Conference yukon::christian_v7

    My only guess is because Greek is a more legal language so they might
    do that for clarity.  The Septuagint (LXX) is dated around 300 B.C. so
    it is also fairly close to the dates of original authorship.
    
    Mike

    I figure that some use the LXX because they were dealing with folks who
    were only familiar with the LXX. Can you imagine the disciples trying
    to witness to someone saying, "The Scripture says..." but their
    potential convert replies, "Not the Scripture I know."
    
    	BD�

    Well that was the reason for the LXX in the first place:  the Hebrews
    had lost the use of their natural language and all spoke Greek, yet
    they wanted to be able to read the Scriptures.
    
    Mike

    We went over the plagues in Exodus last night in class.  I thought it
    interesting that the Tanakh says the gnats were lice.
    
    Mike

    In the days of the Second Temple, there was a custom to fasten a red-colored
    strip of wool to the head of the goat which was to be sent away on the
    Day of Atonement.  When this red ribbon became white, it was a sign that God
    had forgiven Israel's sins.  There is a statement in the Babylonian Talmud
    (Yoma, chapter 39b) that about "40 years before the Second Temple was
    destroyed...the red wool did not become white!"  The same passage informs 
    us that the gates of the Temple swung open on their own accord!  The 
    ancient rabbis believed that these events were indicators that the sins of 
    Israel were no longer being forgiven and the Temple would soon be 
    destroyed!  
    
    {from "The Search for Messiah," by Dr. Mark Eastman & Pastor Chuck Smith, 
     ISBN 0-936728-50-7}
    
    "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29

    erm, wasn't the Second Temple the one destroyed by Titus?
    
    Dick

    Dick, I don't remember who the Roman Emperor was then, but it was in 70
    A.D. when the Second Temple was destroyed (on the 9th of Av).
    
    Mike

re-1,-2

Yes. Titus in ~A.D. 70

ace

       Manuscript              Description                 Completion Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Septuagint    Greek translation of entire        285 B.C.
                        Tanakh
    
      Dead Sea      Qumran community                   100 B.C.
      Scrolls
    
      Targum        Oldest Tanakh commentaries         200 A.D.
                    (written in Aramaic)
    
      Mishnah       Oral traditions preserved since    200 A.D.
                         450 B.C.
    
      Babylonian    Commentary on Mishnah              400 A.D.
      Talmud
    
      Massoretic    JPS Tanakh based on this text      1000 A.D.
      Text
    
      Midrash       Commentary on Tanakh               300 A.D. (addendum to
                                                           1600 A.D.)

    My notes say that the Masoretic text was formed around AD500, not 1000.
    
    	BD�

    My sources (Zondervan's Pictoral Encyclopedia of the Bible, McDowell's
    "Evidence that Demands a Verdict, vol. 1", and "Search for the Messiah"
    by Mark Eastman & Chuck Smith) all point to 800 A.D. to 1000 A.D.
    timeframe.
    
    Mike

    I've just completed a paper from my Tanakh (Old Testament) class taught 
    by Rabbi Plotkin (Reform rabbi).  The main topic of the paper outlining the
    characteristics of the Messiah in the Tanakh according to the writings
    of ancient rabbis (including the Dead Sea scrolls) vs. what modern 
    rabbis believe.  I have a PostScript version that I can mail to anyone
    who is interested (send me mail).  It may be especially useful to those
    that regular discuss matters of faith with Jewish friends.
    
    Mike

Mike, I find it interesting that you're taking a course from a Reform rabbi.

That's sort of like taking a course from a UU minister, isn't it?

At least from the perspective of a bible-believing Christian.

/john

    I had an elective to burn and was curious.  After having met a few, I 
    don't think you'll find any professor teaching a religion course at a 
    major university with serious fundamental convictions.  Staffing
    managers don't consider major universities a missions field.  The ones
    I've been exposed to are either frustrated historians or very liberal.
    
    btw - this particular rabbi is miles away from being anything like a UU
    minister.
    
    Mike

    Re: Note 790.16 by PHXSS1::HEISER

�    After having met a few, I 
�    don't think you'll find any professor teaching a religion course at a 
�    major university with serious fundamental convictions.
�    The ones
�    I've been exposed to are either frustrated historians or very liberal.
    
    This has been my experience as well. I still clearly recall (after
    nearly 20 years) how taken aback my religion professor was when I
    started describing the traditional eschatological points of view. I got
    the impression that he had never even *heard* the terms rapture, great
    tribulation, millennium, etc.
    
    	BD�

    One thing is for sure: I'm extremely thankful to God that I've been 
    sitting under solid teaching and doctrine the past 5 years.  Otherwise, 
    classes like these would sway or confuse you from the truth.  God has 
    blessed to the point where I leave each professor something to think about 
    when I leave their class.  Hopefully God continues to nurture the seeds.
    
    Mike

    RE: .18
    
    That they may be without excuse.  And His Word will not return void,
    accomplishing the purpose for which it was sent.
    
    Thanks for being a faithful proclaimer/defender, Mike.
    
    /Wayne

    "but sanctify Christ the Lord in your hearts, always being ready to
    make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope
    that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"

    RE: .20
    
    Amen!
    
    One of my favorite verses, and one I always had in mind during grad
    school.
    
    Keep the faith! :-)

    or 'give it (your Faith) away'