Studying lectionary texts? Here are some starting places for study at ATLA this week. If you are the graduate of an accredited U.S. theological school, you may have free access to these articles through your school. Check ATLAS access options. You can find full lists of ATLAS recommended articles for this week at The Text This Week's page for this week's texts:
http://www.textweek.com/yearc/properc13.htm
August 4, 2013
Proper 13 / Ordinary 18 / Pentecost +11
Gaiser, Frederick J., "Preaching God: Hosea 11:1-11," Word & World, 2008.
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A very helpful “Texts in Context” Interpretation article on preaching the Hosea text. “Hosea 11:1-11 allows the preacher not to preach about God or describe God or even to proclaim the works of God, but to preach God's own self, to proclaim who God is. The prophet takes us into the very heart of God.”
Chapman, Kathryn, "Hosea 11:1-4 -- Images of a Loving Parent," Review & Expositor, 1993.
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Chapman explores the concepts of Creation Love, Chosen Love, Steadfast Love, Tolerant Love, Reminiscent Love, Beckoning Love, Corrective Love, and Unconditional Love in relationship to the Hosea text and God as Ultimate Parent.
Janzen, J. Gerald, "Qohelet on Life 'Under the Sun'," Christian Theological Seminary, 2008.
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An exploration of the term “under the sun” in Qohelet. “The expression "under the sun" thus establishes the book's overall atmosphere in a world where God's direct, unmediated activity is seldom to be seen, and God's rule is embodied almost entirely in the orders and forces of nature and human society. The one place where Qohelet may identify God's direct activity is in the joy that may arise in the human heart in the context of one's work, one's family, and one's table.”
Barram, Michael, "Between Text and Sermon: Colossians 3:1-17," Interpretation, 2005.
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An Interpretation article from 2005 on the Colossians text. “Even if a Christian's behavior could potentially be indistinguishable from the conduct of a virtuous non-Christian, there would still remain an essential difference between their actions. The difference, of course, would be found not so much in the specific actions themselves as in the course of those actions.”
Maier, Harry O., "A Sly Civility: Colossians and Empire," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2005.
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Abstract: “This article relates Colossian vocabulary, motifs and theological themes to the cultural situation of the cult of the emperor. The author's language and conceptualization of reconciliation as a cosmic and earthly peace (Col. 1.15-23) reflects an imperial backdrop and utilizes civic vocabulary typical of Greek and Roman treatments of concord. His representation of Jesus' death as a Roman triumph (2.15), and the incorporation of all humankind— including barbarians and Scythians—in a trans-ethnic unity (3.11) similarly reflects the geopolitical notions of a worldwide Roman Empire. The imperial imprint on the Household Code (3.18-4.1 ) is recognizable through attention to numismatic representations of Nero and his consort enjoying a divinely appointed familial concord. Though used by court theologians like Eusebius of Caesarea to legitimate a Christian application of Empire, the letter may be read as a destabilization of Empire inasmuch as it derives imperial-sounding ideals from the crucifixion of Jesus.”
Davis, David A., "Treasures and Abundance: Preaching the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)," Word & World, 2004.
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Luke 12:13-21 within the context of the Lukan texts for summer, year C. “Preaching through the summer from the Lucan pericopes takes the congregation with Jesus on a journey to Jerusalem—one in which his coming passion and death are viewed in the light of his earthly teaching and ministry (and vice versa).”
Orr, Mary C., "Between Text & Sermon - Luke 12:13-23," Interpretation, 2002.
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A “Between Text & Sermon” article from 2002. “In this anxious time, an understanding of security, true security, is very important. This is the most important definition that the preacher can exploit. Point out that true security is not found in airports or mailrooms; it is not dependent on missiles or metal detectors. True security is not words printed on pieces of paper, pictures of dead presidents, or numbers stored in computer memory. True security is ours because Jesus gives it to us. That is always a relevant sermon.”
Taylor, Barbara Brown, "Treasure Hunt: Luke 12:13-21, Interpreting Text, Movie and Congregation," Review & Expositor, 2002.
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A sermon on Luke 12:13-21 by Barbara Brown Taylor. “The important thing is to sense how your life and God's life are flowing in the same direction—and if you are clear that they are not, then to do something about it.”