probe.org/kerby-anderson/" target="_blank">Kerby Anderson</a>. The podcast should be available <a href="http://podcast.ncfr.net/" target="_blank">here</a> soon if you can't tune in.<i>Christianity Today</i> called this show America's "most popular live Christian call-in show."</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-73342630101399791522015-09-21T08:19:00.002-05:002015-09-21T08:19:33.718-05:00Sunday Night Live with Kim Wier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was on <a href="http://www.ksbj.org/djs-shows/shows/sunday-night-live" target="_blank">KSBJ 89.3 in Houston</a>, TX last night, being interviewed about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Legends-New-Testament-Misconceptions/dp/1433680122/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1438092604&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Urban Legends of the New Testament</a>. You can listen to the <a href="http://www.ksbj.org/djs-shows/shows/sunday-night-live" target="_blank">podcast here</a>.</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-70525752279617253252015-09-15T14:22:00.003-05:002015-09-15T14:22:32.836-05:00Rush to Reason<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am scheduled to appear on <a href="http://www.rushtoreason.com/" target="_blank">Rush to Reason</a> at 3:30 today to talk about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Legends-New-Testament-Misconceptions/dp/1433680122/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1438092604&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Urban Legends of the New Testament</a>. Tune in if you can!</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20600336.post-4308854562413812782015-09-15T08:05:00.001-05:002015-09-15T08:05:25.333-05:00Interview with Michael DelGiorno<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am scheduled to be interviewed today on <a href="http://www.997wtn.com/" target="_blank">WTN (Nashville, TN) 99.7 Super Talk</a> with <a href="http://www.997wtn.com/michael-delgiorno/" target="_blank">Michael DelGiorno</a> today at 10:35 <b>EST</b> to discuss <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Legends-New-Testament-Misconceptions/dp/1433680122/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1438092604&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Urban Legends of the New Testament</a>.</div>
David A. Croteauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809705774955230769noreply@blogger.com0