I've just finished reading the newly released translation of The Gospel of Judas

(HT to edmund at Becoming for the link)

I'm not going to speak to the authenticity of this document, because I have far too little information (or scholarly background) to put forth any sort of informed opinion on the matter. Instead, I want to write about something that bothered me about the translation itself.

The document is very difficult to read, because there are many gaps, presumably because the source material is fragmentary. But the portions that you can follow have, for lack of a better word, a very "modern" feel. (I mean "modern" in the usual sense, as in "current," rather than it's use in the modern vs post-modern discussions). That is to say, most of the dialog that goes on wouldn't seem out of place today. My first reaction to that realization was to think to myself that this couldn't possibly be authentic. However, I rejected that, as I have no other reason to doubt the dating procedures that were done, placing this as a 4th century document.

Thanks to Bald Man Blogging for finding this

One Year Bible Blog: April 5th readings

(This is actually false advertising, as this post is only tangentially related to today's readings)

I am very excited. I just got an offer letter for a new job. It will mean

• More money
• Paid vacation
• Fully paid heath/disability insurance

And, most important of all, I'll be working from home! That's two hours of commuting saved per day. Not to mention gas, etc. Plus I can set my own schedule, so I can take care of little things during the day that I could never do before.

I start the new job April 17^th

One Year Bible Blog: March 24th readings

Psalm 67:1-2

Like many other psalms, this one asks for the blessings of God. What I think is important, though, is the motivation for asking. It is not for the comfort of Israel. Rather, it is so that the entire Earth can see the grace, mercy, and power of God.

President's Statement on H.R. 199, the "USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005"

(Thanks to The Carpetbagger Report for pointing this out)

Chron.com | Katrina funds earmarked to pay for Neil Bush's software program

It has always bugged me when people make a charitable "gift" with strings attached. If you're still controlling it, then it's not a gift. It's a bribe. An attempt to control the "receiving" organization. If you're going to give a gift, then give it. Don't use it as bait to get what you want. Even if "all you want" is recognition.

A Different Perspective » The Farcical End of the American Dream

One Year Bible Blog: March 21st readings

Numbers 32: