Filters in Scripture Reading and Understanding

 Many scholars have approached Psalm 82 with trepidation. Their interpretations have often been unsatisfactory, primarily asserting that the "gods" (elohim) mentioned in the verse refer merely to human judges, Jewish Elders, or even the Trinity. However, such conclusions are untenable. Psalm 82 unequivocally describes the gods as being condemned for their corruption in governing the nations. The biblical corpus does not suggest that God established a council of Jewish elders to preside over foreign nations, nor would it imply divine rebuke towards the Trinity. These interpretations fail to faithfully engage with the plain meaning of the text in Psalm 82.

Many scholars have meticulously produced numerous articles and books exploring Psalm 82 and the Israelite religion. They have exhaustively examined parallels between the psalm’s themes and the literature of other civilizations from the biblical world, sometimes finding striking word-for-word matches. Their research has illuminated other biblical passages that resonate with the themes of Psalm 82. It is now apparent that much of what has been traditionally taught about the unseen world in Bible colleges and seminaries has been filtered through English translations or drawn from sources such as Milton's Paradise Lost.

Dr. Michael Heiser states, "Clarity eventually prevailed. Psalm 82 became a focal point of my doctoral dissertation, which also examined the nature of Israelite monotheism and how the biblical writers really thought about the unseen spiritual realm. I wish I could say that I was just smart enough to figure things out on my own. But in reality, even though I believe I was providentially prepared for the academic task I faced, there were times in the process when the best description I can offer is that I was led to answers."

Understanding the Bible through the lens of an ancient reader necessitates discarding the filters of our modern traditions and assumptions. The ancients perceived life in supernatural terms, whereas contemporary Christians often interpret it through a combination of creedal affirmations and modern rationalism. The purpose of this work is to assist in recovering the supernatural worldview of the biblical writers—the very individuals who authored the Scriptures.

Filters are employed to exclude elements to achieve a desired outcome. In culinary contexts, unwanted substances are dredged, strained, and discarded. In automobiles, filters prevent particles from impeding performance. In email management, they eliminate unwanted correspondences. What remains is what we use, contributing to our meals, our engines, or our mental clarity. Much of our Biblical education operates similarly. There is no malicious intent—it simply reflects the nature of the process. The content taught is filtered through specific presumptions and traditions. Passages that do not align with these traditions are often labeled as "problem passages" and either filtered out or relegated to the margins of irrelevance.

It is acknowledged that many well-intentioned Bible students, pastors, and professors do not consciously recognize this approach to interpreting the Scriptures. Nonetheless, it is a prevalent phenomenon. Individuals tend to view the Bible through the lens of their own knowledge and familiarity. Psalm 82, when examined within its ancient context, has the potential to challenge these interpretive filters. At the very least, it will make one aware of the existence of such filters. Traditions, no matter how venerable, are not inherent to the Bible. They are frameworks constructed to systematize the biblical text. They are, in essence, artificial constructs—filters.

Engage in a prayerful study of Psalm 82, seeking divine assistance to remove the interpretive filters we have unconsciously adopted. Just as scales fall from our eyes, may these filters be lifted, enabling us to perceive the truth more clearly.

Oklahoma Schools to Shine a Light on Christianity's Role in History

 Last week, Oklahoma’s top education official updated the state’s proposed social studies guidelines. These changes aim to teach K-12 students about Christianity’s influence on the United States. According to Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, this move is about giving students the full story of our nation’s founding and the principles that make it exceptional. 

OK State School Superintendent Ryan Walters

The guidelines lay out what students should know and be able to do at different stages of their education. The state’s education department is open to public comments on the revised standards until January 21, 2025.

But hasn’t Oklahoma been down this road before? Earlier this year, Walters ordered public schools to teach 5th through 12th-grade students about the Bible. This led to a group of over thirty Oklahomans asking the state’s supreme court to block the mandate.

Last month, Walters also bought 500 Bibles for Advanced Placement Government classrooms throughout the state. And roughly a month before that, he announced plans to put 55,000 Bibles in classrooms all across Oklahoma.

This is such a wonderful idea that we, as South Carolinians, should contact our own Education Superintendent and encourage her to adopt a similar approach in our state. Let's champion this great endeavor together! 

 

SC State Superintendent of Education, Ellen Weaver

Ms. Weaver may be contacted at:

State Superintendent of Education
Ellen Weaver
849 Learning Lane,
West Columbia, SC 29172

Phone: 803-734-8500
Email: Superintendent@ed.sc.gov

Supreme Court Set to Tackle Planned Parenthood's Tax Funding Battle

 The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to tackle South Carolina's bid to cut off Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood. The state argues that Medicaid should assist low-income individuals with medical needs, not abortion providers. According to the Alliance Defending Freedom, representing South Carolina's DHHS, states should decide who gets state funding. Planned Parenthood counters that federal law prevents states from meddling in patients' choices of family planning providers. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against the state three times, maintaining funding for Planned Parenthood. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case before the spring session ends.

What's the backstory? In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order directing DHHS to drop abortion providers from the state's Medicaid list. Federal laws ban using Medicaid for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. McMaster wanted to ensure no taxpayer dollars went to abortion providers, regardless of other services they offer. Planned Parenthood and Medicaid patient Julie Edwards sued, leading to a district court blocking the order.

Education Department Backs Off Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

 On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education will formally announce it's backing down from its latest attempt to offer student loan forgiveness. This news was initially teased on December 20, the same day President Joe Biden shared the good news of debt cancellation for 55,000 public service workers. The White House boasts of relieving nearly 5 million people under Biden's administration.

So, why the change of plans? The department cited the main reason as the logistical nightmare of trying to implement the proposed rules before President Biden's term ends. Instead, they’ll zero in on court-ordered settlements and assist borrowers in getting back to making their payments.

Remember that Supreme Court ruling? Back in June 2023, the court shot down an ambitious Biden plan to forgive up to $20,000 in debt for many students with federal loans. That plan would have cleared an estimated $430 billion in a decade. The court ruled in a 6-3 decision that the White House lacked the authority to cancel debts without Congress's nod, and, unsurprisingly, Congress didn’t have the votes to make it happen.

What were Biden's next steps? Just 10 days after the court's ruling, the Biden administration rolled out the SAVE Plan (Saving on a Valuable Education) in another bid to cancel student loans. However, this effort faced a lawsuit from Missouri and six other states in April.

Study on the Unseen Realm

 

Throughout our lives, we encounter pivotal moments and crucial turning points that irrevocably alter our future. These defining experiences mark a clear divide between what was and what will be, ensuring that from then on, life is forever changed. Dr. Michael Heiser tells us about one of these pivotal moments in his own life. He says, “One such moment in my life came on a Sunday morning in church while I was in graduate school. I was chatting with a friend who, like me, was working on a PhD in Hebrew studies, killing a few minutes before the service started. I don’t recall much of the conversation, though I am sure it was about Old Testament theology. But I’ll never forget how it ended. My friend handed me his Hebrew Bible, open to Psalm 82. He said, ‘Here, read that…look at it closely.’ The first verse hit me like a bolt of lightning: ‘God [Elohim] stands in the divine assembly; he administers judgment in the midst of the gods [Elohim].’” 

I was struck by a particular Hebrew word that deeply moved me. The term "elohim" appeared twice in this brief verse. Aside from Yahweh, which signifies the covenant name, "elohim" is the most frequently used term for God in the Old Testament. The first occurrence of the word made perfect sense. However, the second mention needed to be understood as plural. There it was, clear as daylight: The God of the Old Testament was depicted as part of a divine council, a pantheon, of other deities. 

Dr. Heiser was left deeply perplexed as the words of Psalm 82:1 jumped off the pages like the writing on the wall, particularly the words: “Elohim” and “elohim.” He vividly describes it as, “Needless to say, I didn’t hear a word of the sermon. My mind was reeling. How was it possible that I’d never seen that before? I’d read through the Bible seven or eight times. I’ve been to seminary. I’d studied Hebrew. I’d taught for five years at a Bible college.” – Dr. Heiser was experiencing a life-changing event through the Word of God…and the Old Testament at that. 

This revelation left Dr. Heiser with questions like, “What did this do to my theology?” He shared that he had always taught his students the mention of any other “gods” in the Bible were just idols. But now, that explanation didn’t fit what he was reading. It just didn’t make any sense here in Psalm 82. Paraphrasing Dr. Heiser: The God of Israel wasn’t just another idol among many. Still, I struggled to imagine Him among other genuine gods. This was the Bible, not some Greek myth. Yet, the evidence was undeniable in the text, gripping me with a truth I couldn't escape. 

Have you ever experienced anything like this? Has there been a time that God revealed something in his word that you had not previously recognized? Why does God keep things hidden in his word, and then, “BAM!” it feels like you are being knocked in the head with it? And you didn’t quite know how to process everything? It’s like being hit in the chest and having the breath knocked out of you. Did you sit with it? Meditate upon it? And allow God to water it? Or did you ignore it? As you ask yourself these questions now, what answers are you finding? Please take your time here. I am sure it was a shaking experience that tested everything you have ever been taught or believed. Did it bring about a change in you, or did you write it off and choose to continue down the path you were on, wrapped up in the old teachings you had learned, safely in your comfort zone? 

In the upcoming post, we will delve deeper into Dr. Heiser’s experience while exploring our own experiences. These posts intend to help us grow into the men and women that God desires for us to be. Yes, we will be moved outside of our comfort zones because I have found that this is where growth begins. 

Until next time…God Bless YOU! 

Regina Sanders