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Nazareth Then and Now
Ancient Nazareth lacked the critical advantages for its development as a significant settlement: abundant water supply, an elevated site for defensive purposes, and strategic location adjacent to a major highway. The most comprehensive recent study of the archeology of ancient Nazareth and its local region was completed by Ken Dark over several seasons between 2004…
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The oldest hatred
Presentation to a panel discussion sponsored by the Jewish Council of Australia at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane on Monday, 29 September 2025. The topic of the event was: Should anti-Semitism be exceptionalised or should we combat all forms of racism together? Co-hosts for the event included: Doykeit (a local Jewish group in Brisbane), St John’s…
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Lent 1A (9 March 2014)
Contents 1 Lectionary 2 Introduction 3 Jesus Tempted 4 The Testing of Abraham 4.1 Jubilees 17 4.2 Sirach 44 4.3 Apocalypse of Abraham 4.4 Testament of Job, chs 2-8 5 Interfaith Parallels 5.1 Buddhism 5.2 Islamic Texts 6 Jesus Database 7 Liturgies and Prayers 7.1 Music Suggestions Lectionary Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 & Psalm 32 Romans…
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Jewish Biblical Scholarship
Contemporary biblical scholarship is mostly non-confessional. In other words, critical scholars are open to insights from all qualified contributors, irrespective of their personal religious affiliation (or lack thereof). The major critical tools will include material written by Anglicans, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and Protestants—as well as atheists and agnostics. Finding scholarship that is distinctively Jewish (or with…
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Last Sunday after Epiphany (2 March 2014)
Contents 1 Lectionary 2 Introduction 3 First Reading: Exodus 24:12-18 4 While we were with him on the holy mountain: 2 Peter 1:16-21 5 Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 6 Jesus Database 7 Liturgies and Prayers 7.1 Music Suggestions Lectionary Exodus 24:12-18 & Psalm 2 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9 Introduction This Sunday sees the end of…
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Epiphany 7A (23 February 2014)
Contents 1 Lectionary 2 Introduction: Holy perfection, perfect holiness 3 First Reading: Leviticus and the love of neighbour 4 Gospel: Perfection, no less 5 Jesus Database 6 Liturgies and Prayers 6.1 Music Suggestions Lectionary Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 & Psalm 119:33-40 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 Matthew 5:38-48 Introduction: Holy perfection, perfect holiness The lectionary readings this…
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Epiphany 6A (16 February 2014)
Contents 1 Lectionary 2 Introduction 3 First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 4 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 5 Gospel: Matthew 5:21-37 6 Jesus Database 7 Liturgies and Prayers 7.1 Music Suggestions Lectionary Deuteronomy 30:15-20 & Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 Introduction The readings set for this Sunday mostly follow the continuing series established over…
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Preaching the Old Testament
A sermon by Dr Anthony Rees for the ‘Debate the Preacher’ series at St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane on Sunday, 9 February 2014. Published here at Anthony’s request. Last week we commenced on a four week series—Why Bother with the Old Testament? My colleague, Rev Dr Greg Jenks gave a fascinating reflection on this, inviting us…
