Theology in the Raw Taking God's Name in Vain and Interpreting the David and Bathsheba Story: Dr. Carmen Imes
31 snips
Jan 20, 2025 Dr. Carmen Imes, an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology and author of "Bearing God's Name," discusses the often-misunderstood commandment regarding bearing the Lord's name in vain. She challenges conventional thoughts and shares insights from biblical narratives. The conversation also delves into the controversial dynamics between David and Bathsheba, exploring issues of consent and power in their relationship. This examination urges listeners to rethink traditional interpretations and better understand the implications of these narratives today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Dissertation Topic
- Preston Sprinkle was surprised to learn that the phrase "taking the Lord's name in vain" was the subject of Carmen Imes' dissertation.
- Imes has published a popular book on the topic, "Bearing God's Name", expanding on her research.
Misinterpretation of Commandment
- "Taking the Lord's name in vain" isn't about speech but about representing God.
- Imes argues that the command refers to living a life that honors God, not just avoiding certain words.
Elliptical vs. Metaphorical Interpretation
- Most interpretations of "bearing God's name in vain" consider the phrase "bear the name" elliptical, implying a missing verb.
- Imes's view is non-elliptical, seeing "bearing" as metaphorical for carrying God's name and representing Him.
