#Scripture-based commentary

[trberman]

Standing Firm in Faith: A Latter-day Saint Perspective on Pride Month, Spiritual Rebellion, and the Call to Humility and Repentance

Disclaimer: The thoughts, ideas, and teachings are of the contributing writer’s own perspective and does not constitute any official doctrinal position or teaching that is representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. however, these ideas and teachings are based on official sources and scriptural authority. OverviewIntroduction: Pride Month Through a Scriptural LenseSection…

[mindfulldsliving]

Responding to Paul Gee: Understanding the New Jerusalem and Joseph Smith’s Teachings

Paul Gee’s critiques of Joseph Smith’s teachings on the New Jerusalem raise important questions for Latter-day Saints and curious readers alike. He claims that Joseph Smith’s prophecies about building the New Jerusalem are false. But does this argument hold up under scrutiny? Mormons claim that they will build the New Jerusalem. This was taught by Joseph Smith. Unfortunately, it is a false…

[chemicallywrit]

Happy Audio Drama Sunday! The heat's starting to pick up in my neck of the woods, and I'm grateful that I can crack open a cold can of podcast to cool me down. SUCH good episodes this week, let's dive into it.

💫 It's hard to do Someone Dies In This Elevator for Audio Drama Sunday because the episodes come out on Sundays. And don't tell anyone, but I'm writing this on Saturday night, so I haven't heard the new one yet. So to be clear, this bit is about last week's episode of @sditepod, which was written and performed by William A. Wellman and absolutely knocked my socks off. Wellman has this way of describing the breadth and depth of unimaginably huge concepts that makes them tangible. It's a rare and beautiful gift. What a good episode.

🚂 @theholmwoodfoundation’s second episode is finally here!!! I was already so excited for this show, but it exceeded all my expectations. The interplay of the four main characters has been so fascinating. I am thrilled to have seen Arthur in action, excited to hear about these other characters whose coming has been foretold, Henri and Tom; and the thrall was WAY scarier than I ever expected. I love a combination of something so animal that is also perfectly sentient. I can’t wait for the next episode. Hold on Maddy!

🥩 Hello @freshmeatcast! I think this was the episode I was waiting for, the episode with the outside perspective to Andy's fury and scorn. It's an interesting commentary on true crime in general to really expose how narrow and subjective Andy's analysis is, especially after the last episode, which roasts a bunch of other true crime podcasts for their narrow subjectivity! I cannot wait to see how Rachel's prodding affects the course of this story. I too want to know: what in the h*ck is this meat monster?

🕷️ Speaking of William A Wellmen, I found this episode of @hellofromthehallowoods chilling in three different ways. Surely nothing can be scarier than a spooky guy with creepy fingers! Oh, no wait, the crushing knowledge of the fallibility of humans to their own bigotry? What could be worse than that? Perhaps a moral dilemma??? For an episode about reunions, this ep really tore me apart. It's genius.

🔍 I had the absolute privilege of getting online tickets to the recent @victoriocity live show, which I finally got to sit down and watch this week, and it was everything I hoped for. It was very fun spotting Felix Trench in amongst the cast and trying to guess who he was going to play, and as always I would die for Septimus Bell. Nobody sets up a joke like Victoriocity. Also, it was extremely funny watching Chris Sugden break when he got surprised by the script. I like to think Jen Sugden wrote those bits.

🩸 This week I started listening to @last-dance-audio-drama, and uhhhhhhh oh my gosh? I am floored by the worldbuilding in this show, which begins every episode by telling you that the gods are dead and we're on our own out here. It's fascinating to see a fantasy world building religion and scripture that explicitly excludes gods. Instead you have the monks, who are godlike based on a humoral theory that has actual implications in the world--it's incredible. And Jericho Raeke, the sopping wet man that you are. I'm five episodes in and I'm so into this show, please join me.

That's it for me! I'm going to go celebrate Father's Day by eating too much Brazilian barbecue. With my DAD. See you next week!

[givemearmstopraywith]

This may be a bit of a dump question but I've always wondered about this and I thought I could ask this from you since you seem to know more about it. I hope that's okay! Are the translations of the bible and their differences very important? Are the messages that the writings send us that different from each other depending on the translation?

it's very important. translation is an art, like anything else. from a semitic language like hebrew or arabic, it's difficult and often impossible to fully capture the meaning of a word in the original text using english (or any other language). in judaism every stroke of every letter is thought to be an emanation of God: he is the words themselves. the quran is the word of God exactly as it was transmitted to the prophet. so abrahamic religions, bar christianity, place extraordinary important in literal meaning, because you encounter God not only in the meaning of the words but in their very essence, their form and shape.

scriptural translation has always, always been fraught with problems. for instance jerome, developing the vulgate, encountered exodus 34, where moses encounters God face to face and is transformed with rays of light. the hebrew word for this transformation is קָרַ֛ן, and jerome translate it to "cornuta," horns: for centuries afterward moses is depicted in art as having horns, like a goat, because of this mistranslation. it may be that jerome meant "glorified" rather than "horned," based off his later commentaries and use of the term by previous exegetes, but the fact remains that outside of the theological sphere this single word, translated to a western language, stripped back meaning tragically. even to the extent that it propagated harmful stereotypes about jews.

or consider the use of the word "atonement" in english translations of the new testament: katallage, used in romans 5:11, is translated as atonement, but it actually means "reconciliation" or "restitution." in fact, jesus never speaks of atonement. in the old testament the word translated to atonement is כָּפַר, "kaphar", which means "covering." in 1 peter 4:8 we are told, "love covers over a great number of sins." how different would christian understandings of atonement be if we translated "kaphar" as "covering" and not atonement? forgiveness for wrongdoing becomes not something we offer to or beg from God, but something to which we submit, because the action is removed from us, humble as we are, to the great forgiver- the great lover.

i say all this to contextualize the difficulty of translation to begin with. but in the sense of critical pedagogy, every translation of any religious text is subject to the bias of the translator. a good translator is conscious of their bias and seeks to remove it from their work. but christian scripture has an agenda. it is not only something we read for a personal relationship to God but something that is used to dictate right behaviour, as a means of social control, something that develops culture. if a person translating a text has this in mind, they can construct the meaning of the text towards what version of a society or culture they feel is "right," based on their personal and invariably biased understanding of a text. this is why i dislike the kjv translation and never recommend it. the kjv is a product of its time. it is not a good translation of the bible: it is old, but it is not the oldest english translation, and its meaning is absolutely skewed. this is difficult, because many evangelical christians believe the kjv is the absolute word of God, and they are already wrong, because no translation will ever be absolute truth: it is only translation.

words are a limiting system. when we try to capture the essence of something like a god, we are limiting him to our vocabulary.

i always recommend the nrsv because it is version i use for scholarly work. it isn't beautiful but it is as close to a "correct" translation as you can get. but i always supplement my reading with other tools: the jewish annotated new testament is wonderful, for instance, and biblehub has detailed interlinear translations of different translations and the original text. but i am also aware i will never be able to fully comprehend the depth and beautiful of scripture until i learn hebrew and greek, at minimum. but this should not discourage anyone: scripture is meant to be read. but it has to be read actively, critically. God wants you to swallow his words, but he needs you to chew them first.

[emjee]

Extremely random question but I love to ask librarians this: what have u read recently that’s stuck out? Do u have any book recs for 2023?

And I, a librarian, love being asked this!! Here are my favorite books from this year:

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen - actually picked this one up because of an excellent rec post here on tumblr. It’s loosely based on The Goose Girl fairy tale so I pitch it as “it’s a beautiful day in fantasy Germany and you are a horrible goose girl.” The sequel also came out this year and is every bit as good.

When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb - This one was actually my pick for Best Book of My Year at work. It’s incredible. An angel and a demon who are study partners leave their shtetl to go find a local girl who immigrated to America and hasn’t been heard from since. It’s gorgeous.

Ask a Historian by Greg Jenner - I love Greg Jenner and his podcast You’re Dead to Me and I listened to the audiobook of this one, which was wonderful.

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio - the very very rare internet darling that I felt lived up to the hype. Insufferable theatre students at conservatory do a murder. Lots of Shakespeare.

The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan - Not only did he write a new Percy book, but it had the audacity to be good???

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin - One of the best romance novels I read this year. I haven’t swooned that hard over a heterosexual pairing in a traditionally published book since I don’t know how long.

A Rome of One’s Own by Emma Southon - a history of Rome in 21 women. I love Emma Southon—she’s funny and rigorous and so insightful. And she makes me care about the Romans, who I generally hate.

The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton - I love the entire Dangerous Damsels series and this one was no exception. The balance of humor and deep emotion is my favorite thing about these books.

These are just the highlights of a long list—I also read a lot of children’s lit for work, lots more nonfiction, and things like scriptural commentary and saints’ biographies. Thank you for this question!

[tanadrin]

john dehlin's interviews with david bokovoy on literary/textual criticism of the bible are super interesting in general, but i like how he talks about how you don't even need to know the first thing about the joseph smith papyri or the circumstances of its composition to know the book of abraham is a forgery--it's obvious from purely internal textual evidence alone that you cannot square it with any of the other books of the bible, even if you know comparatively little about the historical circumstances of the composition of the book of genesis, so focusing anti-apologetic attempts on the egyptological/archeological evidence is really a sideshow: historically interesting but not at all necessary.

in a later interview he also points out that purely from literary evidence alone we should conclude that there was probably a historical jesus of nazareth on whom the new testament figure is based--he points out that (just as now, really) the 1st century CE jewish expectation of a messiah-figure is so fundamentally contrary to the basic narrative elements of jesus's life that the nascent christian community is trying to rework into the biography of the messiah that it would make absolutely no sense for a purely invented figure. like, if you were going to invent someone (or if traditions were going to accrete around a purely fictitious character) to fulfill the basic characteristics of the messiah, you would think they would get basic assumptions about what the messiah is supposed to do right, and you wouldn't have to invent a completely new theology to make it work--that they did is indicative not of an invented figure, but of a real person for whom inconvenient biographical facts well-known to the community had to be renegotiated and reworked (and even then could only be renegotiated and reworked to a certain point). no one is going to invent a myth about someone who completely fails to meet every expectation of the messiah, as he puts it.

also--it strikes me that mormonism is really fuckin' verbose for a religion adding new scripture. like. okay, islam adds a whole new book (the qur'an), and it's not short, but at the same time it abrogates the hebrew bible and the new testament, so as a muslim you don't need to read those. mormonism adds not only a book longer than the new testament (~269k words to the NT's ~185k in English), the book of abraham, the book of moses, and doctrines and covenants, and the other stuff in the Pearl of Great Price, and it keeps the bible as part of the canon! that's too much damn scripture!

personally i think your religious scripture is more likely to come off as timeless if you keep it short. like, the ideal length of a holy book is the tao te ching (around 20,000 words in English). prophets and shit need to resist the urge to put every single petty grievance into sacred scrolls. save that shit for the commentary.

[emptymanuscript]

Why Early Christians Kept the Old Testament

I adore when I get a video and I’m grateful to have clicked on it before it even really gets in depth into what it’s about.

I’m less than a quarter in to this one and it has just talked about the contrasting viewpoints between the Ebionites and Marcionites. Which I haven’t really run into as terms before (Ebionites rings a bell, appropriately, but I’m not recalling the context). But they’re immediately, obviously, and extremely useful as a classification system of Christian thought.

Which is great if you’re Christian. But I think it’s great if you’re me, who is minimally Christian. I’ve never been of the faith at all but I am American which is a pretty definitively Culturally Christian Nation State, so that definitively affects me even though I’m a very lapsed Jew). Because the Ebionites and Marcionites sound like they sort of define one of the basic paradoxes in Christian thought about the relationship between the Christian and the Jewish deity. 

The Ebionites seem to be, essentially, the original belief set that the God of the New Testament is the God of the New Covenant. Same God, different deal. Jesus is the essential thing that changes the contract between God and Humanity. It is the Covenant that changes instead of anything else. They fundamentally require the Old Testament because it is still relevant. Jesus makes a new essential Covenant but the expectation is still that PROPER Jewish behavior is identical to PROPER behavior. The OLD testament still applies as history and commentary because it is still about the same essential set of people, beliefs, and customs. It still applies wherever it is not contradicted by the New Testament and its description of the superseding Covenant between God and His people, who even if they were not originally Jewish are meant to be essentially Jewish. It is an accurate description of how whoever reads the text would have been expected to act without the New Covenant and how they would still be expected to comport themselves when the New Covenant is unclear.

While the Marcionites seem to be somewhat proto-gnostic. Marcion argued from Scripture instead of from external teachings but the base belief in a TRUE God vs a FALSE God looks the same at first glance. In essence, the God of Jesus is not really the one true God. The new covenant isn’t just a supplanting of the old covenant between God and the Jews, it is the Covenant that was always supposed to exist between the TRUE God and His People, the Christians, but the Jewish God (I can’t find if this is supposed to be the same as Yaldabaoth or not) who is another, lesser, entity created by the One TRUE God, got in the way and made the Covenant with the Jews, creating the Jewish faith instead. Jesus is specifically the Messiah of the faith in the TRUE God. That Jesus was Jewish and spoke in Jewish terms is incidental to the greater truth. The Old Testament is not relevant to the New Testament except as a historical context of how Jesus was raised and grew up believing. The beliefs and history are simply the background in which the Covenant between God and His people were established. Jewishness is in no way meant to be the basis for Christianity. Christians are fundamentally a different religion from the word go.

Both of these viewpoints continue into the modern day, still in conflict, still racing around each other. It’s a kind of tick and tock that you just sort of have to get used to if you’re Jewish in the US. Sometimes you’re poor old, ignorant Grandpa, who can be caught up if you just listen to reason. And sometimes you’re the malicious ambassador of an evil aberration of the true faith out to do as much harm as possible by being close enough for the mistakes to be easy.

So, yeah, grateful to have gotten this right out the gate. It’s interesting.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Matthew Isbell at MCI Maps:

This is a unique newsletter issue today. Rather than coverage of an election, its more of a long-delayed commentary on the state of the modern right-wing. The horrible events in Springfield, Ohio have made it so that I just had to put these thoughts down in writing. Specifically, this is coming from my personal perspective as a devout Christian. As I see it, if there was any doubt before, the Trump/Vance weaponizing of Springfield shows just how un-Christian the GOP ticket is. My disdain for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement is no secret. I let it be known in my articles, and if you think that stuff is over the top, you should see my twitter account. I am fairly unique in the left, though hardly alone, in that my dislike for Donald and his followers is driven heavily by religion. While I can sit down and make all the arguments for why I believe left-wing economics is more in line with Christian calls to charity, and why extreme anti-LGBT attacks (calling people groomers and such) are a direct rejection of Christ’s words and actions toward love, this is not the topic of this piece. Unlike the countless far-right twitter users that put a cross in their name and call themselves “Orthodox” or “Trad Cath” and then quote one bible line out of context to justify their shitty behavior, I do not presume to be an expert on parsing all of scripture.

BUT, when looking at the racism and bigotry that permeates the MAGA movement and Trump world, there is plenty that even a novice on Christian doctrine can look at and say “oh this is not acceptable at all.” The attacks on Haitian migrants in Springfield Ohio is a perfect low bar for anyone to condemn. The verbal assault on an entire community, based off debunked neo-Nazi propaganda and repeated by Donald Trump, has, to me, perfectly separated the real from fake Christians. It has separated people who claim the cross from those who actually critically and spiritually engage with the Bible and its message. While I have ranted on twitter PLENTTYYYY about how immoral and Godless I find Donald Trump and his rabid followers, this latest bit of horror has made it so that I need to put this all down in writing - less I explode from bent up rage.

American views of Haiti

Having grown up in southern Broward County, I was exposed to Haitian culture through an increasing migrant population from the island. In fact, back in 2021, I wrote about the arrival of Cuban and Caribbean refugees over South Florida’s last several decades. Give that link a click for more data/maps on the story of South Florida. That article delves into how the US treated Cuban exiles, fleeing communist, differently from Haitian refugees, fleeing dictatorships and instability. Both Cuban and Haitian populations in Miami-Dade suffered backlashes at different times, which I covered there. Haiti is often viewed with a exaggerated caricature; with Voodoo being seen as a common practice in the Island. This was aided by folks like Dictator François Duvalier, also known as Papa Doc, who promoted himself as a Voodoo leader. Growing up in South Florida, EVERYONE knew about Papa Doc, the Voodoo Tyrant. An excellent series by the “Real Dictators” podcast on Papa Doc can be seen here. However, like much of local traditions, the role of Voodoo is often greatly overstated; sometimes by outsiders but also at times Haitian migrants who will lean into the “witch doctor” role to the American and Europeans who love to be wowed by the “primitive superstitions” and drop some cash for a fortune telling. When most Americans think of Haitian culture, they likely have a view similar to the Dr. Facilier song from Princess and the Frog.

[...]

What is Really Happening in Springfield, Ohio

Lets lay out what is actually going on in Springfield, OH. There is no shortage of false stories and fake statistics being thrown out. First, 20,000 Haitian migrants did not show up in the city of Springfield over night. Haitian migrants, many who were already living in South Florida and have visas or protection status, began to move to the city as it worked to attract new residents. Like much of the Midwest, Springfield was becoming a rust-belt town, seeing its population go from 80,000 to 60,000 over the last few decades. It was the site of abandoned buildings, crumbling infrastructure, and declining quality of life. Population drops are never good for the long-term health of a community, this is a constant across history throughout the world. The city successfully attracted new businesses to the community, but was facing a workforce shortage. Simply put, there were not enough workers who needed jobs in the area due to a population drop that had already taken place. Migrants, who by their status have less tying them down to where they are, began to move to the area and filled these jobs.

With the growth, which especially increased after the worst of COVID, there were challenges. Estimated Haitian migrants to the town are between 12,000 and 20,000; and of course the 20,000 is being quoted. The increase, which is high in such a short time, has led to issues with infrastructure and services. However, these issues have not been fatal, and also have been countered by renewed economic growth. In 2022, the local press were referring the growth as a “resurgence” for the area. City leaders are happy with the population increases and the economic renewal that they have inspired. Keep in mind that as people move to an area and work, they build up wealth and re-invest that in the local economy.

The far-right has acted as if immigration dropped off 20,000 migrants with no jobs and destroyed the town. That is a bold faced lie. Claims of increased crime have also been rejected by the law enforcement of the city itself. The data from the city’s court system show no major jump in crime and no evidence of disproportionate crime done by the Haitian residents. Like is commonly the case, immigrants tend to be more well-behaved than native citizens. The rapid growth does lead to challenges, and the city has been working with the state on getting extra funds to provide what they need to. A need for more housing, better roads, and more service centers, is a real issue. However, it is a fixable issue and still beneficial long-term.

[...] A majority of the Haitian migrants are Catholic; which has long roots in Haiti. As such, many churches, whether Catholic or Protestant, have commented on the increased Haitian population leading to increases in church attendance for the first time in decades. Far-right commentators latch onto the history of Voodoo being incorporated into Catholic teachings. However, this of course becomes a racist caricature which overlooks how much modern Haitian Catholicism still mirrors the broad church. Books have also been written extensively on the merging of old “pagan” beliefs with Christianity; whether in South America, North America, or Europe. Always remember the Christmas holiday stems from pagan winter festivals.

Matthew Isbell has a must-read MCI Maps piece on the MAGA lies about Haitian migrants in Springfield, OH are un-Christian.

[writesaboutdragons]

365 Proverbs for Daily Living

Day 14 – The Guard of the Path

so that he may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of his faithful followers. (Pro 2:8 CSB)

Read: Matthew 7:7-12

I’m not sure how many of you can make this claim, but my whole family has had a love affair… one with the book, Pilgrim’s Progress. For those of you who have lived under a rock, Pilgrim’s Progress is an old book by John Bunyan, written while he was in prison. It encapsulates what Bunyan knew of the Christian experience, based on his understanding of the scriptures.

The main character, Christian, lives in the City of Destruction. He is handed a little book, which tells him of the imminent destruction of the city. He knows he must leave to survive, and nobody believes him or travels with him. He finally leaves, with a great burden on his back, unsure where he is going. He is told at some point that he must enter through a wicket gate on the path. But when he gets to the gate, it is guarded. The Wicket Gate is shut, and the path is guarded by Good-will.

Christian has to knock on the gate, and request entrance. Good-will opens the gate, but Christian hesitates at the gate, and Good-will has to pull him through before Beelzebub can shoot him with his arrows.

Our family loved this book so much that we actually purchased multiple copies of it, and read each, then bought a game of the story. This exchange, where Good-will is keeping the gate closed, didn’t seem quite right to me. Why is the Path guarded, and who is this Good-will who guards it?

According to commentary, Jesus is the one who guards this gate, and though he keeps it closed to any who might try to force their way in, he opens to any who will knock. This aligns with what I know of scripture, too. That God is willing to allow anyone in who ask, and seek, and knock. Because, those who ask will receive, those who seek will find, and those who knock, the door will be opened to them. (Matt 7:7). But Jesus doesn’t just guard the gate, dear Christian. He guards the path. Our savior guards the path, so that those who travel on it can find their way home.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for guarding the path for us, and protecting us on this journey. Help me not to stray, today. Amen

[apenitentialprayer]

Bomberg's 1525 Mikraot Gedolot […] served as a model for many future Jewish Bibles that would include the text of Scripture, Masoretic notes, and multiple commentaries. But the staying power and influence of Bomberg's Mikraot Gedolot did not extend either to the specifics of the layout nor to any any fixed page numbering. […] In his first Mikraot Gedolot, Bomberg made a significant addition by adding chapter numbers and (in the second edition) verse numbers, features with little Jewish precedent which were based on thirteenth-century Catholic developments. After Bomberg, they became features of standard Jewish Bibles. Chapters and verses enable easy cross-referencing to the Bible. It is simple to reference a verse in one edition and find it in any other edition of the Bible, no matter what commentaries it has or how it has been laid out. Hence, there is no reason to use folio or page numbers as a reference point. Without the need for fixed page numbers, there is plenty of freedom to experiment with new layouts and new commentaries.

- Yoel Finkelman ("From Bomberg to the Beit Midrash: A Cultural and Material History of Talmudic Page Layout").

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

What is the motivation of theologians who compromise Genesis with the belief in millions of years?

by Ken Ham

Sadly, my experience has shown that many theologically conservative theologians have in reality adopted two different hermeneutical principles by which they interpret Scripture. This inconsistency causes problems.

Now, I do have great respect for many such theologians. Take the late Dr. Norman Geisler. He was a prolific author who for many years contended for the faith and equipped Christians with some excellent apologetic arguments to defend the Christian faith against many secular attacks.

At the same time, I assert that he and many others in Christian leadership (contrary to their sincerely good intentions) have unwittingly undermined the reliability and authority of the Scriptures they have loved and worked so hard to uphold. Can such a serious allegation be substantiated?

After my evolution/creation debate with Bill Nye, TV’s “The Science Guy,” on February 4, 2014 at the Creation Museum, there was a plethora of articles and blogs on the origins issue in secular and Christian media.

On February 12, Dr. Geisler wrote an opinion piece for the online Christian Post titled, “Does Believing in Inerrancy Require One to Believe in Young Earth Creationism?”

In this commentary, Dr. Geisler attempted to use various arguments to discredit those (like those of us at Answers in Genesis) who insist that God’s Word clearly teaches a creation week of six approximately 24-hour days (followed by a day of rest), and a relatively young age for the universe (about 6,000 years).

Even though Dr. Geisler briefly discussed the meaning of the Hebrew word for day (yôm) and biblical genealogies (e.g., in Genesis 5), I suggest that his column was really an attempt to justify a particular motivation he held as many other conservative theologians also hold.

For instance, Dr. Geisler in his Systematic Theology book states:

“In addition to the biblical evidence for long periods of time, there are scientific arguments that the world has existed for billions of years. The age of the universe is based on

1 the speed of light and the distance of the stars; 2 the rate of expansion of the universe; 3 the fact that early rocks have been radioactively dated in terms of billions of years; 4 the rate that salt runs into the sea and the amount of salt there, which indicates multimillions of years.

“While all of these arguments have certain unprovable presuppositions, nonetheless, they may be true and, hence, point to a universe that is billions rather than thousands of years in age.” (end of quote).

In some of his other writings, Dr. Geisler made similar statements regarding a billions-of-years-old universe. I suggest that his ultimate motivation for attempting to discredit a literal six-day Creation Week was because he had been influenced by an authority outside the Bible: the majority view among scientists of very old ages, so that he could allow for a belief in billions of years. Thus, he went to great lengths in an attempt to justify various efforts by Christians to fit billions of years into the biblical record. I do believe this was his ultimate motivation.

He had been influenced by an authority outside the Bible: the majority view among scientists.

Also keep in mind that the belief in billions of years actually came out of naturalism, as fallible humans, using autonomous human reasoning, attempted to explain the origin of the earth and universe.

When I study the writings of numerous contemporary Christian scholars, I find they propose a variety of ways to interpret Genesis. But they all have the same motivation. Somewhere in their writings, they will admit to believing in, or allowing for, the supposed billions of years for the age of the universe.

Now when I read Dr. Geisler’s writings where he dealt with the New Testament, I discovered that he never started with beliefs from secular scientists and take them to the Bible to interpret, say, the account of Jesus’ resurrection or virgin birth. He accepted those Scriptures as written. But when he looked at the account of origins in Genesis, Dr. Geisler did not take it as written, but allowed ideas outside of God’s Word to be reconciled to Scripture. As a consequence, he reinterpreted the plain meaning of God’s written revelation.

I strongly and respectfully suggest that Dr. Geisler and many other Christian scholars have one hermeneutical principle for Genesis chapters 1–11 (eisigesis) and a different one for the rest of Scripture (exegesis).

Because of this approach, Dr. Geisler misrepresented biblical creationists who believe in a young earth/universe. For example, here is what he stated in his Christian Post commentary:

“'For some, the belief in a Young Earth seems to be based on a kind of intuition or faith in what they believe an omnipotent God should do. It reasons that if God is all powerful, then certainly He would not have taken millions of years to make the earth. However, by reduction ad absurdum, one could ask why God did not create it in six minutes or six seconds rather than six days? If He is all-powerful and can make something from nothing, then why did He not create the whole thing lock-stock-and barrel instantaneously!' Furthermore, it is not a question of what God could or should do; it is a question of what God actually did do. And it is presumptuous for a mortal to divine what God should have done.”

For biblical creationists, however, it has never been a “question of what God could or should do.” And it is really not primarily a “question of what God did do.”

At Answers in Genesis, we have always stated that it’s a question of what God said he did! The priority is taking the Word of God naturally. There are many biblical and contextual reasons for concluding (as almost the whole church did for 1,800 years and much of the church holds to today) that Genesis 1–11 is straightforward literal history. Genesis teaches us more than mere history, but not less than history. And the literal history is critical to what it teaches us about God, man, sin, marriage, etc. We must let God speak to us and not in any way allow fallible man’s ideas to be imposed on Scripture.

Answers in Genesis has published numerous articles on the meaning of the Hebrew word for day in Genesis (“yom”), the supposed gaps in the biblical genealogies, and the problems with trying to determine the age of the earth using the various “scientific” methods. Perhaps one of the most thorough analyses we have of the Hebrew word for day comes from chapter 5 of my book “Six Days.”

It is true that many of the church fathers and the early creeds did not deal with the age of the earth/universe. But that is simply because almost all of them were young-earth creationists, such as Augustine. He held to a global flood, the great lifespans of the pre-flood patriarchs, and that Adam lived less than 6,000 years before Augustine. He was only confused about the days in Genesis 1 (thinking creation was in an instant, not over millions of years) because of his faulty Latin Bible and his ignorance of the Greek and Hebrew languages.

In addition the famous reformer John Calvin believed that the world had not yet “completed its six thousandth year” (Calvin 2009, p. 90). Luther and Wesley also held to the young-earth view. In fact, this was the overwhelmingly dominant view in the church till the early 1800s, when the idea of millions of years was developed in geology and so much of the church accepted it. Frankly, Dr. Geisler was mistaken regarding beliefs about Genesis in the history of the church. The church quickly compromised with the idea of millions of years in the early 19th century (not because of new more careful exegesis of the biblical text, but because Christians made the geologists their final authority of the subject). And sadly, most Christian leaders (including Spurgeon, Hodge, Scofield, Warfield, and the authors of The Fundamentals) have followed suit with an equally shallow analysis of the Genesis text and other relevant passages.

I assert that many great men of God in today’s world are contributing to a generational loss of biblical authority because of their insistence on accommodating man’s belief in billions of years with the infallible Word of God. Such a loss of biblical authority is contributing enormously to a massive exodus of young people from the church (see our book “Already Gone”) and an increasing decline of Christian influence on the culture. Of course, for all Christians, compromising God’s Word is a very serious matter.

“Do not add to His words” (Proverbs 30:6).

[satishwig]

Oppenheimer's Dilemma

                                        

          The Hollywood movie based on the life of Oppenheimer, father of Atomic Bomb, has created a sort of flirt in the minds of the people, chiefly due to some reference therein to the Bhagavad Gita.  Moviegoers (now of course, movie-watchers since movies are now available on OTT) are naturally to form opinions about the message of Gita on the basis of what has been depicted therein.  In fact, there are certain people who allege that Gita is about warfare. There have been even attempts in USSR and USA seeking ban on Gita on the premise that it is about warfare and violence. In this movie also, Oppenheimer is depicted as somewhat justifying the death and destruction that took place at Hiroshima and Nagasaki following the discovery of Nuclear Bomb by alluding to Gita.  Arjuna, who was arraigned against his own kith and kin in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, did not want to kill his own people, but Lord Krishna was exhorting him to do his prescribed duty and his duty was to fight and kill his opponents since Arjuna belonged to Kshatriya caste (a warrior class). Hence, the opinion that Gita is about warfare and violence simply because the Gita was said in battlefield and the backdrop was warfare or fratricide.

          In my view, the said opinion is formed on the basis of superficial knowledge of Gita and is the result of bias and prejudice. Gita was said to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the backdrop of war but it is not about warfare. The dilemma that Arjuna faced in the battlefield is not the dilemma of Arjuna only; it is the dilemma of common man who is torn apart by conflict and confusion, affection and aversion and the bipolarities of the worldly existence. Gita is relevant not only to Arjuna but to the common man in the society who too wages a battle of life and death and is encountered with warlike situation. Gita teaches him to rise above these polarities and to perform his prescribed duty without affection and aversion and without seeking the fruits thereof.  Hence, message of Gita is relevant to all people of all ages.

But, the message of Gita is not confined only as to how the worldly duties should be performed, as some people think that Gita is all about Karma or Karma Yoga. It is far more profound and sublime.  Gita is the core of Hindu (Vedanta) philosophy. It is an inquiry into the nature of man; it is an inquiry into the nature of God; it is an inquiry of Universe and the relation of man with the Universe and the God. “It is an Upanishad that is sung by the Lord; it is the science of Brahman; it is the scripture of Yoga as part of the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna...” So is given at the end of every Chapter of Gita that contains 18 Chapters.

          Gita is an Upanishad. It is the core Vedanta philosophy. Vedanta means “end of Vedas”(Shruti) upon which the entire superstructure of Hindu philosophy is based. There are  108 Upanishads out of which 11 are basic, which along with Brahmsutra of Ved Vyasa (his commentary on Vedas) forms core of the Vedantic philosophy whereas Puranas are an afterthought written by rishis (spiritual scientists  or poets)  as an extension of Vedas and thus called ‘Smriti.’ These are in the form of story-telling mixed of mythology, history and philosophy; hence they have tremendous appeal to the masses.

 Gita is science of Brahman. It defines Brahman, Ishwara (God) and relation of man with God and Brahman.  The concept of Brahman is different from God.  Brahman is the common substratum of Jiva (creature), Ishwara (God)  and in fact the entire creation and beyond.  Brahman is all pervading and is beyond time and causation. It even surpasses God. The subject matter of Vedanta or Vedic culture is in fact Brahman and not God. That is why it is said that India is a Godless culture. Lord Krishna in Gita identifies Himself at times with Ishwara (God), sometimes with Brahman and sometimes with Jiva.

 The practical lesson of Gita to man consists of four yogas i.e. Karma Yoga, Raj Yoga (Yoga of Psychic control), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) along with certain values, practicing which one can go beyond grief and sorrow and attains peace and tranquility. Thus, to say that Gita is about warfare and violence is to do violence against Gita itself.  

Anyhow, was Oppenheimer right in justifying his creation of Atom Bomb that was followed by death and destruction caused by the use of it, by quoting from Gita? When Lord Krishna reveals his Universal form to Arjuna in XIth Chapter Verse 32 and tells Arjuna that he is ‘Kala’ which was interpreted as “Destroyer of the Universe”, he in fact was revealing the core philosophy of life and death.  According to Hindu philosophy, God has basically three chief functions to perform: creation, preservation and destruction. This is remarkable feature of Hindu philosophy as death is considered logical concomitant to life and destruction to that of creation. This cycle of birth and death, creation and destruction -  is endless. If creation is done by God, then by whom the destruction is done?  It is God alone who creates and destroys and creates again to destroy. He is ‘Kala’ (or Kali – Mother form of God) and all are under His sway, that is, the sway of Time (Kala means “Time”). All that has been created by Time will be sucked up by Time unless one has gone beyond Time and become one with Brahman who is beyond Time and Causation. Everything that is compound has to decompose and out of the decomposed components, compound is formed again. This is the law of Nature and Science accepts it (except that God is the Controller.)  Thus, according to Hindu philosophy, God is not only Creator (Brahma); Preserver (Vishnu) but He is also Destroyer (Shiva), although as Brahman, God is beyond creation and destruction; He is beyond good and evil. 

When Lord Krishna says, he is ‘Kala’, he was identifying himself as Ishwara (God) and telling Arjuna that in fact He is the doer. Therefore,  Arjuna  should not consider himself to be the doer and incur the consequences of doership.  God in fact is only the doer.  Arjuna should become an instrument in the hands of God and perform his prescribed duty. And, in this way he would not incur any sin.  This, in fact is Karma Yoga i.e. to become an instrument into the hands of Almighty while performing one’s duty.

 According to Oppenheim, he too was acting as an instrument in the hands of God and he was, therefore, not the cause of destruction. He quotes Verse 17 from Chapter XVIII, which says, “He whose mind is free from the sense of doership, and whose reason is not affected by worldly objects and activities, does not really kill, even having killed all these people, nor does any sin accrues to him.”   But, whether Oppenheimer was really an instrument of God and free from the sense of doership?  Was his reason not affected by worldly objects and activities? Was he performing his duties selflessly, without affection or aversion or without his personal ambitions or national objects?          

          Christopher Nolan’s movie is based on ‘American Prometheus’, which is a biography of Oppenheimer written by Kai Bird and Martin J Shervin. His biography (not the movie) faithfully reveals the moral quandaries that Oppenheimer was facing. The dilemma that Oppenheimer faced was: whether to follow the dictates of his own conscience or the dictates of his Political and Military masters who had an agenda and the agenda was that Allied forces never wanted Nazi Germany to win the race to produce the bomb.

 The dilemma of Arjuna, on the other hand, was that he was arraigned against his own kinsmen in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, to fight a war of righteousness versus unrighteousness. Arjuna did not want the conquest nor the spoils of conquest.  He did not want even the rule over three worlds, what to talk of the small Kingdom that was called Hastinapur at that time.  He instead wanted to lead the life of an ascetic. And if it so happens, let his opponents kill him instead of him killing them. In the midst of this all, however Lord Krishna told him to perform his prescribed duty in this war between righteous and unrighteous forces instead of running away from war.  Krishna told that God is the only doer.  Arjuna should become an instrument in the hands of God and perform his prescribed duty.

 Was Oppenheimer too acting an instrument in the hands of God? The Allied Forces wanted to teach a lesson to Germany, Italy and Japan.  Hence, the bomb was to be created for the sake of hegemony of Allied Forces. Oppenheimer could not stand up against this official justification of creating a deterrent, which was to be experimented on human beings. And nevertheless, it was not a war between righteousness and unrighteousness. Thus, clearly he was acting as an instrument into the hands of his political masters.  The film, therefore, is not a faithful depiction of the biography.  It does not answer the question: why the bomb was used when the war had stopped.  It is in fact a subtle attempt to whitewash the sins committed by the Allied to have upper hand in War and Christopher has made an attempt to hide the massacre of humanity behind a selective reference to Gita, a Hindu scripture.

Article by Satish Kumar Wig

[catholicism-connoiseur]

St Augustine's

Following the experience of confession in St Peter's, I was naturally curious to see how other local churches treated the sacred practice. The next church by distance was Saint Augustine's Catholic Church; colloquially "the Augustinian". A smaller church, far from the cathedral-like scale of St. Peter's, the Augustinian hosts a far cozier and homely atmosphere than the imposing stone structure that maintains a centrepiece of the town. It hosts a significantly more community-focused and welcoming mass than most that I have seen elsewhere, and includes (by comparison to most churches' narratives, quite radically) forward thinking themes and choice interpretations of scripture in its teachings. They even have gluten-free communion bread!

In matters of exterior presentation, the church features a Victorian Gothic façade established at the same time as the church itself, in the years 1859-1866. The church has no such grand spires that reach great heights as other churches in town, rather is a humble and unobtrusive structure that sits neatly on Shop Street between an antiquated bar and a local clothing store. A gift shop inhabits part of the church's entrance, providing an information desk as well as sale of religious paraphernalia.

Entering the church, one can feel a stark and noticeable contrast in the environment to that of St. Peter's, St. Mary's and many other churches. Simple changes in interior decoration make enormous difference to the ambience: for example, the carpeted floors and cushioned pews create not only a more directly comfortable and welcoming place of worship, they also aid in removing the cold air and echoes found in more barren, abstemious churches that seem to almost pride themselves on their lack of comfort. By comparison, the Augustinian's interior is akin to walking into someone's (albeit massively spacious and oddly furnished) home. The air is warm but not stale; the lower ceiling creates an easier space to heat than enormously tall cathedral-style roofs, but maintains enough height for good circulation. (A more extensive catalogue of the church’s interior and exterior architecture can be found at the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, including specifications on the nave, roof, walling, gables, rafters and most every other facet of the building.)

One attribute that draws attention though, is the unique stained glass windows adorning the church’s front face and behind the altar. Best seen from the inside to fully appreciate the use of colour and the intricate idiosyncrasies of the craftwork, one of the church’s windows depicts an elegant visage of the titular St Augustine as well as St Monica. The Passion Window, fitted in 1928 and restored in 1994, was created by a Harry Clarke, an acclaimed Irish artist of stained glass. Before his untimely death in 1931, Clarke had crafted over 130 stained glass windows, many religious but many others secular: his expression was not solely based in Catholicism and often featured flora, fauna, commentary on social issues and macabre characters and details that even juxtaposed traditional Catholic stained glass depictions. His work featured in the Augustinian is a beautiful, complex piece and is a treasure to the parish and town alike.

Another feature that grants this church a more communal and welcoming atmosphere is the adjoined Garden of Remembrance. This secluded garden adjoining the church's southern wall is found through a (wheelchair accessible) walkway into the main patio, where stand five stone slabs surround a water feature memorial. The slabs, and a portion of the southern wall too, hold plaques bearing names of loved ones to those in the parish, be it family, friends or pets. The area can be visited as a tranquil and sacred place to honour and remember those who have passed. There are wooden benches and soft lighting that creates a cozy and comforting atmosphere. Lush foliage adorns the enclosure, including holly, juniper and some fruit trees among many other aromatic plants. The garden is also a frequent haunt of the church's resident cat, Monica (after the Saint).

Continuing to the Confessional portion of this review, though: A dark marble plaque at the entrance informs of the church's mass, vigil and confession times. Inquiring at the small shop inside the church, I was advised to arrive punctually, as confessions tended to be busy, and so the next Friday at noon, I sat quietly in line behind a half dozen or so people. As the priest approached and the line began moving, I was admittedly elated to see that the confessional booth built into the wall of the church was in fact being used! This brought into question why, despite having a booth present, the previous church, St. Peters, elected instead for a face-to-face confessional. But for the moment, my own turn had arrived, and I entered the booth.

The box was small but not too restrictively so. A short kneeling bar on the floor faced the panel through which one speaks to the priest. It was dim and slightly difficult to see, but I figured this to be largely intentional to maintain the environment of anonymity and confidentiality. I confessed my "sin" to the priest, and was met with a decidedly calm and composed response. He seemed somewhat amused at the tameness of the sin in question, and prescribed but a single Hail Mary as penance. Funnily enough, this remarkably lax repentance granted some credulity to the idea (proposed during the drunken group brainstorming session) that perhaps those who frequented confessionals would go to one church over another for a lighter penance.

To conclude, the Augustinian is a church that many could take notes from. With such a mass exodus (pun intended) from the faith in recent decades, it's become more clear than ever that in our modern social climate, staunch rigidity to dogmatic doctrine and antiquated ideologies is pathetically ineffective at maintaining a dedicated following, much less at encouraging greater numbers to join. Some churches around the town (and country) have even been repurposed into art galleries and secular community halls due to insufficient patronage. For the religion to find any kind of long-term support from this and future generations, the path to follow is that which the Augustinian seems to set out. A church that serves and uplifts the people, not the reverse.

St Augustine's Drogheda Church gets a solid 8.5/10. Hell yeah.

[smart-academic-solutions]

The Intersection of Culture and Essays: How Different Cultures Approach the Art of essays writing

The approach to essay writing can vary significantly across different cultures, reflecting distinct educational systems, linguistic nuances, and storytelling traditions. Here's a glimpse into how various cultures approach the art of essay writing:

Western Academic Tradition:

Structure: Western essays often adhere to a structured format, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This format is taught in many Western educational systems.

Thesis Statement: A strong thesis statement is emphasized, presenting the main argument or idea of the essay.

Evidence-Based: Western essays rely on evidence, citations, and references to support arguments. The use of credible sources is essential.

Critical Thinking: Critical analysis and the exploration of counterarguments are encouraged.

Clarity and Conciseness: Clear and concise writing is highly valued in Western academic essays

Asian Traditions (e.g., China, Japan, India):

Narrative Style: Essays in some Asian cultures may have a more narrative or philosophical style, often incorporating anecdotes or allegorical storytelling.

Holistic Approach: Asian essays may focus on presenting a holistic view of a topic, considering its historical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions.

Respect for Tradition: Respect for traditional wisdom and values can be a prominent feature in Asian essays.

Middle Eastern and Islamic Tradition:

Rhetorical Flourish: Middle Eastern essays may feature eloquent and poetic language, with an emphasis on rhetoric.

Quotations from Scripture: Essays may incorporate quotations from religious texts, such as the Quran, to support arguments.

Moral and Ethical Themes: Moral and ethical considerations are often woven into the fabric of Middle Eastern essays.

African Traditions:

Oral Tradition: In some African cultures, essays may have their roots in oral storytelling traditions. The spoken word is highly respected.

Community-Centered: Essays may focus on communal values and experiences, reflecting the importance of community in African cultures.

Latin American Traditions:

Literary Flourish: Latin American essays may have a strong literary character, with elements of magical realism or poetic prose.

Social and Political Commentary: Many Latin American essays explore social and political themes, often with a critical perspective.

Indigenous Cultures:

Oral and Visual Expression: Some indigenous cultures rely on oral storytelling, visual arts, and symbols to convey their narratives and perspectives.

Global Hybridization:

In an increasingly globalized world, there's a growing trend of hybrid approaches to essay writing, where writers draw from multiple cultural traditions and adapt them to their own contexts.

It's important to recognize that these are generalizations, and within each culture, there can be a wide range of individual styles and approaches to essay writing. Additionally, globalization and multiculturalism are leading to greater diversity and innovation in essay writing styles as cultures influence and inspire one another.

[vipblogposting]

How to Deepen Your Faith with Creative Bible Study Methods

Unlocking a More Personal Relationship with Scripture

In a world filled with digital distractions and a never-ending list of tasks, finding time to reflect on God's Word can be challenging. Many people are searching for meaningful ways to connect with Scripture that go beyond reading a few verses a day. One method that's gaining popularity among both new believers and seasoned Christians is Bible Journaling. This artistic and intentional approach to Scripture study helps individuals engage their hearts, minds, and creativity while deepening their faith.

What is Bible Journaling?

Bible Journaling is a personal and expressive way to explore the Word of God. Instead of just reading the Bible, you interact with it—writing notes, drawing images, adding stickers, highlighting verses, or even painting directly in the margins of your Bible. It's more than just decoration; it’s a spiritual discipline that invites you to reflect deeply and record your thoughts, prayers, and insights.

By combining creativity and devotion, this method transforms quiet time into an enriching experience. It allows Scripture to come alive on the page and in your heart. Many who try it say it helps them understand God’s message more clearly and retain what they’ve read more effectively.

Why People Love Bible Journaling

One of the main reasons Bible Journaling has become a beloved practice is because it allows for complete freedom. There’s no “wrong” way to journal—some prefer elaborate illustrations, while others simply write in the margins or add washi tape and date stamps to note key verses. No matter your style, the goal remains the same: to meditate on Scripture in a way that is both memorable and meaningful.

This method also helps people slow down. Instead of rushing through a daily reading plan, journaling encourages thoughtful consideration of each word and phrase. You’re more likely to pause, pray, and process what the Holy Spirit is saying through the passage.

Making the Most of Bible Study Tools Online

While Bible Journaling brings out the creative side of Bible study, it pairs perfectly with the many Bible Study Tools Online that are available today. These digital resources can provide deeper context, historical background, and commentary that enrich your journaling sessions. From concordances to daily devotionals and audio Bibles, the internet offers countless platforms to support your spiritual growth.

For example, if you're reflecting on the Psalms, an online study tool can give insight into the cultural setting, original Hebrew meanings, or how the Psalm connects to New Testament teachings. Having this knowledge makes your journaling experience more informed and spiritually powerful.

How HolyJot Enhances Your Journey

HolyJot understands the importance of making Scripture study both creative and accessible. As a faith-based brand passionate about helping believers grow in their walk with Christ, HolyJot offers tools, resources, and inspiration tailored for individuals practicing Bible Journaling and using Bible Study Tools Online. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned journaler, they provide products and content that encourage deeper, more meaningful engagement with the Word.

Their journals and templates are designed with both beauty and function in mind, making them perfect companions for your daily devotions. And if you're exploring digital tools, HolyJot shares trusted recommendations for Bible Study Tools Online that align with sound theology and spiritual encouragement.

Tips for Starting Your Bible Journaling Practice

If you're new to this journey, getting started might feel a little overwhelming. Here are a few tips to ease you in:

Choose the Right Bible or Journal – Some Bibles are designed with wide margins for journaling, while others prefer to use a separate notebook.

Gather Your Supplies – Pens, highlighters, stickers, and watercolor paints can all help make your entries beautiful and personal.

Set the Mood – Find a quiet space, play worship music, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.

Start Small – Choose a single verse or passage and reflect on what it means. Write down thoughts, prayers, and ideas.

Use Online Resources – Don’t hesitate to consult Bible Study Tools Online to better understand the passage you’re focusing on.

A Community of Faith and Creativity

Bible Journaling isn’t just a personal activity—it’s also a growing community. Many believers share their pages on social media to inspire others, start discussions, and even receive encouragement. HolyJot supports this movement by fostering an online space where creativity and faith intersect. Through shared ideas, journaling prompts, and devotional insights, you can find encouragement even on days when motivation is low.

Let Scripture Speak Through Your Hands and Heart

Ultimately, Bible Journaling is about letting the Word of God speak into your life in a way that’s deeply personal. It combines quiet reflection, artistic expression, and Scriptural truth into a practice that resonates in your daily walk. When paired with Bible Study Tools Online, your experience becomes even more enriching—helping you not only know the Word but live it out intentionally.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you're looking to rekindle your passion for Scripture or searching for new ways to draw closer to God, Bible Journaling could be the answer. Start small, stay consistent, and allow the Lord to work through your creativity.

Explore the tools, journals, and community support offered by HolyJot and let your Bible study time become the most treasured part of your day. Dive into the Word. Discover the joy. And let your faith flourish—one journal entry at a time.

[usa2025store01]

Indiana Pacers “IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS THE… AND IT WAS GOOD” T-Shirt

Link Product: https://flavorhauted.com/product/indiana-pacers-in-the-beginning-there-was-the-and-it-was-good-t-shirt/

A Divine Beginning in Blue and Gold: A Review of the Indiana Pacers “IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS THE… AND IT WAS GOOD” T-Shirt

In an age where sports apparel walks the fine line between fashion and fanaticism, only a few pieces rise above the noise to become cultural touchstones. The Indiana Pacers “IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS THE… AND IT WAS GOOD” T-Shirt achieves that rare balance—it is equal parts homage, hype, and holy scripture.

From its bold message to its unapologetic use of team heritage, this tee doesn’t just represent a franchise—it mythologizes it. It’s as if basketball itself was birthed from Indiana soil, and the Pacers were the first word spoken into the chaos of hardwood history.

Typography with a Testimony: A Slogan for the Ages

Let’s begin with the centerpiece—the text. "IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS THE… INDIANA PACERS …AND IT WAS GOOD!" The phrasing is a brilliant stroke of poetic bravado. It borrows rhythm and reverence from Biblical scripture—Genesis, to be exact—and recontextualizes it for the basketball faithful. The ellipses build anticipation, drawing the eye down until it lands squarely on “INDIANA PACERS” in towering, golden type. It’s not just a name—it’s a revelation.

This is design that preaches. And it does so with conviction.

Each word is placed for maximum dramatic effect, forming a vertical layout that forces the viewer to read with the same pacing as a great sermon. The line “…AND IT WAS GOOD” is a mic drop—equal parts declaration and celebration. It’s both a nod to the Pacers’ past and a prophecy of their bright future.

Color Theory: Blue for Bravery, Gold for Glory

The classic royal blue base is bold, rich, and clean—an unmistakable color synonymous with Indiana Pacers lore. It provides the perfect backdrop for the gold lettering and yellow design accents that explode with energy and pride. Together, the palette evokes everything that makes the team legendary: midwestern tenacity, underdog resilience, and championship dreams.

The rear of the shirt features a textured, distressed “P” Pacers logo—bold and battle-worn. This worn-in aesthetic tells a story of grit. It's not about being flashy—it’s about being authentic, about having a legacy with scars, victories, and unforgettable moments.

On the sleeves, the Nike swoosh and Pacers insignia are placed with intentional symmetry, subtly asserting the collaboration between global streetwear excellence and localized basketball devotion.

Narrative on Fabric: Turning Threads into Testimony

This shirt isn't just something to wear—it's something to believe in.

It tells the story of a team rooted in the game’s most sacred ground—Indiana, the cradle of basketball. The tee transports the wearer back to a mythical beginning, when the Pacers weren’t just a franchise, but a manifestation of basketball purity. And from that first bounce, the universe said, “It is good.”

That message isn’t just for fans of the Pacers. It’s for anyone who sees basketball as more than a sport. This shirt is scripture for hoopheads, a wearable creed for those who know that basketball is poetry, philosophy, and a way of life.

A Cultural Crossover: Fashion Meets Faith in the Game

In terms of style, this tee stands tall among the most elite streetwear drops. Whether worn courtside, at a music festival, or as part of a casual urban outfit, it functions effortlessly across contexts. It speaks the language of sneaker culture, vintage throwback design, and modern-day spiritual swagger.

The Indiana Pacers shirt channels retro energy with modern execution, aligning perfectly with the current fashion landscape that celebrates sports nostalgia infused with cultural commentary. It feels like a product that could sit on the shelves of high-end retailers while also being treasured by the die-hard fans in the nosebleeds.

Even more impressively, the shirt doesn’t rely on gimmick. Its design is minimal in composition but maximal in message.

Conclusion: A Shirt with Soul

The Indiana Pacers “IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS THE… AND IT WAS GOOD” T-Shirt is not just a clever slogan or a merchandise release—it is a declaration of identity, origin, and excellence. It takes the power of language, the legacy of a team, and the artistry of fashion design, and turns them into something truly divine.

This is apparel that belongs in a museum and in your daily rotation. It’s perfect for the court, the city streets, and the Sunday service of any basketball cathedral.

For fans of the Pacers, it is a must-own. For lovers of basketball culture, it is an anthem in cotton form. For the world, it is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest beginnings start with a team, a state, and a ball.

And yes… it was good.