Intro to New Testament - Theology

Final By Silva Redigonda 1. Social/cultural criticism (honor/shame; client/patron)46, 53 The Centurion's Servant In Mathew there is direct dialogue between the centurion and Jesus while in Luke, the centurion addresses Jesus through mediators which makes social relations more complex. There is a set of social relations. This consists of the centurion, his slave, Jesus and the two groups of elders and friends, who though related to the centurion, are in a position to be in contact with Jesus. Patron-clients relations are social relationships between individuals based on inequality and difference in power. A patron has social, economic and political resources that are needed by a client. In return, a client can give expressions of loyalty and honour that is useful for the patron. Luke in this passage places emphasis upon economic exchange and social relations. In Luke, the power of the centurion is his relationships with the groups. His position is patron. He represents the outside military and administrative power. He is not a Jew. He has established himself the role of patron to the town. He is a broker and in return for favours, the town elders, who are his clients establishes contact with Jesus. As is the custom of that time, they praise the centurion and recommend him to Jesus as an honourable person, "he is worthy of having you do this for him, for his loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us." The elders also depict respect to Jesus, the potential patron. He is addressed as Lord and is considered more powerful than the centurion. The centurion declares his own unworthiness,"I am not worthy to have you come under my roof." He also relays this through his friends. This permits the power of Jesus to be shown. This is a positive honour challenge. The powerful centurion, an important patron in the area, provides more honour to Jesus and addresses him as benefactor and patron. Honour is the positive value of a person in his or her eyes of his or her social group. The Call of Levi (53) The honourable person does honourable actions. Jesus is not a patron in his own right because he does not distribute his own resources, but he is a broker. He mediates between the people of Israel and God. By honouring God the people accept their status as clients. Jesus is discredited because of the company that he keeps, when he dines, with tax collectors and sinners. His honour is challenged when the Pharisees and scribes question Jesus's disciples. The accusation is that by eating with them, Jesus makes tax-collectors and sinners his clients and that he enters into an unholy alliance with them and all they represent. Tax collectors had a lowly status as did sinners. Due to the honour and shame society of that time, "Who is the greatest?" would frequently arise. Pharisees and scribes had a position of honour and therefore could challenge Jesus. When Jesus is challenged he has the option of succumbing to shame or responding to the challenge. He does the latter by providing a reasonable explanation, "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." His honour thus remains intact. Textual Variants "S" and "O". 1&54 John The Baptist S text: Codex Sinaiticus (4th or 5th century), Codex Vaticanus (4th century),Codex Bezae Cantabrigiensis (6th century perhaps 5th), Koridethi Gospels (7th to 9th century), The Lake Group (minuscules); it Itala, vg Vulgate,The Peshitta Syriac version; The Sahidic version; The Bohairic version. The prophets minus Isaiah) Codex-Alexandrinus; Washington Codex; the Ferrar Group; The Koine. This text begins with John the Baptist, an apocalyptic prophet. This is multiple attested. This was a common view of the first century. All three sources independently of one another begin Jesus' ministry with his association with John the Baptist. Earlier sources should be especially valued. This type of text "S" is very significant as it is represented by the oldest extant uncials. Older is normally considered more accurate. The text of the gospels and Acts is the best Alexandrian text existing. We are dealing with families or groups of manuscripts regarding this text. This is old Latin which was later translated into Greek. Omitting "son of God" is dated from the middle fourth century. The later sources are more theological based. Luke introduces a historiographic preface. "In the fifteenth year of the reign…" Mathew just refers to "those days" which is non specific but we know that it is after the prophet Isaiah. Mark implies this as well. Internal criteria – Luke is the best reading that explains all the others. There is a history, an explanation, an introduction of Jesus and a fulfillment of prophecy. Mark is considered the more difficult reading. He introduces the beginning of the good news (therefore Jesus is not kept quiet, but proclaimed). He also has the shortest reading. The text is similar in meaning but not necessarily the same. The theology is proclaimed and, Jesus is come "who will prepare the way of the Lord" (TT). All three indicate that John is in the wilderness. Text variants O (54)The Question About Fasting O text – Gk Paris Papyrus (3rd century), It may or may not include Geneva Papyrus (ca. 200 ad) since this is uncertain it must be disregarded. Codex Sinaiticus (4th or perhaps 5th century) Codex Vaticanus (4th century) one of the most important biblical manuscripts extant. Washingon Manuscript (5th century). The Peshitta Syriac version (1901), The Sahidic version (1911), The Bohairic version. The oldest version is the best). O indicates that better is Codex Alenadrinus (5th century), Codex Ephraemi (5th century), Koridethi Gospels (7th to 9th century), The lake group (minuscules), The Ferrar group (minuscules), The Koine or Byzantine text. Versions cited is Itala (old Latin version), but not in its entirety. The last verse is to be deleted "And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, the ""old is good."" Codex Bezae (fifth century or perhaps fourth) and it (old Latin Version). Luke writes for a gentile audience. Luke always tells a parable in public. This text is part of Public Ministry. Considering both texts O and S, the more manuscripts the better in authenticity and both have this which establishes credibility. The text is very valuable and it also demonstrates the danger of misinterpretation when one does not study theology. What was contemporary and acceptable then is not quite understood in this period without understanding of that period. Jesus is accused of going against Jewish law for ignoring the time to fast and pray. At that time wineskins would stretch with new wine as it continued to ferment and then it would get harder. If new wine was then put into the hard wineskin it would break. Another analogy was that new cloth would shrink. Subsequently putting the new cloth with cloth that was already shrunk would not be compatible either. This is Jesus teaching was not being compatible with the old teachings. Jesus is the bridegroom and therefore there is no requirement to fast if he deems it so. This text is similar in the triple tradition. The readings accord with the style and theology of the author. (Internal criteria) (252) Source and Purpose The Guard at the Tomb There is one source for 252– Mathew. But the foot notes also provides more sources, that being: Gospel of Peter 8:28-33 and Gospel of the Nazereans for the entire passage. All in all there are three sources for the passage. The purpose is to validate. The more sources, the more confidence there is in acknowledging the passage. The sources also provide us with a time period. Sources for the Catholic Church are also those that have become acknowledged as authorized as is 252 and therefore valid. But to ignore other sources that are not recognized by the church may restrict the full appreciation for its historical contents. 253 – Significant Redactional Changes in the words of the angels to the women What I consider significant redactional changes is the view the authors had of the women which is indicated in how the women are addressed. Mark is considered the oldest text. The angel (Mark) tells the women not to be alarmed. The young man is explicit in acknowledging that the women are looking for Jesus and that he is no longer in the temple. The women are directed to go to Jesus' disciples and Peter and to tell them that Jesus is going ahead to Galilee and the women will see him there. Mark is specific that the women are Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome. Mathew also identifies Mary Magdalene but identifies Mary the mother of James as the other Mary. This may be the mother of James but again it is not specific. No other women are mentioned. Here there are two women rather than three. Perhaps the third woman did not merit mention. In Mathew the angel tells the women to not be afraid as opposed to not be alarmed as by Mark. Mathew acknowledges that he knows the women are looking for Jesus but does not indicate that Jesus is of Nazareth which is stated in Mark. This is important because it is part of the reason why there is confusion where Jesus was actually from. Luke indicates that the women are terrified. None of the others have indicate that the women are afraid. They are just advised not to be. This is specific to seeing women as the weaker sex and more prone to being scared. There is more gender differences and expectations. There is now two angels and not one. The women in Luke are identified at the end of the passage and not the start as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the other women with them. It is not specific if the group who later alert the disciples are the same women who see the angel. Perhaps this implies that it is not important and therefore women are not important. Yet Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James (or other Mary) is specific because it illustrates the importance of these women in the time of Jesus. Women in future text would gradually become more diminished in importance and acknowledgement. Jesus had a good relationship with women not common of that day. He treated women as equals to men. Neither Mathew nor Luke add Peter separately from the disciples as in Mark when talking to the women. But Peter is mentioned later in Luke as returning to the tomb after meeting the women. What is very interesting is that women are identified as going to the tomb and being directed by the angel. This would be considered an embarrassment because women should not be elevated to this level of actually meeting the angel. For that time men rather than women would have held this honour. Therefore, Mathew Mark and Luke have provided women with a status that is varied according to the author's impression of women. Mark 10:18 Jesus said, to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone…" Utilizing the criteria of historical Jesus research, it is unlikely that Mark 10:18 represents the authentic words of Jesus. Since the 18th century, scholars have learned and emphasized the Gospels were not composed by Jesus' disciples. The Gospels are selected and edited editions. None of the authors would have met Jesus. They would have felt free to change Jesus' traditions, including changing words attributed to Jesus. Jesus' words were shaped by contemporary Jewish thought and the interpretation of scripture by fellow Jews. The Historical Jesus explains Mark 10:18, " this method of retracting the development to observe a low Christology often leads us to a person who is sometimes impressively humble: Jesus." There is a Christological concern that only God is good. History of 1st century and dating of the gospels – 213 PREDICTION OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE It provides the apocalyptic viewpoint that it would occur in their time, that is wars, and final judgement when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies. It reflects the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. It seems like the end of the world. It is not like the fundamentalists at the end of our time. All this is for the communities of the 1st century. The Gospels are written after Paul, about 20 years before Mark.

Lead Exposure - psychology notes

The Environment and the developing brain --- pending…….psychology notes…. Cont….from Lead (PB) Exposure . main routes of exposure through air and soil pollution; . Main focus of concern - moderate exposure levels - early childhood exposure . Currently accepted “safe” level: 10-15 /100 ml . Lead poisoning (plumbism) >50 - 80 /100 ml Common Environmental Sources - paint (especially in older buildings) - electrical battery casings - automobile emissions - lead plumbing - pottery and cooking utensils (eg. Old pewter, some paints and glazes). - Leaded crystal Effects of Lead . Blocks absorption of Iron, zinc and calcium (critical to nervous system and bones). . Accumulates in body tissues and selectively in certain brain regions: Hippocampus Amygdala Neocortex Behavioral Impairments (primate and rat studies) Results are very mixed. There are more studies of monkeys than others. . Delayed alternation (animals in maze goes one way and another, another way). . Delayed matching to sample. (visual stimulus). . Spatial and non-spatial reversal learning. Reversal learning is a measure of cognitive flexibility. Simply put, the basic idea is that simple learning is not impaired but when it becomes more complicated there seems to be impairment. Human Behavioral Studies . umbilical at fetus and teeth in children for lead exposure . Prospective studies - mixed results on IQ measures . School achievement - Some evidence for delays and lower achievement in children with moderate exposure to lead.

Why still busy? Revenue Canada

I was just about to begin proof reading my next book when I was stopped by a telephone "from far away". After a bit of testing, it was indeed, hold and behold Revenue Canada calling me from Newfoundland. I didn't know that Revenue Canada worked out there. Good for them. So, aside from my clients, I have placed everything else on hold, including the weeds growing around my beautiful flowers. I will get that covered. I am now on a quest to gather all my proof of expenses. This is also a learning experience and if there are any tips at the end of it, I shall share. Because everything is going paperless, that is the challenge. Also, there is so much integration of facilities, another challenge. However, believe it or not, it is for me relaxing. I know I have everything, so it relaxes my brain. I would prefer to relax it outdoors, but hopefully, I will be able to get there eventually. It is amazing how many people have suggested I retire. However, none of them are in my profession. They want me to work til I am at least a hundred. Could I? Probably. Did you hear? Yesterday they announced a $100,000 cruise around 30 somthing countries in about three months. The announcer wondered how many people can afford that since everything was sold out in an hour. I could imagine sailing away in luxury but that is as far as it went - a temporary break from reality. I shall be posting what I have saved on USB until I finish this quest with Revenue Canada. At least they are super friendly out East, while they devour you. Have a good weekend.

Summary of the Development of Trinitarian Dogma (Theology)

Summary of the Development of Trinitarian Dogma Silva Redigonda Part One Providing an outline this particular way was due to my review of classnotes, readingings and some of the tape recording in class to date. It fulfills instructions 1a in helping me pull it all together so that I can fulfill the task of the second portion. This may be considered a blend of your request for my way of helping me pull it together and your request of the latter portion of a chart from scripture to Dogma. Outline Who is God? Not, what is God? Three in one and one in three = Trinity Tasks - Understanding and notion of Doctrines (gradually developing) Research – data – interpretation – some canons; some rules – meaning Dialectics – differences are contradictory Conversion or not Problem of relating to Trinity - Thinking modern thoughts - therefore, do not think modern 1st century Judaism – God > therefore, if not God, created by God- eschatology –monotheism/ Not God Two dogmas – 1. Mystery 2. God acts on behalf of God’s people. Shift - over time Israel provides a shift - spirit and word. Spirit only given to Kings and prophets. King mediates to the nation. Prophets guide and announce something new. -Duality - Wright (more than one divine). Hebrew accepts other religion but it is not God. Easter – Resurrection – we see Jesus who was dead and is now alive (reason) - Spirit poured out onto us. Jesus is God – recognition and reconciliation of Jesus – scriptures open to us – mission. Easter changes everything - Jesus is God and God is Jesus – The Holy Spirit acts and God is one and one in three. God as Father, God as Son and God as Holy Spirit. Scripture -John to the Philippians – proposes a shift. High Christianity vs. low Christianity John – will not find human Jesus Christ. (word about, work of :Cross; word of:Ministry, word of human origins, the word. Revelation – starts giving names of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit has personal name. God is on trial at a certain point. God makes a judgement. Communion of God. Father giving to son and the son giving to the father and Holy Spirit receives everything from the father and the son and the spirit bears witness and gives back. Obedience of Jesus, the Father and Son work together because one is obedient to the other (two can do the work of one). Mark – (behavior) only human Jesus. The word of Jesus: Ministry – how Jesus got to the cross; Jesus performs that belong to God alone. (claim authority over law, forgives sins and drives out demons). Jesus speaks own authority. Messianic secret. Depicts Jesus before Easter. Who Jesus is and who God is. All things lead to Son of God. Development – mutual neutrality of Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Paul - Jesus is raised. Luke – goes further: human origins. Stops at Adam. One humanity in Christ. Interested in overshadowing Mary. Spirit at conception. Mathew – interested in origins of Jesus. Focus on Israel. Jesus is Israel and reveals God. Spirit at conception. Obedience of Jesus, the Father and Son work together because one is obedient to the other (two can do the work of one). Early Christians – story of Jesus as story of God’s own obedience. There was no issue that Jesus was human. The pivot is the revelation of who God is. 1st movement – a WAY 2nd movement – ascribing agency (spirit becomes the subject – a verb) 3rd movement – Luke – exploring depths of this agency. Mutuality between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Things need to be clarified so – Dogma Pray text, Pray 3 in one and one and three MOVEMENT FROM SCRIPTURE TO DOGMA GK philosophy and culture cannot accept a suffering God. God is abstract. Proclamation of Christ as God is a scandal. How to proclaim the gospel through new meaning? Church Theologians 2nd century Gospel of Ebionites - on the day of his bapism Jesus is begotten as Son of God, by the Spirit entering him (adoptionism). Accepted by Byzantium, Theodotus the Younger and Artemon (end of the 2nd century). -^ rejected by mainstream church and considered heretical. Later second and third centuries Monarchian school at the beginning of third century. He himself made himself a son to himself. A Father makes a son and a son makes a father thus reciprocally related out of each other to each other cannot in any way by themselves simply become so related to themselves, that the Father can make himself a Son to Himself, and the Son render Himself a Father to Himself. ^(argument) with God anything is possible. Tertullian (IN THE WEST) - Father and Son – two different entities are needed. I cannot be my own father or my own son. Trinitarian counter position – God the Father implements the salvation of human beings with the help of the son and the Holy Spirit. The Father is distinct from the son, being greater than the son, inasmuch as He who begets is one, and He who is begotten is another Demonstrates in Praxis 11, that Monarchians have no scriptural proof Origen (IN THE EAST) [died 253/4} (most educated in his time [probably]) Put forward Logos theology grounded in both the Bible and philosophy – decisive attacks on Monarchians. Like other Logos theologians, more concerned about distinction rather than unity in God. Origen described Father, Son and Spirit as three distinct hypostasis. Therefore, three entities with their own existence and real presence, and their distinction is expressed. He designated these three as being one. No other beings are good in themselves. God is first and only. All that is spiritual is eternal and only the material is transitory. God is the creator of all. Arius – born circa 260 – theology from the Alexandrian milieu strongly shaped by theology of Origen before him. Dispute over Arius occurred circa 318. If the pre existent son of God had a beginning, then he did not exist before he was begotten, created and set up. God is therefore, true God. The Son of God is not true God, he only bears the title God. The Son belongs more on the side of the creatures, who also came into being from nothing. The son is so radically subordinate to the Father that in Arius’s view he cannot know the nature of the Father. Therefore, Christology no longer a threat to monotheism. Excommunicated circa 318. Bishops of Nicomedia and Caesarea supported teachings Bishop Alexander of Alexandria warned fellow bishops against intrigues of Arius and followers. Also counters Arian doctrine that the Son has a beginning. Council of Nicaea (325) deliberations began and held in Gk. Eusebius was offered the opportunity to justify himself with a creed. It had become customary in the dispute over Arius for opposing parties to sum up their theological views in creed. Council fathers to work out a creed chose the theology from earlier creeds which were undisputed, namely pre-existenacne of the Arian dispute. The term homoousios belongs in the anti-Arian repertoire of the Council of Nicaea. Council Fathers also condemned the core thesis of Arius including that Son of God had once not existed. Fathers also used the terms hypostasis and substance (ousia) as synonyms and did not distinguish them (poses a problem in the future). Question : Are Father, Son and Spirit three distinct entities or only one was not answered at Nicaea. Banished dignitaries such as Arius and Bishop Eusebius of Nicomedia were rehabilitated and had to adhere formally to the official church. Years after Nicaea, in the east of the empire, a witch hunt against Nicene Bishops began. Marcellus – like the Monarchians at the beginning of the third century central concern was the unity of God. Creator God of the OT and the savior are not two Gods but one and the same God. Moves further in the field of pre-existence Christology and confirms (against Arian thesis) that the Son really is God’s own and true Logos. Emphasizes that the divinity of the Father and of the Son is indivisible. Athanasius and Marcellus were banished to the west of the empire so that peace could come to the east. In 337 Constantine dies there and empire is divided between his three sons. Son Constantine allowed banished bishops to return but in due to unrest in 339 they leave. 341 – a synod took place in Rome without Eastern participation. Verdict – rehabilitated Marcellus and Athanasius and at the same time accused the theologians of the East of being Arians. 4 different formule are associated with the Synod of Antioch. East and West divided in church politics and theology and incapable of union on their own. For this reason political support was seeked from Ermperor Constans, ruler of the western half of the empire. Circa 342 council met – none of the disputants reached the theological stage which would be the binding tradition of the church decades later. However, problems not discussed at Nicaea were now openly on the table. 351 a synod in Sirmium 350’s revival of Arianism. This new version is also called Neo-Arianism. Used concept of begetting to express the difference in substance between the unbegotten Father and the begotten Son. The son is like or similar to the Father in substance. In reaction there was a counter-movement in the East. Emperor Constantius also anxious of Neo-Arianism rise. 357 Constantius organized a small synod in Sirmium to give discussion on a new direction. Result: Rivals agreed on a joint text, fourth formula of Sirmium, dated 22 May 359. New Years Eve 359/360 all present bishops in Constantinople finally signed a creed (synods 30.2-10) 362 – negotiations in Alexandria – the orthodox content of the different theologies was established. 381 – second ecumenical council – a Synod of the bishops of the East (orientated on Neo – Nicene theology). Pope not invited. Only one Western participant Bishop Acholius of Thessalonica. Canon 1 which the council passed proves the bishops still recognized the Nicene Creed. With the council of Constantinople the crises that the theology of Arius had sparked was overcome, in the East of the empire. Canon laws. Part 2 This paper will examine the dogmatic development from the end of Nicea to Constantinople II pastoral application of reflection reaching out to the spirituality within each person. The Council of Nicaea deliberations began in 325 and were held in the Greek language. Council Fathers condemned the core thesis of Arius including that the Son of God had once not existed. Fathers also used the terms hypostasis and substance (ousia) as synonyms and did not distinguish them which would become a problem in the future. Subsequently, what was not answered is the question, are Father, Son and Spirit three distinct entities or one? We may examine the differences of two Creeds, the Creed of Jerusalem indicates the Son of God as the only “begotten Son of God”, while the Nicene Creed” … from the substance of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made” The difference being created and not made. What is basic at Nicaea is what you can say about the father you can say about the son. The statement that“ ‘true God from true God is also anti-Arian’ ”(Dunzl, p 56). Circa 342 Serdica council met and problems not discussed at Nicaea were now being dealt with. This could have been an ecumenical council as intended but the Bishops of the East refused to take part in joint sessions with Marcellus of Ancyra and Athanasius of Alexandria were present (Dunzl, p 79). The Eastern bishops also once again condemned, doctrine of there being three Gods or that Christ is not God; that neither Christ nor the Son of God existed before the ages or that one and the same is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that the Son; that the son is unbegotten or that one and the same is Father, Son and Holy Spirit; that the Son is unbegotten or that the Father did not beget the Son by decision and will” (Dunzl, p80) The Western assembly continued to meet in Serdica. It had two tasks, to safeguard the rehabilitation of Athanasius (had been banished to the West of the empire so that peace could come to the East) and other deposed bishops legally (Canon 3 of Serdica). The Bishops of the West wanted to give binding expression to their faith and to publish it in an encyclical (Dunzl, p 80) . Questions raised are: Is there only one divine hypostasis as the West taught or are there three as the East taught? Neither the West nor East could provide a convincing answer. In the 350’s an unexpectant revival of Arianism also called Neo-Arianism, occurred which did not meet with undivided approval among the Bishops (Dunzl, p 89). In reaction there was a theological counter-movement in the East which maintained the Eastern doctrine of the three divine hypostases but at the same time wanted to separate itself clearly from Arianism. Neo-Arianism believed that “the Son is like or similar to the Father in substance (Gk. homios Kat’ousian) One can also express the relation of the Son to the Father with the adjective homoiousiso, so in history of dogma the representatives of this doctrine are designated Homoeousians. The two Greek adjectives homos and homoios have the same meaning and express likeness but with different nuances. Homos can mean “like” as indentical; homoios “like” as similar. Since two things that are like each are not identical, this is the problem. The traditional East taught that God, the Father and God the son cannot be identical with each other, since that would be modalistic thinking, they are therefore two distinct hypostasis, each with his own ousia, individual substance. A breakthrough to a conception of the Trinity which would pave the way to the future and ultimately overcome the dispute over Arianism is the pioneer work by Basil the Great. Both supporters and opponents of the Nicene Creed had used the terms hypostasis and substance (ousia) as corresponding to each other. The West and the Old Nicenes around Ahanasius of Alexandria had always started from one divine substance and at the same ti8me one divine hypostasis to safeguard monotheism. The East spoke of three divine hypostases (three existing realities). The two terms “substance and hypostasis” was also customary for Basil. However, Basil learned to keep the two concepts apart due to the controversy with Arian (Dunzl, p 106). The key basic insight that Basil has is that the Spirit has his own divine operation. The Spirit is God. God works the difference. A great moment in Church history is the negotiations in Alexandria in 362. Here there was an understanding of opposing parties and a clarification of terminological differences. The orthodox content of the different theologies was established (Dunzl, 106. Here in pastoral terms one might be able to recognize and respect the language, difference of opinion

Busy but trying to slow down - a bit about my next book and how it is coming along. www.silvaredigonda.ca

Yesterday morning I managed to finish my first draft. I have been attending the Sisters of Crime events whenever possiblie and there have been some interesting speakers. As you know I self published the first three books, mainly because I don't have the patience to wait. I send out to a few people and then am asked if they are the first I have offered a submission and of course I am honest and then don't hear anything. I have also been focused in Canada and perhaps I should do like others and spread my wings; go more international. Perhaps I should shop for an agent. I have heard all kind of reasons why someone won't accept a book. One person said if there is anyone in the book smoking, it is a no. Some don't like coffee etc......If you kill anyone in the first chapter, it's a no.etc.....I have to admit I was surprised at what I was hearing. I didn't expect so many biases. However, there were some good tips. Write, keep writing and don't stop. That is what I did with this last book. I wrote and didn't stop but there were so many gaps between being able to write. So, in this draft when I return to it, I imagine there will be many errors for me to correct. I wrote 160 pages. I like this book. It's spooky. Aw that is something else that I learned. One writer shared that she was rejected by one publishing company only to be accepted when she changed it from mystery to supernatural mystery or something like that. Ideally, it would be wonderful to just focus on my book for a month, so it can remain fresh, but that is not possible during this pandemic. I have been busier than ever, seeing clients and attending seminars, because there have been so many changes because of the pandemic. So, as I attempt to slow down and focus on my book, it still is not possible at this exact time. I want to take December off, because taking August off, doesn't seem possible at this moment. Of course things can change but I am not counting on it. I also have a responsibility to who I see. I am a one woman operation with a responsibility of care to my clients. Of course I am also big on self care and because of that I do try to take two days off a week for myself. If it cannot be two full days, it is rather close. My priority is clients, seminars and then talks about writing and finally actually writing. In this last book, I love the ending because it opens the door moreso to continue writing a series if I want to. I began writing about a heroine, but eventually I switch to a man. That is something else that I learned. Publishers now like women as the top dog. That is something else I learned- political correctness and if not correct, it can be the end of you. I feel bad for some because I believe that if changes are to occur it should be by education before giving the fatal blow. We are going through changes and don't get me wrong, I do think we are over do, but let's be kind ourselves while doing it. As I ponder how I am going to slow down in my private paractice, I am also toying with the idea to focus more on my writing. It is still a hobby unless I can make it more profitable. A person once said if you are not making money, it's a hobby. Well, so be it. I have been writing for fun since I was little so keep throwing pennies my way. I can take it. I have to go back to work, but I just didn't want to leave you without offering a bit of me to sustain you during the weekend. I plan to take at least two weeks off before Christmas and just maybe if people are good about getting their double vaccinations, I can take a mini trip. I was invited to a bbq next weekend, but I don't think I am quite ready for too many people, even though they are only inviting people who are fully vaccinated. I don't know why, but my suspicious mind tells me that people are so anxious to go out to play that they will say they are vaccinated even when they are not. So, have a good weekend. Try to balance your life during this time and please go out and seriously consider getting vaccinated. LIsten to the experts and not all the conspiracy nonesense out there. Hopefully, we can do a better job at educating in earlier grades so people can understand how biology works and other aspects which is so important right now like global warming. Have fun this weekend. I am planning for some fun each weekend from now to eternity. What do you think. www.silvaredigonda.ca

Theology notes - more definitions

Ebla- a city of ancient Syria. Edomites – Traditional enemies of the Israelites, the Edomites were the descendants of Esau who often battled the Jewish nation. Edom was in southeast Palestine, stretched from the Red Sea at Elath to the Dead Sea. Enuma Elish – the creation of the world begins with the universe in a formless state, from which emerge two primary gods, male and female. Etiological stories - creation stories or stories that explain or justify certain things. Exile- The Babylonian captivity of the Jews, 597 – 538 B.C.E. Gilgamesh epic – the hero of Sumerian and Babylonian epics. Henotheism – the worship of a particular God without disbelieving in the existence of others. Hexateuch – the first six books of the Old Testament. Hittite Grant – is similar to the grant of the dynasty of David. It is found in the decree of Hattsilis concerning Middannamuwas, his chief scribe. Jamnia – A place near Joppa. circa 90 where a council of rabbis declared the Old Testament canon to be completed. This eventually became known as the Masoretic text. Levites – The subordinate ministers appointed in the Mosaic Law for the service of the Tabernacle and of the Temple. Mari – an ancient city on the Euphrates, in Syria. Masoretes, Masoretic Text (MT) The authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible regarded almost universally as the official version. This text was completed by a meticulous group of Jewish scholars called the Mesoretes who flourished between the 6th and the 10th century (approximate) . They devised a system of marks that could surround the Hebrew consonantal text and describe the manner of reading without disturbing the consonants.

Scam alert - This is a very poor attempt but still about 55 Canadians a day were victims of a scam last year according to the gov't of Canada- so I shall post it.

This mail is been writing to you because we have come to understand that you have lost a lot of money all because you want to receive your fund well note that all that have been put to a stop as the federal government of Nigeria has promised to assist you with the sum of $5million in other to compensate you and all you have to do is fill the below information s. 1 full name 2 home phone and cell phone number 3 occupation 4 amount that was lost by you Send this and get back at once. Warm regards Femi