lew@ihuxr.UUCP (Lew Mammel, Jr.) (05/16/84)
I was confusing Mark 9:1 with the "Little Apocalypse" of Mark 13, which is parallel to Matthew 24. Both of these refer to a generation, rather than "some of those standing here". Mark 9:1 immediately precedes the Transfiguration, and The Interpreters' Bible suggests, by expressing disagreement with the idea, that some hold the view that it was the Transfiguration that fulfilled this prophecy. I certainly agree that the phrase "in power" suggests much more than this rather private event. Anyway, I'm surprised Paul Dubuc didn't mention this. I would note that the New English Bible translates Matthew 24:34 as, "I tell you this, the present generation will live to see it all." so the judgement of these scholars is quite clear. The commentator in The Interpreters Bible states that the expectation of an imminent Second Coming is unmistakeable in the New Testament and that it would be as hard to miss as the Atlantic Ocean on a trip from New York to London. This same commentator expresses literal belief in the Resurrection, the Transfiguration, and the various miracles. As a secular reader, I have no problem seeing what are to me plain expressions of feeling and meaning, even if don't take everything to heart. I have no problem following the comments of Biblical scholars either, even though I don't share their reverence. I guess I feel that the fundamentalist interpretations are simply dishonest, and that's why I can't sit still for them. Especially not when these interpretations are being used to justify the censoring of such statements as, "The great mountain ranges of the world were not all formed at the same time", out of public school textbooks. (SCIENCE 30 March 1984,pg 1373) Bob Brown drew the distinction between the "kingdom of God", and the "kingdom of Heaven", pointing out that "The kingdom of God is within you", according to various scriptural statements. I think he's setting up a pretty tough position to defend here. "The kingdom of God" is clearly identified with the events of the Second Coming in Luke 21:31, I Cor. 15:50, and in other places I'm sure. Also, isn't "The kingdom of heaven is within you" scriptural? I just don't see this kind of fine distinction being drawn. I would note that the most devout commentators have had profound difficulties when they have tried to make the free expression of the scriptures into airtight doctrine. I have to admit that I find these efforts amusing. Finally, Bob stated that skeptics don't give the same "benefit of the doubt"(!) to defenders of Biblical inerrancy, that they would give to themselves. This is amazing. I think it's contradictory to imagine a skeptic defending the inerrancy of any writing, scriptural or otherwise. Lew Mammel, Jr. ihnp4!ihuxr!lew
rjb@akgua.UUCP (R.J. Brown [Bob]) (05/16/84)
Mr Mammel,
My inadequacies as a writer and communicator are ever before me.
When I state that skeptics don't give the benefit of the doubt,
I meant on specific interpretations of specific scriptures.
I didn't mean to imply that you had to give me the whole ball game
up front.
The net is a hard teacher in the most important art of communication.
Bob Brown {...clyde!akgua!rjb}
AT&T Technologies, Inc.............. Norcross, Ga
(404) 447-3784 ... Cornet 583-3784