29 December 2008

Detroit, Dallas, and Corinth

Props to the one guy FOX displayed at the Packer/Lions game who held the sign "I Still Believe: Lions 1-15." If that isn't remnant theology . . . I don't know what is. The people who still root for the Lions are people of deep, deep faith.

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The Cowboys suffered a brutal loss to the Eagles yesterday. Besides the Lions, that might have been the biggest story of the day. I thought Romo was going to light them up. Did Jessica make the trip?

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I've been doing a good deal of research on the ancient city of Corinth for an upcoming Wednesday Night series Patrick and I are doing from First Corinthians at Rochester Church.

What a fascinating city.

On the "honor and shame" culture of Corinth.

*"Public recognition was more important than facts and where the worst thing that could happen was for one's reputation to be publicly tarnished. In such a culture a person's sense of worth is based upon recognition by other's of one's accomplishments," (B. Witherington). This sounds strangely familiar.

*"To be Corinthianized" was to be immoral and materialistic. Corinth was known for being one of the most competitive cities in all of the Roman Empire. It was the first Greek city to have Roman Gladiator contests.

*Some temple meals were followed by sexual favors by hired women.

And, for some reason, Paul thought this was the urban context in which the Jesus Story could flourish. Who would have guessed that a vibrant, diverse (albeit messy) church could emerge from such a place?

3 comments:

Barecycles said...

Ahh yes, football in January. Remind me again, what is that like? Having been stuck down here in Dallas for so long I simply cannot recall what playoff football looks like. Perhaps when the team migrates to their new temple across town fans can smile again, but at the moment, there is no joy in Mudville, the mighty 'Boys have struck out.

phil said...

This is a great example of why it is so critical that we must continue to live the Jesus story in our context! Thanks for sharing Josh, have a great New Year's!

Josh Graves said...

Wow. You are one depressed Cowboy fan. They'll be back. Promise.



Happy New Year!

Phil--same to you and your family. Glad our paths crossed this year.

JG