The King is Dead

26 06 2009

Ultimately felled by the malignant slander of those greedy for gossip or gold, Michael Jackson passed away yesterday afternoon. The cause of death has been given as coronary failure.

For years now, he has been the punchline of gaudy jokes, and the cause of many a shaken head. I would be lying if I pretended that I never found humour in his tragic story, nor concern in the tales of his odd behaviour. But I would also be lying were I to pretend that I ever suspected him of the rank crimes of which he was accused.

His music has been an inspiration and his downfall a sad and cautionary tale. May he rest in peace, with his broken heart.


Comments : Leave a Comment »

Categories : Random Musings

Bible and Critical Theory Seminar – update

23 06 2009

The new timetable for the 15th Bible and Critical Theory Seminar is now up, on Roland’s blog. I am listed as “TBA”, which actually stands for “The Biggest Apikorus”. I used to be “Torah’s Brightest Admirer” but then, “Tempted By Atheism”, I “Tossed Belief Aside” and became “Troubled, But Academic”. Contrary to what some people think, being an apikorus is not about “Taunting Believing Adults”, but is really just about “Teaching Bible Areligiously”. Still, it’s no great shock if there are some people out there who feel I need “To Be Advised”.


Comments : 3 Comments »

Categories : Bible, Random Musings

Bible and Critical Theory Seminar

14 06 2009

From the 10th to the 11th of July, Roland Boer is hosting the 15th Bible and Critical Theory Seminar in Newcastle, NSW. And, if spending 24 hours pontificating about scriptural exegesis were not glorious enough, it is to be held at The Grand Hotel, ye bastion of the amber nectar! I urge all interested readers to contact Dr Roland Boer, who might be reached via his blog, and express your interest!

The paper that I am going to present is entitled “If I Forget You: A linguistic and stylistic analysis of Psalm 137″.

Update: My paper is going to be focusing upon the final line of the psalm and suggesting that, rather than being viewed as stylistically dissonant, it actually indicates a great deal concerning the author’s sitz im leben, and helps us tentatively propose a date of composition. Further to that, this information then gives us a new lens through which to read the rest of the psalm, and highlights an area of irony that reveals much of the author’s identification as a(n ex-patriate) Judean. I look forward to being able to give you more information on this as we get closer to the date of presentation.


Comments : 5 Comments »

Categories : Bible


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.