ATSS: Laurence Turner, “Jonah: The Bias of the Pious”
18 September 2024 |
Many people do not consider the book of Jonah worthy of serious attention. It might provide wonderful images for use in children’s Bibles—a huge fish swallowing and then regurgitating a prophet fascinates everybody—but this simply underlines that the book cannot be taken seriously. Those who pass that kind of judgment are wrong.
First, the book was not addressed to children but to adults.
Second, it was addressed to certain kinds of adults.
Namely, to those who have their theology all sorted out, their fundamental beliefs memorized, with the proof texts to ram them home. Third, the book of Jonah is written for those who believe they are members of God’s chosen people but who don’t show God’s compassion to those they believe are not the chosen.
In our Adventist Today Sabbath Seminar we will discover why the book of Jonah is considered to be not only one of the most exquisitely fashioned biblical books but also one of the most challenging for twenty-first century believers. By understanding Jonah’s vice—the bias of the pious—we might be better placed to confront it in our own lives.
Teacher:
Laurence Turner is Principal Lecturer Emeritus in Old Testament at Newbold College of Higher Education.
Moderator:
Linda Nottingham is a business consultant from Florida.
How to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85644922957
Passcode: ADVENTIST
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Sigve Tonstad
- Bryan Ness
- Courtney Ray
- Jim Burklo
