If I were living in the US, I’m sure I’d be dealing with different issues than I deal with here. Simply because of access (or lack thereof), many in the biblical studies world in the States are largely concerned with issues of language and theology. But not me. My game is historical geography. Thus, you can imagine my horror when the Sunday School teacher keeps calling my daughter by the wrong name. Her name is Bethany, not Bethsaida! There is a big difference!
Here’s Bethsaida:
Here’s Bethany:
okay, so I totally just stumbled upon your blog today, Todd. I’m sitting in a class at TMS, which, let’s just say, is not entirely engaging. Praise the Lord for wireless internet. I almost laughed out loud in the middle of class at that picture of Bethany! How funny! I’ll definitely make it a point to frequent this corner of cyberspace. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Hey Todd, is A History of Israel, by Kaiser, a good one? I can’t remember if you recommended that one or not? Thanks a bunch.
So like my friend Christian I also stumbled upon your blog in the middle of class. And my response was pretty similar. That is a great picture of Bethany. Thanks for the entertainment!! I miss Israel and check the IBEX website daily (sometimes more). I started out my first small group this year by saying, “You all have to go to IBEX, it is hand’s down the best thing at Master’s.” (All my girls have plans to go….hooray!!) Tell the fam “hi” for me!
Hey Todd.. how bizarre, I just stumbled upon your blog, too.. while searching for “messianic jewish blogs.” I dig your photos and commentary. Rock on. (Although, since you’re into historical geography, that phrase probably takes on a whole new meaning.)
Haha! How can you confuse the two I don’t know!?!? Too fun!! I wish I could see this precious face every day…I didn’t realize how much I took for granted my time there. Thanks for the pictures Todd.
Is that really Bethsaida?
Happy – Kaiser is not a good one. See my comments here (http://www.bibleplaces.com/books.htm) for more. Merrill is better, and I need to add Provan, Long and Longman to the list – it is very good!
Dan – you had to ask, didn’t you :-). My final answer is: either yes or no.
Christian and Slusher – sorry about your classes. Piper says one of the greatest sins for a teacher is to be boring. It’s not always so easy though…
Todd: If “one of the greatest sins for a teacher is to be boring,” would you mind telling us what the three greatest sins of a student are? Lots of students read your blog (myself included) and would benefit from your perspective on this. Maybe you could do a short post on it…