Topic: the Bible

‘Holy Scriptures as Justification for War’ author to present book

By Debbie Boen | April 13, 2008 |

Dr. Bert Randall will present his book, Holy Scriptures as Justification for War on Tuesday, April 15 at 2 pm in APSU’s Woodward Library (third floor). Interested parties will have a chance to order the book for almost 50% of the retail price. The cover art work by APSU senior art student Kim Balevre shows the dove still flying although it has several swords in it.

Holy Scriptures as Justification for War focuses a lens on the relation between Holy Books (Scriptures) and war. Throughout their histories, Jews, Christians and Muslims have used their Holy Books to justify external violence against the “enemies of God” and internal purges to purify the faith from heresy. This study explores the beliefs in literalism and inerrancy that are the interpretative principles necessary for such justifications. Randall begins with ten representative passages from the TANAKH, New Testament, and Qur’an that are used to justify divine violence and critiques their misuse by literalists. He goes on to explore the origins and histories of these great scriptures,examining the factual and logical flaws in literalism and inerrancy that result in perverting scripture to justify Divine violence. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Events | No Comments

We’re sorry for being self-righteous, judgmental bastards!

By David W. Shelton | February 18, 2007 |

Good morning, and happy Sunday!

What an exciting time it is for us at Christian Community Church of Clarksville. We’ve never been more focused on our mission for Clarksville and the surrounding areas than we are right now. Sure, we’re small. That’s okay!

After all, how many people did it take to change the world? Twelve.

Yes, we’re focused. But before I start talking about our mission, I want to take a minute to apologize. I’m sorry, dear friends. I’m sorry that the church (in general, not just us) has failed to minister to so many of you who are hungry for real, genuine fellowship. I’m sorry that we’ve been hypocritical. We’re sorry for being a bunch of self-righteous, judgmental bastards. We’ve pointed fingers. We’ve gossiped. God knows that this goes on about anywhere you can imagine. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Spirituality | No Comments

Christianity & Homosexuality: CONTINUED

By David W. Shelton | September 24, 2006 |

A few weeks ago, I began a series on my blog and right here at Clarksville Online on Christianity & Homosexuality. There are a total of six passages in the Bible that are used as “clobber” verses for the GLBT community, and the series deals with each of them individually.

So many of us who either know gay or lesbian people, or who are gay, know the kind of religious verbal violence that is hurled at an alarming rate. This series is an effort to take a step back from our pet theologies and look at their literary, historical, and original language contexts. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Politics, Spirituality | No Comments