Some Plans for Chrisendom (previously Brainpoo) 2006
Plans for Blog 2006
- It has dawned on me that I live on the doorsteps of many great theologians and bible scholars here in the Tübingen area. And so I'm planning to line up a few interviews with certain theologians – and if all goes ahead, I will give due warning and suggest that my readers propose some of the questions to ask. Obviously I cannot yet name names, but those steeped in theology and biblical studies will, I think, be interested. I expect I will provide an audio and written transcript for the blog, but the fine-print is yet to be decided on.
- I recently heard a rather disagreeable audio debate on the internet. Well, I say 'debate', but in truth it wasn't at all. It was James White taking clips of an interview with Bart Ehrman, and attempting (90% totally unconvincingly) to 'defend the faith'. Personally I don't like this White AGAINST Ehrman, White AGAINST Spong, White AGAINST Crossan language. An odd way of framing it if you ask me, and one that hardly encourages discussion or reasonable impartiality. I nevertheless actually listened to it, I guess simply because it was a fresh medium, something other than text. So I have some tentative plans to develop an audio related discussion output medium which may make things more interesting for some.
(UPDATE: I've just looked through James White's archives, and it appears that his style isn't always so closed, even humble at times. To be honest I have no idea who this White is, my initial reaction was based on this one questionable audio presentation) - I also want to post more on New Testament Pauline related themes, apart from the fact that things Apostle Paul shaped get me drooling, for if this blog is also going to be informative, I'd better stick to what I know something about - though I still hope to throw in a few 'shagging mantis' type things along the way.
posted by Chris Tilling @ 2:06 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
If I were you I would steer as far clear of James White as possible. I have followed his blog out of the corner of my eye for some time. I have listened to a number of his radio programmes. I have also been mentioned on his radio programme in the past and 'refuted' on his blog. He is quite similar in theological outlook to McMahon (of the anti-Wright quote) and is quite an ugly fighter in many of his 'defenses of the truth'. As a doctrinnaire Reformed Baptist, White believes that he has been entrusted with a singular mission to defend the one true gospel against all comers (New Perspective on Paul, liberals, Arminians, Roman Catholics, etc.). Most of the time he makes little effort to charitably represent or understand his theological opponents.
Yes Chris, but do you live near any shops which carry mugs with the Tubingen University logo on them? After all, that's what really matters!
;-P
Hi Jim!
You wouldn't be trying to squeeze in mention of a Tübingen Uni logoed mug at any opportunity would you?!!
You'll be pleased to know, I'm off to the Uni shop tomorrow!
Great to see your new blog, Chris -- I like the new name (and the subtitle, of course). These promised interviews are a marvellous idea -- I can't wait to see them.
Hello! I don't know that I've ever interacted with you before, but we have a mutual (web) acquaintance in T. Vick at shadows of divine things. I'm glad you changed the name for your site. Now maybe my wife will visit it. She is so sensitive to vulgarity that I hesitate to even use the word "blog" with her, as she probably finds it is aesthetically vulgar when spoken. I think brainpoo would have been over the top.
At any rate, I have a recommendation/request for the impending theological interviews (and I know this is too bold as we are thoroughly unacquainted with each other-perhaps my knowledge of this lessens my offense, in a Socratic sort of way?) If there is still a Catholic department in the overall theology department (didn't there use to be?) at Tubingen, will you interview some Catholic biggies? I know this may seem like an absurd request from a nobody like myself, but I thought it'd be interesting to get your reflections on their (maybe Catholic) reflections on the interview questions. I have enjoyed some of your posts, so I thought it might be worth asking.
As to James White, he is the most aggressive debater I know of (and I don't mean in terms of style, although he's aggressive in that way too-I mean in terms of number). If you visit his site again, check out just how many he has had. Unbelievable! I have heard probably about 15 of them myself, when I started to get interested in things Catholic a few years ago. But, he lives in infamy for me, for he once wrote a very scathing critique (The Potter's Freedom) of a very good work by a former professor of mine (Chosen But Free). Not that it matters about White...as you said, there seems to be very little overlap between what he's concerned about and that which occupies your time.
I shall see you soon in the {we}blogosphere.
Hi Jeremiah,
Sorry if the old 'Brainpoo' caused offence! Glad that your wife won't be put-off anymore.
Well, yes I am planning to invite one particular Catholic to be interviewed, but I'm not sure he'll accept as I have never actually met him.
If I do, I'll be sure to post my thoughts in reponse, yes.
Thanks for visiting my blog, and all the very best.
Chris
Tubingen interviews? Oh my, I'm beginning to feel insanely jealous. Man, there's a whack of people that are there (and have been there) that I would love to sit down and talk with about all sorts of things. "Hello, Jurgen Moltmann? I think I love you."
On another note, I never really minded the supposed "vulgarity"... but then again I work with street kids and prostitutes. If people can't handle the word "brainpoo" how can they ever hope to journey in love relationships with God's beloved, but forsaken, ones? Gosh.
Peace,
Dan
Hi Dan!
Yes, living in Tübingen is not all that bad if you happen to be a theologian! But as for the interviews, I have none of them certified yet! I can only hope I will be able to!
Thanks for your comments. But if you are going to make your target this year, you'd better get back to reading those Mr Men books now ...
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