Free Philosophy Courses

by Charles Halton on January 21, 2012

Open Culture has curated a list of 40 free philosophy courses. They all look interesting but here is a selection that look particularly relevant to those who follow this blog: Ancient and Medieval Philosophy - iTunes Video - Web Video – David O’Connor, Notre Dame Ancient Philosophy – iTunes – David Ebrey, UC Berkeley Ancient Wisdom and Modern Love - iTunes Video - Web Video – Professor David [...]

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Context for Reading Ancient Literature

by Charles Halton on January 19, 2012

“Years ago they would take general courses in English and American literature; then it was post-colonial literature; now they study “world literature.” Looking at the reading lists, which range far and wide chronologically and geographically, from the Epic of Gilgamesh to Ernest Hemingway, the Tale of Genji to Jorge Luis Borges, it is hard to [...]

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Modern Whale Tales and Jonah

January 18, 2012

Jack Sasson circulated a very fascinating essay by Ben Shattuck Swallowed by a Whale–a True Tale? in which he investigates the validity (or otherwise) of modern claims that individuals have survived being swallowed by a whale (I have actually seen a couple of the anecdotes referenced in contemporary commentaries). It is quite a fun read–he [...]

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Free Dan Fleming Course on Ancient Israel

January 14, 2012

NYU is offering Dan Fleming‘s course on Ancient Israel for free viewing via YouTube. Dan, in addition to being a mensch and all around really great guy, is one of the best Bible and ancient Near Eastern scholars out there so take advantage of this great opportunity.

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JSTOR Turns Away 150 Million Attempts to Read Journal Articles

January 14, 2012

“Is JSTOR tiptoeing gingerly toward public access, or making a meaningless gesture to ward off critics? Take your pick.” via Every Year, JSTOR Turns Away 150 Million Attempts to Read Journal Articles – Atlantic Mobile.

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Alan Brill’s Interview of David Carr

January 8, 2012

Alan Brill over at Kavvanah blog (and also a professor at Seton Hall) has a great interview with David Carr concerning the current state of biblical scholarship that is well worth checking out. Prof. Carr is interacting with the comments to feel free to intelligently join the conversation.

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What’s Jewish About Sweeney’s Intro to the Jewish Bible?

January 6, 2012

Not a lot. And that is what disappointed me. I’m reviewing Marvin A. Sweeney‘s TANAK: A Theological and Critical Introduction to the Jewish Bible (Fortress, 2012) for BBR so my full reflection will appear there, however, there is an aspect of this book that I’d like to explore here. I think Sweeney is a fantastic [...]

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Hobbins’ Review of God of the Living

January 4, 2012

I hope John Hobbins never reviews anything that I write because no human alive will be able to compile a bibliography that meets his expectations much less read the books on them. All kidding aside, John has some very nice reflections on Spieckermann and Feldmeier’s God of the Living: A Biblical Theology (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2011).

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ANE Bibliography for Biblical Scholars–First Look Materials

January 3, 2012

A few weeks ago I posted some tips for biblical scholars who wanted to integrate ANE material into their research and I mentioned that I would compile a bibliography as well. So, here is the first installment. Over the next few weeks I will post a short bibliography on various topics that tend to be [...]

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The Role of Academic Theology for the Life of Faith

December 30, 2011

On the advice of Joseph Kelly I purchased Feldmeier and Spieckermann’s God of the Living: A Biblical Theology and so far I’m glad I did. I’ve barely cracked the spine but on page eight they make a profound statement that will certainly be controversial to some but it is one with which I fully agree: [...]

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