A Blog of Biblical Proportions

Bible Colleges Compared – Online vs. Campus Programs

Allison — Tue, 31 May 2011 13:45:33 +0000

Bible colleges are a great option for students who want a faith-based education. This could mean education in preparation for a ministry career, like becoming a pastor or a pastoral counselor, or it can simply mean earning a more general degree (like English or music) in a religious environment. Either way, if you’re considering bible colleges, there are both online and campus programs offered to students that might be right for you. Here’s a quick guide to how these types of programs differ and which one is right for you.

Educational Value

At one time, online programs were considered to be not as valuable as traditional programs, but today, thousands of students are graduating from these programs with degrees that are just as valuable as those earned at campus programs. The key here is accreditation. Whether you go to a bible college online or offline, look for a Bible college that has been accredited by either a national or regional accrediting agency. This will ensure that the education you receive is adequately preparing you to work in your field of choice.

Flexibility

One of the main advantages to going to Bible college online is the flexibility these types of programs offer. Instead of attending classes three times a week or whatever may be the case with a traditional program, you’ll instead log on and complete your coursework whenever it is convenient for you, be that in the early morning before you kids are awake or on your train commute home from work in the evenings. You also have the flexibility to do work from anywhere, so you could be “at class” while at the park with your family or during your lunch hour at work – or even in bed!

Community

Many students choose to attend Bible college over a secular school because of the faith-based community these schools offer. When you go to school online, you still do receive education with a religious spin, but there are usually fewer options in terms of student activities and groups you can join. Online, you get a lot of freedom to work independently, but if you’re craving a close-knit community, a campus program might be the better option.

Cost

Every program is different, but the average online Bible college program is less expensive than the average campus Bible college program. When you go to school online, you don’t have to pay for room and board (rent and groceries on your own is usually much cheaper), and your tuition is lower to reflect that you’re not using campus facilities, participating in student activities, etc. For students on a budget, the lower cost of online colleges is certain a major draw.

Keep in mind, however, that campus programs typically offer more scholarships and grants for students. You can still apply for financial aid for online schools through outside programs, but the coll

Professor Access

Students considering online school are often worried about not having a connection with professors – but this is usually not a problem. While you can’t pop into your professor’s offer during typical office hours, virtual professors are connected to you 24/7 via email to answer you questions, and many have “office hours” via chat applications, so you can be assured that they’re available to answer your questions in real time.

In addition, online, you’ll have access to professors who are based around the world. This means you can take a class taught by the best professor in the respective field, even if that professor doesn’t live locally. However, keep on mind that with all of your professors, you won’t have as much hands-on learning, so if you’re someone who values this close connection, online college might not be the best option for you.

Program Availability

While online Bible colleges are becoming more and more common, some programs still are only available at typical campus colleges. Others might have a few classes available online, but you still have to complete your degree at a campus college. It depends on your major and what you want in a program. In some fields, complete courses are readily available online. In other fields, there are very few educational options online.

Top 50 Blogs By Youth Ministers

Linda — Fri, 06 May 2011 20:16:41 +0000

Youth ministry can be fun…or it can be frustrating. No matter how you feel about youth ministry, it’s nice to know that a supportive network is available via blogs, education, tools and volunteers. The following top 50 blogs by youth ministers includes all that help and more…as ministers-in-training or youth workers who have been in the field for years write these blogs.

Youth Ministers

A New Kind of Youth Ministry: Chris Folmsbee is an author, speaker, volunteer youth worker, youth ministry consultant and the director of Barefoot Ministries.
Chad Swanzy: Chad is the student ministries director at Gateway Community Church in Austin, Texas. He also runs YouthLeaderStash.com.
Deep Thought: “Random thoughts on subjects such as youth work, worship, God, the Church of England, films, paintings and occasional peeks at Latin, Medieval history, Merovingians and bishops…”
Deep Thoughts by Gman: Gman (Gerrard R. Fess) works with a church in Maryland.
Facing the Facade: Caleb Henry is the director of student ministries at Faith Community UMC in West Chester, OH.
Let Wonder Replace Worry: Justin Ross is a youth minister who shares his fascination with youth ministry, pop culture, current events and more.
Love God, Love Students: This is a youth ministry blog penned by Matt McGill, who served as a high school pastor for Mariners Church in Irvine, CA.
Mark Ashby: Mark is a youth minister who “rambles” on God and youth ministry.
More Than Dodge Ball: Joshua Griffin is the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, and has been in full-time youth ministry for almost 15 years.
More Than This World: Chris Harkins started in youth ministry at a small church in Rancho Sahuarita and has served in youth ministry for almost eight years.
Ph’lipside of the Pond: Originally from the UK, Phil Chenery worked on the High School Ministry Team at Saddleback Church as the Event Coordinator.
Terrace Crawford: Terrace has been in youth ministry for over 13 years and currently serves as a full time Minister to Students at Crossroads Community Church, Yorktown, VA.
The Middle Ground: Andrew Rothacker is the Middle School Pastor at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church in Lititz, PA.
Youth Ministry Stuff: Tim is a youth minister and worship leader in Northern Kentucky, and he uses his blog to connect with other youth workers.

Peer to Peer

Andy Disher: The Inner Musings: This blog is appropriate for youth and adults, and includes youth resources.
Effective Youth Ministry: Nathaniel Dame feels that it takes more than a great book or finding the right curriculum to become a better youth pastor.
Emerging Youth’s Weblog: Dan, a youth pastor in New York, witnessed the growing trend of teenagers becoming completely dissatisfied and disillusioned with traditional church and is attempting to re-invest youth ministry.
Evolutionist: Pastor Neil, a youth minister, offers thoughts and theology in this personal blog.
Jeanne’s Youth Leader’s Coach Blog: Jeanne Mayo is president of Youth Leader’s Coach and director of Oxygen Youth and Youth Adult Outreach.
Life in Student Ministry: A youth worker based in Alexandria, Minnesota, serves teens, youth workers and churches around the country through free resources online.
Life in the Middle: Adam Reed currently serves as the middle school pastor at Prince Avenue Baptist Church. He has been in student ministry for a little over 11 years.
Pastor 2 Youth: Ryan Nelson currently is obtaining his doctorate in youth and family ministries from Fuller Seminary. He offers games, papers, an exchange and a forum.
Practical Youth Ministry: Brandon Baker is the youth minister at the Western Hills Church of Christ in Temple, Tx. He offers fun and engaging ideas for student discipleship.
RE Youth Pastor: RE = “Running Experiments.” Jeremy Zach has been a “9 year youth pastor-guinea pig trying to experiment with what works and doesn’t work in the church context.”
Rethinking Youth Ministry: Pastors Brian Kirk and Jacob Thorne seek to rethink the most basic assumptions of youth ministry from a mainline/progressive perspective by offering both theory and practical ideas.
Steve Cullum: Steve currently works at Rockingham Christian Church (also in Salem) as a student minister (Youth Pastor) for 6-12th grade students.
The Source for Youth Ministry: More a portal than a blog; however, this site also connects with users through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and you can tap into “Jonathan’s Blog.”
Youth Ministry and Me: Chris Bowditch is the youth minister at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Australia. He taps into culture, theology, youth ministry and offers resources.
Youth Ministry Ideas: Steve Blanchard, a graduate of Colorado Christian University with a degree in youth ministry, relays fresh ideas to help youth leaders.

Volunteer and Missions Resources

Average Youth Ministry: An “average” youth worker shares experiences in ministries with fellow youth workers.
Benbell Blog: A youth worker provides his insights into “urban hope.”
Brainshare: A collection of musings from a software support technician and Christian youth worker.
Created Creative: Suzy is a youth worker based in Buckinghamshire and a student on the CYM youth and theology course.
Center for Student Missions: This organization provides an urban ministry experience with the goal to transform lives, influence churches and communities, and honor Christ.
Love Thy Volunteers: Ryanne is the volunteer coordinator for a high school ministry. Although not an expert, she shares plenty of experienced insights.
The Grove Is On Fire: Mark Walley, a youth worker for a church based community project in central London, provides a blog about youth work.
Youth Ministry from a Volunteer Perspective: Dennis Beckner is the director of The Landing at Saddleback Church and has been serving in the youth ministry there since 1999.

Specific Youth Ministries

Catholic Youth Ministry Blog: This international Catholic ministry believes that Eucharist-based ministry has the power to transform teens, transform parishes, and transform culture.
Catholic YM Blog: The Catholic YM Blog has been referred to as “the 411 of Catholic Youth Ministry.” D. Scott Miller, director of the Division of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, maintains the content.
Junior High Ministry: A place for junior high youth workers to share ideas, thoughts and struggles about “working with the craziest age group on the planet.”
Marathon Youth Ministry: This youth ministry director hopes to help students connect with Jesus Christ and a better understanding of the Catholic faith.
Youth Blog: Ian Macdonald has been the youth adviser for the Diocese of Oxford since June 2003.

Other Resources

Doug Franklin: Franklin serves youth workers through a ministry called LeaderTreks.
Free Ideas For Making Disciples: This youth minister, who has about two decades’ worth of youth ministry experience, offers services for speaking and/or training.
HomeWord Center for Youth and Family Blog: HomeWord seeks to advance the work of God in the world by educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and churches to build God-honoring families from generation to generation.
Immerse: This journal’s primary purpose is to support adults in student ministry by providing insight into youth culture.
Youth Encounter: A Christian non-profit organization that offers relational youth ministry resources to Christian communities.
Youth Ministry: This resource is part of Simply Youth Ministry, a commercial resource that offers tools for youth ministry.
Youth Ministry 360: YM360 is “Youth ministry, full circle,” or a way to meet the needs of youth workers.
Youth Specialties Blog: A youth minister shares experiences on this blog, part of the Youth Specialties commercial Web site.

20 Useful Specialty Search Engines for Bible Scholars

Linda — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:41:07 +0000

If you want to study The Bible, you can do it the hard way with concordances, a few Bibles and reference books. Or, you can use one of the twenty search engines listed below. These search engines range from simple searches to portals that contain commentary and reference materials to entire directories that can take your searches even further.

Search Engines

Bible Search Tool: This is an easy to use, accurate, and fast search tool that helps the user find information quickly. Searching for words or phrases in the selected text database is made easy by simply entering the words that you are looking for. You also can customize your search to find the Bible phrase or verse that you need.
BibleLive: Search through twenty different Biblical options, including different languages. This search engine offers an advanced option and keyword and keyword phrase search ability.
Gods View: Three simple search engines, including an online Bible search, a search engine for an online Bible concordance and a search engine for Bible text, King James version.
Online Bible Search: Olive Tree Bible Software company offers an online Bible search to help in your Bible studies. Quickly search multiple Bible versions in your browser or conduct an advanced search with keywords and the ability to highlight search words or phrases.
Simple Searches: This tool focuses on the King James version of the Bible, with several options to search for proximity, through a Boolean search, through citation searches and by browsing the Bible. This search engine is hosted by the University of Michigan.
Simply Bible Search: The online Bible search engine on SimpyBibleSearch.com is a great way to search the Bible verses by topic. Find famous Bible Quotes by entering the words you remember. All search results are listed in the preferred translation.

Web Tools

Bible.com: Tap into comprehensive Bible search tools with several contemporary versions of the Bible and a number of foreign language translations. The site is packed with Christian resources such as a daily devotional, a reading plan, a prayer room, newsletters, and a kid’s section.
Bible.org: This site offers a wide range of free online Bible study and research tools, integrating searchable text, commentaries, articles, notes, a dictionary, word studies, interlinear text in Hebrew and Greek, and Strong’s Concordance linked terms.
Bible Gateway: Do a quick search, or browse through a passage lookup, do a keyword search or look through a topical index. This gateway contains numerous resources for the Bible scholar.
Bible Study Tools: Search the Web’s largest library of online Bible study resources, along with over 30 Bible translations. Use the search engine or browse through this gateway for a variety of tools to study the Bible. Comes with commentaries, encyclopedias, dictionaries and many more options.
Blue Letter Bible: Conduct a search and enjoy updated interactive reference library from the teachings and commentaries of selected pastors and teachers who hold to the conservative, historical Christian faith. Also includes a long list of study tools, images, maps and devotionals. BLB now offers over 680,000 content pages of Bible study resources.
Crosswalk: Although not as large or powerful as the Bible Gateway, this site provides a popular search engine that is user-friendly. Includes practical study tools such as an online study Bible, Interlinear Bible, Parallel Bible, commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, encyclopedias, lexicons, history, and sermon helps.
Gospel Hall: Gospel Hall’s online tools gives you the ability to search the Bible in a parallel view with two versions side by side. Available translations include the King James Version, American Standard Version, Darby, Young’s Literal Translation, World English Bible, Bible in Basic English. You can also choose from commentaries, dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Online Parallel Bible: This search engine is part of an online Bible that contains ten parallel translations. Conduct an advanced search, a multilingual search, or carry the Bible with you as a mobile option. Biblos.com is a production of the Online Parallel Bible Project. This project is privately owned and supported for the express purpose of sharing Bible study tools online.
Search God’s Word: When you look up a particular verse, a list of links to commentaries, study notes and devotionals appears to the left of the passage for convenient and instant access. The site also offers daily Bible reading plans, Christian history, commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, encyclopedias, lexicons and sermon essentials.
Study Light: This site claims to have more Bible commentaries, encyclopedias, dictionaries, parallel Bibles, interlinear Bibles, and original language tools than any other website on the Internet. It also has advanced search tools.

Directories

Bible Search Engine: This page contains a number of Bible-based Web sites, including Billy Graham’s site and CTN (Christian Televised Network). As best as can be determined, (unless it’s a secular site) most of the churches and ministries listed should affirm there is one God, eternally existing in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Christian Search Engines & Directories: Use this site (three pages) to find any other search engine you might want to use. This site lists 197 search engines and directories.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library: The Christian Classics Ethereal Library is a digital library of hundreds of classic Christian books selected for edification and education. Several million users use this online resource each year. CCEL texts are stored in proprietary Theological Markup Language, which is an XML application. Texts are converted automatically into other formats such as HTML or PDF.
Christian Website: This site contains news and current events, but it also contains a directory filled with sites that range from affiliate programs to “free Christian stuff” and from home and family sites to travel. For scholars, check out the teacher resources, Internet resources, mega sties and church resources.

40 Best Web Resources for Bible Study

admin — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:56:10 +0000

One of the great things about technology is the access it gives you to a number of resources. Indeed, there are a great many web resources that can help you in your study of scripture. Ancient scripture has been brought into the 21st Century with the help of computers and the Internet, and you can access a number of resources, from online Bibles and various translations, to tools to improve your study, to lesson plans and ideas.

You don’t have to be a Bible student, or planning for a career in the ministry, to benefit from the online Bible resources available. Anyone can find greater enjoyment and enlightenment from the holy scriptures when they look to using web resources. Whether you are looking for personal edification, or whether you are preparing a lesson for Sunday school, here are 40 of the best web resources for Bible study:

Online Bibles

If you are looking for access to the Word of God, you will find that there are a number of options for reading the Bible online. You can find full-text Bibles, as well as different versions.

Online Parallel Bible: This online Bible helps you compare verses in multiple different versions of the Bible. A great way to learn about what’s in each translation. Includes tools to help with context and cross reference.
The Bible Gateway: One of the best ways to look up verses, search various translations and find passages of interest.
Bible.Logos.com: Read the Bible online, choosing the translation of your choice. Includes a search feature to help you find what you are looking for.
King James Bible: A great place to go to read the King James translation. Divided by law, history and other subjects so it’s easy to find books and verses.
Bible.com: As you might expect, this web site is all about the Bible, and reading different translations.
Blue Letter Bible: Helps you find verses and phrases quickly and easily. Advanced Bible search, accompanied by great tools and information.
Online Bibles: Go to this page to get access to different Bibles in different languages. A great resource for those looking for different translations.
The Unbound Bible: Searchable Bibles. Look at different versions, and display different verses, from different versions, side by side.
Bibles Online: Different versions of the Bible that can be perused at will.
YouVersion: A great Bible that allows you to set up your own study schedule, and decide on the version that you understand best.
LifeWay’s Online Bible Library: Access to Bibles, commentary and devotionals. You can read different versions and translations.
New Advent Bible: Read different editions of the Bible, and get access to different books. Easy to navigate.
Audio Bible Online: If you want to hear the Word of God, you can listen with the help of this online audio Bible.
Bible Portal: Access to Bibles, as well as Bible dictionaries and concordance.

Bible Study Tools

When you are ready to delve deeper into the scriptures, you can use different tools to help you learn more about the meanings in the verses you read. Here some great Bible study tools that can help you.

BibleStudy.org: The Bible’s place in history, as well as devotionals, and other study aids.
Bible Study Aids: Different Bibles, histories, commentaries and more to help you study the Bible more effectively.
Bible Study Tools: Get access to a number of helpful study tools, including translations, as well as community members.
American Bible Society: Learn more about different resources, join a ministry, and suggestions for daily reading.
Crosswalk.com: Learn more about Bible, and find study tools. You can learn more about the Bible, including audio and video resources.
StudyLight.org: Plenty of resources related to Bible study. Commentary, history and other interesting options for Bible.
Bible Study Planet: Studies by age. Options for adults, teens and kids. Great way to learn more.
Christian Bible Reference Site: Learn more about Bible history, frequently asked questions, and find helpful hints for study.
Christian Bible Studies: Christianity Today offers some Bible study options, as well as commentary on different matters of doctrine as found in scripture.
Search God’s Word: This resource from Heartlight offers devotionals and other Bible study tools.
Bible Study Tools: Study guides, group suggestions, and more related to reading the Bible.
BibleKeeper.com: A great study web site. Learn more about the Bible, and how to make it more meaningful in your life.
BibleStudy.net: Understanding the Bible. Great tools for Bible study.

Bible Lesson Ideas

Use these resources to prepare lessons related to the Bible. Not only can these resources help you learn more about the Bible, but they can also help you prepare lessons to teach your children, your class or others.

eBibleTeacher.com: A great resource for teachers looking for lesson ideas.
Back to the Bible: Basic lesson and study plans from this online audio ministry. Great ideas, and plenty of tools.
AmazingFacts.org: Helpful information for Bible study, as well as ideas for teaching. Learn facts about scripture.
BibleLessons.com: Great Bible lessons and ideas for study. Plenty of ideas for teaching about the Bible.
Bible Study Lessons: Learn more about the Bible, as well as about different lesson possibilities. This is a great resource for lesson preparation.
DLTK’s Bible Lesson Plans: Find Bible lesson plans. Offers ideas for different books, and contains teaching ideas. Great resources for Bible study and more.
Free Bible Study Lessons: Lesson plans available for different Bible studies. A great resource for teaching others about the Bible, and good ideas for lessons.
Bible Lesson Connection: Prepare lessons straight from the Bible with help from this great resource.
Bible Knowledge: Basic information about the Bible, as well as facts. Topic ideas, and lesson ideas.
Youth Worker: These great Bible lesson ideas are perfect for teaching youth — and you might find something interesting and worthwhile as well.
Children’s Bible Lessons: A variety of lessons designed to help children gain an understanding of God’s Word, as taught in the Bible.
PowerPoint Bible Lessons: Easy way to prepare lessons on Bible. Get help from these PowerPoint slides.
Bible Lessons International: Access to Bible commentary and other tools that can be helpful in lesson preparation.

Top 20 Most Influential Christian History Professors

Linda — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 03:13:55 +0000

If you think of Christian history professors, you may think to look in divinity schools. But, not all professors work within Christian colleges. Some of the most influential history of religion professors may be digging in the sand in a Mediterranean desert or he or she may be hired by a Christian college, but have a focus on another religious practice or focus on Christianity as adopted by another country. These top 20 most influential Christian history professors fit those descriptions and more.

The following list is arranged alphabetically by surname.

Dr. Harold W. Attridge was appointed as the first Reverend Henry L. Slack Dean of Yale Divinity School in 2009. Dean Attridge has made scholarly contributions to New Testament exegesis and to the study of Hellenistic Judaism and the history of the early Church. Attridge currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Biblical Literature and has authored six books.
Dr. W. H. Bellinger, Jr. is Chair of the Department of Religion, Baylor University and W. Marshall and Lulie Craig Chairholder in Bible Professor of Religion. He is known for his research on worship texts in the Old Testament. Much of his work explores the book of Psalms. He has also written on Leviticus and on prophetic texts related to worship. Professor Bellinger serves currently on the Steering Committee for the Book of Psalms Section of the Society of Biblical Literature and on the Editorial Board of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly.
Dr. José Cabezón is XIV Dalai Lama Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies in the Department of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara. The winner of many awards and fellowships, Dr. Cabezón also is a prolific writer. He currently is working on a book and another study about the commodification of Tibetan religion and culture, tentatively entitled “Consuming Tibet.”
Dr. Phillip Cary is professor of philosophy at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, where he is also Scholar-in-Residence at the Templeton Honors College. Cary is a recent winner of the Lindback Award for excellence in undergraduate teaching at Eastern University. Dr. Cary has also published a series of lecture courses in the Great Courses series with The Teaching Company, including one on the History of Christian Theology, as well as courses on Luther and Augustine.
Dr. Anthony E. Clark, assistant professor of East Asian history at Whitworth, will host the TV series “The Saints of China: Martyrs of the Middle Kingdom,” which will air in spring 2011 and that is expected to reach millions of viewers. Whitworth also has created a semester-long study program at Beijing’s Minzu University of China. Set to begin in fall semester 2011, the program, Whitworth in China, will take place every three years.
Dr. James Fitzgerald is a scholar of Sanskrit and ancient Indian literature and intellectual history in the Department of Religious Studies, Brown University. His research and writing centers upon the translation of the gigantic, 2000 year old Indian epic, the Maha-bha-rata, and the interpretation of it as a work of religious and political literature in its historical context. In 2006 he was named Lindsay Young Professor of the Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Tennessee.
Dr. Brad S. Gregory, Dorothy G. Griffin Associate Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Notre Dame, co-edited “Seeing Things Their Way,” a collection of essays that aims to bridge the gap between intellectual history and the history of religion. In addition to his training as a historian, he has two degrees in philosophy, both earned at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.
Dr. John-Paul Himka is professor at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. His approach to the history has helped the history department at Lviv University, Ukraine, gain international recognition. Since 1976, Himka has been visiting the Ukraine to conduct research. By working closely with academics and teaching courses in Lviv, and by bringing students to the University of Alberta, he has helped younger Ukrainian scholars see their own history in “a different light, in a better light.”
Dr. James Hudnut-Beumler is the Anne Potter Wilson Distinguished Professor of American Religious History at Vanderbilt University and dean of the Divinity School. Prior to coming to Vanderbilt in 2000, he was dean of the faculty at Columbia Theological Seminary and director of the undergraduate program in Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Hudnut-Beumler is a member of the American Academy of Religion, American Society of Church History, and the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.
Dr. Mohammad Hassan Khalil is assistant professor of religion and visiting professor of law at the Department of Religion, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He specializes in Islamic thought and is author of Islam and the Fate of Others: The Salvation Controversy (Oxford University Press, forthcoming). Prof. Khalil recently organized an international symposium (April 16–17, 2010) called “Islam, Salvation, and the Fate of Others.”
Dr. Richard Kieckhefer is professor of religion and history in the Department of Religious Studies at Northwestern University. Books include European Witch Trials (Routledge & Kegan Paul; 1976), Repression of Heresy in Medieval Germany (Pennsylvania, 1979), Unquiet Souls (Chicago, 1984), Magic in the Middle Ages (Cambridge, 1989), Forbidden Rites (Sutton and Penn State, 1997), and Theology in Stone (Oxford, 2004).
Dr. Helmut Koester began teaching at Harvard Divinity School in 1958 and became John H. Morison Research Professor of Divinity and Winn Research Professor of Ecclesiastical History in 2000. Among his numerous publications are books and articles in both German and English, including Trajectories Through Early Christianity (with James M. Robinson). His two-volume Introduction to the New Testament and Ancient Christian Gospels are seminal works in the field.
Dr. Diarmaid MacCulloch is Professor of the History of the Church, in the Theology Faculty at St. Cross College, Oxford. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, and co-edits the Journal of Ecclesiastical History and currently can be seen presenting “A History of Christianity — the first 3,000 years” on BBC4. This effort is the first truly panoramic series on Christian history since Bamber Gascoigne’s 13-part The Christians, shown on ITV in 1977.
Dr. John Anthony McGuckin was installed as the first Ane Marie and Bent Emil Nielsen Professor in Late Antique and Byzantine Christian History at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York in 2008. Dr. McGuckin is the author of 20 books of historical theology and he was awarded the prestigious Henry Luce III Fellowship in Theology for 2006. In 2007, Prof. McGuckin was awarded the Order of Stephen the Great, the Gold Cross of Moldavia and Bukovina, for priestly and academic Service.
Dr. Wayne A. Meeks is one of the foremost authorities on the social world of the Apostle Paul. At Yale since 1969, Meeks served intermittently as chairman of the department of religious studies from 1972 to 1983, and he was director of the division of the humanities from 1988 to 1991. Meeks was president of the Society of Biblical Literature in 1985, holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Uppsala, and is Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy.
Dr. Elaine Pagels perhaps is best known as the author of The Gnostic Gospels, The Origin of Satan, and Adam, Eve and the Serpent. She has published widely on Gnosticism and early Christianity, and continues to pursue research interests in late antiquity. Her most recent books include Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas (was on the New York Times best-seller list) and Reading Judas: The Gospel of Judas and the Shaping of Christianity, co-authored with Karen King of Harvard.
Dr. Barbara Pitkin, senior lecturer in religious studies at Stanford, specializes in the study of Christianity, particularly on the religious thought and culture of late medieval and early modern Europe. She is the author of What Pure Eyes Could See: Calvin’s Doctrine of Faith in its Exegetical Context and co-editor of The Formation of Clerical and Confessional Identities in Early Modern Europe.
Dr. Amanda Porterfield is Robert A. Spivey Professor of Religion and a historian of American religion with interests religion and politics, religion in popular culture, Native American religions, and American religious thought in the Department of Religion at Florida State University. She is the author of Healing in the History of Christianity, and co-editor with John Corrigan of the quarterly journal Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture.
Dr. Grant Wacker is a well-known American religion expert. He joined the Duke Divinity School after teaching in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1977–1992. Wacker is also the Director of the Ph.D. Graduate Program in Religion at Duke University. He is co-editor or author of six books, and is working on a book, under contract with Harvard University Press, to be called Billy Graham and the Making of Heartland America.
Dr. L. Michael White is Ronald Nelson Smith Chair in Classics and Christian Origins, and director of the Institute for the Study of Antiquity and Christian Origins at the University of Texas at Austin. White was featured in two award-winning PBS/Frontline documentaries, for which he served as principal historical consultant and co-writer: “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians” (1998), and “Apocalypse! Time, History, and Revolution” (1999).

50 Awesome YouTube Videos Every Bible Scholar Should Watch

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:07:48 +0000

The Bible is an interesting book, filled with stories about God’s dealings with man. The Bible offers interesting information and religious truth for Bible scholars and non-scholars alike. Understanding the Bible takes years of study, something that is not surprising, considering the many complexities of the Bible, from its historical record, to its parables, to the language used. It is not surprising that there are Bible colleges and scholars that can spend lifetimes pouring over this tome. If you are interested in learning more about the Bible, here are 50 YouTube videos that can provide you with insight and information.

History

A look at some of the history surrounding the Bible. It is not always as straightforward as you might think.

Banned from the Bible: An interesting look at what made it into the Bible, and what didn’t. A great look at rejected books of the Bible and why they were not included. Includes 12 parts.
Who Wrote the Bible?: An interesting History Channel look at who wrote the Bible, and puts it into cultural context. A fascinating 12-part series.
Discovery of the real Noah’s Ark: An interesting look at a site that many believe is the site of Noah’s Ark.
History of Bible!: Lecture by Bible scholar Bart D. Erhman, offering a look at traditions related to the Bible, and some of the history involved with the writing of the Bible. Lecture in 10 parts.
History of The English Bible and Reformation: An interesting look at the reformation and the emergence of Protestantism, and the history of the English version of the Bible.
The English Reformation: Another look at the Bible from a Protestant standpoint. Six parts.
Love & Sex In The Bible: Presentation from the History Channel about the way love was handled in the Bible.
The Forbidden Book: History of the Bible: A seven-part look at the history of the Bible, and some of its origins.
The Origin of the Bible: A great and interesting preview (in two parts) about the origins of the Bible.
The Bible’s Buried Secrets: A look at the Bible, understanding how it came to be, and some of the history behind the Bible.
Christian Origins and the New Testament: An interesting look at the way the Bible (especially the New Testament) influences our lives today.
Orthodoxy & Scripture 3A: History of the New Testament: An interesting look at the history of the New Testament, and how canons are put together.
Judaism, Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls: An interesting look at these relatively recent discoveries, which are considered as being related to the Bible.

Prophecy

The Bible contains many prophecies. Learn more about Biblical prophecy — and how it is coming to pass.

Final Events of Bible Prophecy: A look at some of the prophecies related to the end of the world.
Amazing Facts: The USA in Bible Prophecy: A multiple-part look at the presence of the U.S. in Biblical prophecy.
News Headlines and Bible Prophecy: Looks at the headlines we see in the news, and how they relate to Bible prophecy.
OT Prophecy in the NT: Isaiah 7:14: Part of a series of Old Testament prophecies quoted in the New Testament.
Last Days Timeline-Where do we stand today as far as Revelation goes?: Interesting timeline of the prophecies in Revelation.
Daniels Timeline: Another timeline of prophecy, this time in the book of Daniel. 12 part look at the timeline.
The Mystery of Prophetic Time: This three part look at prophetic time, and learn about how to interpret prophecy.
Understanding Bible Prophecy: A look at how you can learn to understand prophecies in the Bible, and looking at interpretations of prophetic events.
7 Seals of Revelation – Signs for Today: Learning to identify events in Revelation and the purpose of Bible prophecy.
Bible Prophecy in the News: Rebuilding of the Jewish Temple: A look at some of the signs of of the end times, based on Biblical prophecy.
Bible Prophecy vs. History: A look at some of the passages of Bible prophecy in Daniel, and how the predictions came to pass.
You Can Understand Bible Prophecy: David Asscherick helps you learn how you can understand Bible prophecy in this seven-part series.

Sermons

You find commandments and direction for living a better life, more acceptable to God. Here are some interesting and inspiring sermons related to the Bible.

Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?: An interesting sermon addressing one of the most common concerns of believers.
Why Do Bad Things Happen to God’s People: An inspiring sermon about why bad things happen to good people.
Faith Without Works is Dead: This online sermon addresses the issue of faith and works.
What is Faith: An interesting sermon about faith, in multiple parts.
Faith, Forgiveness and a Fig Tree: Third part in a sermon about faith and forgiveness.
Roger Jimenez Preaching on Fasting: A great Biblical sermon on fasting in multiple parts.
Fasting the Bible Way: Another great sermon series on fasting.
How Did God Save Us?: A great Bible based sermon on how we are saved.
Dr. Charles Stanley – Unpardonable Sin: An interesting sermon on the sin that cannot be pardoned.
Why Am I Here? Why Did God Make Me?: Answering the questions that many people ask with the help of Bible.
What Is Love?: A biblical look at love.
Psalm 73 Sermon Video: A great intro to a sermon on the 73rd psalm.
The Great Struggle: A sermon on the struggle of life.
Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled: A great sermon on Jesus’ words of peace.
God So Loved The World: A wonderful sermon on John 3:16.
Sermon on the Mount: Bible study related to the Sermon on the Mount.
Sermon Writing Tips: Great video offering tips on how you can write a Bible based sermon.

Arguments Against the Bible

Every Bible scholar should be armed with what non-believers say. Here are some videos that offer counter-arguments to the Bible. Watch, and use what you know to think of how you might answer such arguments with faith and belief.

Proving that God’s Plan is Impossible: A look at why some believe that God’s plan can’t be possible.
The Top 10 Why the Bible is Repulsive: Another look at what some believe that the Bible is full of problems.
The Bible Inconsistencies! Contradictions!: Multi-part series on some of the inconsistencies in the Bible.
Bible quotes that are evil, and wrong: A look at some Bible quotes that might be taken out of context.
The Evil Bible: Look at why some believe the Bible is wrong.
Is the Bible perfect?: An interpretation of why the Bible may not be perfect in some eyes.
What Do We Know About the Bible Authors?: A look at who wrote the Bible, and why they may not be reliable in some eyes.
Bible Bullsh*t: An episode on the purported scientific inaccuracy of the Bible.

Top 50 Christian Forums on the Web

Linda — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:44:41 +0000

If you are a Christian who loves a good debate, or who is seeking knowledge or companionship online, you have plenty of opportunity for all that and more through Christian forums. The following top 50 Christian forums on the Web range from formats that accept and address all Christian faiths to forums focused on specific faiths. Between, you can find Christian forums addressing teens, single Christians and some great forums where you can learn about Christian music — including hip hop, rock and roll and gospel.

Open Christian Forums

Christian Doctrine Debate & Discussions Forum: Join the discussion on topics as disparate as Glenn Beck to Christian music and videos.
Christian Forum Site: This forum site focuses on entertainment, resources, learning and prayer and fellowship.
Christian Forums: Topics range from congregational group topics to theology, edification and society. Some topics are for “Christians Only.” This site also has subforums that reach out to various sects, such as Catholicism.
Christian Forums.net: Readers can find business, entertainment and Christian discussion topics at this forum.
Christian-Forum.net: This forum focuses on Bible prophecy and Christian discussion.
Christianity Board: Participate and share in focused Christian discussions on this forum and take advantage of their gallery, blogs and chat features.
Crosswalk Forums: These forums are part of the Faith Community Network and offer topics such as “faith,” “life” and “theology.”
Grace Centered Christian Forums: Sponsored by Grace Centered Magazine, topics include hobbies, announcements and Christian interests.
Lampstand Christian Forum: This forum tackles topics such as Christian life, theology, fellowship and the world.
Theology Online: TOL is a forum that embraces religion, politics and Christianity.
Trinity Christian Forums: Enjoy Christian chat, bible study forums and prayer request forums as well as polls, photo galleries and other special features if you register.
Worthy Christian Forums: This forum is divided into an Outer Court, Inner Court, Upper Room and more, all to define the variety of Christian topics under discussion.

Teen and Young Adult

Anointed Youth Forums: AY forums is a place for Christian teens and young adults to come build relationships, have fun, share problems and “dig into God’s word together.”
Christian Teen Forums: This forum has a debate room as well as tabs for chats, an arcade and a gallery.
Christian Teen Lounge: This is a site for teens that provides advice, prayer, forums, games and much more.
Christian Teens: This About.com forum deals with several different conversations and is moderated by a Christian Teen guide.
Christian Youth Forum: This site is billed as a “serious Christian youth coming together to form the best Christian Youth Forum on the internet.”
JCYouth: This appears to be a new forum for teens and Christian youth.
ROYouth: This forum is intended for Romanian Christian youth, including places for photos, blogs, chats and games.
TMC Youth: Several forums are listed here, all geared toward youth and spirituality.
Youth on the Rock: This site was created by a group of students to share, encourage and learn their faith.

Christian Singles Forums

About Christian Singles: This popular forum focuses on relationships, faith and society.
Christian Cafe: Applicants get a 10-day free trial to try out this Christian singles forum, where singles can post a photo and seek companionship.
Christian Connection Network: “Where Christians come to meet” to discuss topics that range from faith to relationships.
Christian Singles Forums: Topics on this forum include dating and courtship, divorce and remarriage and online dating.
eHarmony: This Christian Dating meeting place is endorsed by Focus on the Family for Christians to meet other Christians to form relationships.
Meet Christians: This is a free meeting place where Christians can meet other Christians to form relationships.
Purposeful Singleness: This forum is part of the Purposeful Singleness Web site, which supports individuals who may or may not feel called to “singleness.”
Real Christian Singles: This is a free non-denominational service to help “single Christians find godly mates.”
Single Christian Network: Meet other Christians on this site for serious releationships.

Christian Music Forums

Christian Guitar Resources: This forum focuses on guitar, but also on all Christian music.
Christian Music / Gospel Forum: Talk about your favorite lyrics or the ones that you just can’t find. Share your prayer requests and the Scriptures that you love.
Christian Musician Forum: You would need to register and log in to see how active this forum is, as they keep all information private.
Christian Songwriters’ Network: This active forum contains a wide range of topics for anyone who is writing Christian songs.
Hardcore Christian Forum: This forum is for proponents of Christian hardcore music.
Holy Hip Hop: This site contains forums, newsletters and communities that all share one thing in common — Holy Hip Hop.
Jesus Freak Hideout: This site contains more than forums, as it is focused entirely on Christian music.
Northwest Christian Music Forum: Join this group if you live in the northwest and Christian music is your passion.

Specific Belief Forums

ALPB Forum Online: This forum is for Lutherans who want to discuss church assemblies and conventions.
Apostolic Friends Forum: A forum for communion and communication among those of the Apostolic faith.
Baptist Board: This forum is for Baptists, with topics that include Baptist debates (Baptist only), fellowship (Baptist only) and Christian debate (all Christians). This board also includes a forum for Fundamental Baptists.
Beliefnet: This site contains forums for specific religions, including Christian, Catholic, Holistic and more.
Catholic Answers Forums: These forums range across a wide swath of Catholic beliefs, from Eastern to Apologetic to traditional Catholicism.
Christian Chat Forum: This Forum has a focus on “True Christians,” not Judeo-Christianity. “There Is Nothing Judeo About True Christians.”
Eastern Orthodox Christian Forum: This forum is for Eastern Orthodox Christians to talk about topics such as evangelism, books, theology and doctrine and more.
Episcopal Voices: Episcopal Voices is a public forum for, about and by Episcopalians.
Landover Baptist Church: From Bible study to meeting singles to “Godly Republican Politics,” these forums are geared toward any Baptist who believes the same.
Liberal Democrat Christian Forum: The Liberal Democrat Christian Forum is a support organization for Christians in the Liberal Democrats. Their aim is to encourage and enable Christians in their constructive work in politics.
Redeemed Christian Forum: A forum for Redeemed Christians, recent topics include jokes, quotes, and a free recipe for a love potion.
True2Ourselves: This forum is moderated by Kenneth Olsen who uses this forum to encourage candid conversation and bonding of clergy and followers for worldwide unity.

25 Essential Android Apps for Bible Study

Linda — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:12:07 +0000

If you haven’t made Android your major mobile device, perhaps the following Bible study apps for may convince you to go that route. From complete Bibles to study aids and from quizzes and online Christian communities, these twenty-five essential Android apps for Bible study represent just the tip of the Bible-study iceberg. About ninety-nine percent of the apps shown below are free to download and use.

The links are categorized, and each link is listed alphabetically by the application’s name within each category for your convenience.

Bibles

The following Bibles offer varying versions, translations or other functions that can make Bible reading easy for any Android user.

AcroBible Lite: This is a Bible application that includes the entire text of the King James Version Bible. Includes navigation, bookmarks, keyword searches and an subject index.
Amplified Bible – BibleReader: This app is a full-featured application for reading and for Bible study. You can use a ‘tap and store’ option to store free study tools.
Bible: Start out with this app, which allows you to search for, bookmark and access any passage in the Bible. Translations include, but are not limited to, the NIV, ESV, KJV, NLT and CUVS.
CrossConnect ESV Bible: Swipe left or right to navigate through Bible chapters. Includes audio, verse-of-the-day widget and Bible verses by reference.
Hebrew Bible: This Hebrew Android app is written entirely in the Hebrew font. Use the full-Bible search, zoom in and out while reading. You’ll need a Hebrew keyboard for this app to function.
LiveBible: This app includes a powerful Bible Web browser that includes four translations and supports the AMP, ASV, KJB and more.
VirtueBible FE: This bible features a highlighter, flowing reading, search, history, memory and the ability to add new translations.

Bible Study Helps

Many of these Bible study helps include offline use, translations, commentaries, images or other helps that can support your Bible studies.

Bible: Daily Light: This is one of the most popular and inspirational Bible devotional apps, with new offline Bible readings, an evening and morning study and the ability to work offline.
Bible In A Year: Read the entire Bible in one year with the help of this app. Daily reading plan and weekly encouragements included.
Bible Proverbs: Get offline access to complete KJV Bible Proverbs. Each verse is accompanied by Matthew Henry’s commentary. You can bookmark favorites and use a full-text search.
Bible YouVersion: This Bible app includes 41 different translations in 22 languages, a one-year reading plan and a search for the entire Bible by word, phrase or verse. You also can learn from others by checking recent contributions.
CadreBible: This is a free Bible study tool that includes commentaries and dictionaries that are saved to the SD card. Includes a reading plan and a backup and restore option and over 50 books available for download and offline reading. Create your own reading plan.
DailyBible 1.1: This Android App starts your day off with a daily Bible verse. Read it or listen to it. Includes a daily reading plan, and you can search for any verse or topic anywhere in the Bible. Best yet – this is a free app.
HolyMobile Bible Reference: This is a complete Bible reference that includes include the King James (English-language) version of the Bible, in addition to a Modern English version. No need for a concordance with this app!
Mosaic Holy Bible: This app contains weekly varieties of content for reading and reflection with themes that are appropriate to the church seasons. Enjoy full-color art, scripture, historical readins, prayers, creeds, hymns, quotes and much more.
MSDict Oxford Dictionary of the Bible: This accessible dictionary clearly explains the themes and doctrines of the Bible as well as provides concise information about important places and personalities.
Oxford Dictionary of the Bible: Enjoy over 2,000 entries that range from Adam to Zechariah, with the ability to download the dictionary data to the device memory or to a memory card. You can download the entire dictionary to work in offline mode, too.
Scriptures: This Android application offers scriptures in the KJV or LDS Standard Works. Use the bread crumb navigation trail, bookmarks and screen orientation for easy reading and study.
The Message for BibleReader: This is a full-featured application for reading and Bible Study.

Widgets and Other Useful Tools

Use widgets to learn a daily Bible verse, flashcards to help build knowledge about the Bible, and take quizzes to text your Bible savvy!

Bible Widget: This widget shows a text from a King James Version of the Bible on the hour.
Bible Quote Widget: This widget is a 4×1 home screen widget that provides you with random Bible scriptures.
Flash Cards for Android: Use this app to create flashcards for Bible studies. You can insert the subject of learning and the relative definition (or, question and answer). Use voice definitions, too.
iChristianCircle: This app helps devotees find the perfect support system from a community Christians. Get your Bible questions answered, discuss parenting, homeschooling and more with this app.
SincerePrayer: This daily Christian devotional helper includes a prayer and journal, a virtual rosary and link to an online Bible.
Test Your Faith Lite: Test your Bible knowledge with the most comprehensive mobile quiz available.

Top 50 Biblical History Blogs

Linda — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:29:07 +0000

Learning the Bible takes more than scripture memorization. Other keys to understand Biblical history include languages, interpretations and archaeological studies as well as a focus on culture, history in general and the variety of interpretations you may encounter. With that information in mind, the following list of top fifty Biblical history blogs were written by experts in their fields, from pastors to professors and from well-schooled individuals to those who are immersed in self-study.

The list below is categorized, and each link is listed in alphabetical order within those categories for your convenience.

New Testament History

An Alien and a Stranger: As a scholar and a teacher at McMaster University, David Miller’s priorities are studying the New Testament in its first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman context.
Biblia Theologica: Occasional biblical and theological postings of varied lengths by a student of the New Testament and of Biblical Theology.
Café Apocalypsis: Get your dose of Apocalypse (Book of Revelation) here, along with a metaphorical blend of Biblical studies.
Chrisendom: Chris Tilling is a New Testament Tutor for St Mellitus College and St Paul’s Theological Centre, London with a focus on the Christological significance of the language Paul used to describe the relationship between risen Lord and believer.
Confessions of a Bible Junkie: Currently a doctoral student in the Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity program at the University of Virginia, this blogger chooses to write about the historical Jesus, New Testament textual criticism, early Christian worship and the relationship between religion and popular culture.
Exploring Our Matrix: This blog belongs to James F. McGrath, associate professor of religion and Clarence L. Goodwin Chair of New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
New Testament Interpretation: David Stark is pursuing a PhD in Hermeneutics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This blog contains thoughts about New Testament interpretation and the hermeneutic contexts of that interpretation.
NT History Blog: Bill Heroman, a high school teacher with a penchant for New Testament history, provides this blog and a list of his history projects.
NT Resources Blog: Dr. Rod Decker, Professor of Greek and New Testament at Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, discusses New Testament-related topics.
Philonica et Neotestamentica: This blog discusses studies of Philo of Alexandria, and the relevance for New Testament studies as well as NT issues in general.
Ressurection Hope: This is an evangelical blog that engages in New Testament and patristic research, with the sole purpose of strengthening religious faith.
Sitz im Leben: This blog focuses on the New Testament, its Greco-Roman and Jewish backgrounds and on Christian writings.
The Forbidden Gospels: April DeConick is an Isla Carroll and Percy E. Turner Professor of Biblical Studies at Rice University who focuses on early Jewish and Christian thought.
Thoughts on Exegetical, Biblical, Historical, Systematic and Practical Theology: David Naselli is working on his PhD in theological studies with a concentration on New Testament exegesis and theology.

Old Testament Studies

Dr. Claude Mariottini – Professor of Old Testament: Dr. Mariottini has been professor of Old Testament at Northern Baptist Seminary since 1988. His blog is a blend of Christian perspective on the Old Testament and current events.
Higgaion: Chris Heard, Associate Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University, focuses on the Exodus — specifically on the television program, The Exodus Decoded.
Narrative and Ontology: Enjoy and learn Old Testament theology, literary and cultural issues at this blog.

General Biblical Studies

Bible and Interpretation: This blog is dedicated to delivering the latest news, features, editorials, commentary, interpretation and excavations relevant to the study of the Bible for the public and biblical scholars.
Christian History Blog: Maintained by Christian History network, this blog looks at Christian history from the Middle Ages forward.
Hevel.org: A Chasing after Wind: Bryan Bibb is an assistant professor in the Religion Department at Furman University in Greenville, SC. This blog centers on studying the Bible within academic and religious contexts and relating ancient ethical and religious ideas to the present.
Matt Capps: Matt is Associate Pastor for Connections at Calvary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C., and he focuses on Biblical studies and theology.
Scotteriology: The lighter side of Biblical studies and theology from a graduate student (The title is a blend of the blogger’s name — Scott — and “soteriology”).

Hebrew and Judaic Studies

Biblia Hebraica: This blog stays centered on the Hebrew Bible, Biblical interpretation and related topics.
Biblicaltext dot org: Barry Bandstra, professor of religion at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, blogs about reading Hebrew and the Hebrew Bible, teaching online and motorcycling.
Finitum non capax infiniti: This “lifetime student,” who is pursuing his M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary, focuses on the Hebrew side of the Bible, including textual criticism, literature and reception history.
Hebrew Online Blog: This is one of many blogs provided by eTeacher. Learn Hebrew, study archealogy and more from this site and its links.
Paleojudaica: This scholarly blog focuses on ancient Judaism and its historical and literary context from roughly the beginning of the Second Temple period (late 500s B.C.E.) to the rise of Islam (early 600s C.E.).
TaborBlog: James Tabor (Ph.D. 1981, University of Chicago) is Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is chief editor of the Original Bible Project, a new scholarly translation of the Bible for the year 2012.

Church History

Ancient Evangelical Future: David Neff is editor-in-chief of the Christianity Today Media Group and he is helping tp create a Robert E. Webber Center for an Ancient Evangelical Future.
Grateful to the Dead: Chris Armstrong (Ph.D., Duke University), is associate professor of church history at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. This blog is structured around three courses he has taught at the seminary.

Archaeology and Place

Bible Places: This blogger served as a professor in Israel in 1996-2007. The blog remains focused on Biblical geography, history and archaeology.
Daniel O. McClellan: This student of the ancient Near East provides a format for research, thoughts and experiences on that topic.
Deus Artefacta: This site is dedicated to archaeological artifacts and discussion that point to historical Biblical accuracies.
Got Bible? This personal blog discusses the geography, history and Bible contents and attempts to study these topics in relation to current events.
Luke Chandler’s Blog: Chandler focuses on Biblical archaeology, culture and travel.
PaleoBabble: This blog may be your “antidote to cyber-twaddle and misguided research about the ancient world,” brought to you by Mike Heiser, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (M.A., Ancient History) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (M.A., Ph.D., Hebrew Bible and Semitic Studies).
Ritmeyer Archaeological Design: Leen Ritmeyer, an archaeological architect, comments on issues related to the Temple Mount and Jerusalem.
The ASOR Blog: This blog supports the mission behind the American Schools of Oriental Research, which is to “initiate, encourage and support research into, and public understanding of, the peoples and cultures of the Near East from the earliest times.”
The Tell es-Safi/Gath Excavations Official (and Unofficial) Weblog: You can join in on the discoveries vicariously through this exciting blog, which chronicles the discoveries found at Tell es-Safi/Gath.

Other Studies and Study Tools

5-Minute Bible: Rushed? Take a look at this blog, which covers a wide variety of Biblical history topics in short and easy-to-absorb spurts. Written by Tim Bulkeley, the man who prepared the prototype Hypertext Bible Commentary on Amos.
Bible Films Blog: If you prefer films over reading, this blog is for you. Matt Page has given a number of talks and led groups in discussion on ‘Jesus in Film’ and was a consultant for the documentary, The Passion: Films, Faith and Fury.
Biblioblogs: John Hobbins and Brandon Wason offer a blog that focuses on blogs that study the Bible, along with a good number of interviews.
Codex: Tyler F. Williams, currently Assistant Professor of Theology at The King’s University College in Edmonton, Alberta, provides resources for Biblical, theological and religious studies at this popular blog.
Feeling Finite…: Alan Lenzi is a humanities professor at the University of the Pacific. His blog posts center on varied interests, including religion, the ancient world and other classical studies.
Religion in American History: This is a group blog about American religious history and culture.
Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean: This blog provides an entryway into social and religious life among Greeks, Romans, Jews, Christians, and others in the Roman empire.
Resources for Biblical Studies: This site contains more than a blog, with Biblical resources, bookmarks (links) to other resources, and learning tools such as Greek flashcards.
Resources for Christian Theology: This blog contains Douglas Knight’s essays on systematic theology, scripture, Christian doctrine, Biblical hermeneutics and contemporary theologians. It also has a selection of papers by Metropolitan John Zizioulas, some of them not available anywhere else.
Review of Biblical Literature Blog: If you want to learn more about current Biblical literature, follow this blog. You’ll discover links to new reviews posted on a continuous basis.
Trivium Pursuit: This blog pursues Christian classical education for homeschoolers, including a basic Biblical history.