Capon paper

Re: the assignment on the Capon book; I do realize this may have been too intense a reading. I do apologize. But remember, this is only a five point paper, and if you just give your impressions ("I don't get it," "I am not sure I agree" or "I think he may be saying this...."_)....that will score most of your points.

The syllabus also said to read inSorry! tro chapter and chapters 1 and 2, but only the page numbers for chapter 1 and 2 were given. So I will not hold you to any material in the intro.

Here are some of the helpful points for me; you could include some of these:

He suggests that almost everything Jesus said and did was a parable..or an acted parable. The theme of everything is basically the Kingdom. And often the point was to remind us that He--and therefore we--sh0uld be prayerful and careful about using power (at least the way the world defines it). Capon calls biblical/Kingdom power "left-handed"...indirect and not showy.

He suggests that in a way, even the temptations of Jesus by the devil, and the ascension of Jesus were both parables (AND historical events), making the same point: Jesus (and we) do not cater to the devil's version of power (temptations) or worldly political definitions of power (Jesus said before ascension that it was about "times and dates" of a political liberation of Israel from Rome).

For the parable to end your paper with, try the parable of the servants in Matt. 20. Note an "inclusio": Before and after the parable, he says "the first shall be last." So here Capon's thesis is helpful: parables often model and make the point that the way God defines power is quite different than the world's way,

Hope this helps. Again, just do your best; and if it didn't make sense, say that!



Grace!

Alternate assignment: Temple Tantrum

Here I am in front of the most contested real estate you can imagine: the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

I often say that it's too bad we are sometimes more concerned with real estate than our real ESTATE.

Special note: If you'd rather do the below, it can replace the written assignment #2 (if you write a one pge paper) or written assignment #3 (if you write 2-3 pages):

Discuss the background, Old Testament Scriptures quoted, and meanings of Jesus' "temple tantrum," incorporating insights from class notes, and any of the following linked articles.

Some of you got such a kick out of my story of eating hamburgers in a restaurant next to the Temple Mount. The story is told here, and here's a pic of the delightful
restaurant.. As you can see below, it's not the only non-kosher restaurant in Israel!


Anyway..on an (equally) serious note..








For the temple tantrum paper, explore:

• Temple Tantrum: Surprising Lessons From the Text
• "Breaking Down Walls" by Ray Van Der Laan
  
• Capon and Bruggeman: Missionally Marginal/Post Temple Tantrum
• "David's City and Temple Mount" by Ray Van Der Laan
  
• Temple Tantrum: poem

Here is actual photo of the sign posted on the "soreq" part of the barricade/dividing wall, discovered in 1871, which said:

"NO FOREIGNER
IS TO GO BEYOND THE BALUSTRADE
AND THE PLAZA OF THE TEMPLE ZONE
WHOEVER IS CAUGHT DOING SO
WILL HAVE HIMSELF TO BLAME
FOR HIS DEATH
WHICH WILL FOLLOW

"

1)Be encouraged 2)Gates of Hell

Hey class; here's a pic of me on Kojak the camel in Israel; I recommend the ride and it only costs a dollar!    Join us next trip!

Be encouraged as you prepare for the final (see link to the Final Exam questions on right or below). I know you are all busy in the "real world," but God will honor our prayers as we prepare to meet for our final session.

Many of you were intrigued by the "Gates of Hell" video about Jesus at Caeserea Phillip. I just added to the "helpful websites" list at right (or click here) the basic text of that video; as well as the basic text of the "Language of Culuture" (here), The Rabbi (here) and and "Misguided Faith:the Crusades" (here) . I posted the entire video and notes from "In the Shadow of Herod" video earlier here. This should supplement your notes and make your paper writing easier...all in favor?

I look forward to seeing you at 7pm on the 29th!