BAR NASHA

Pontifical Biblical Institute: Studying the Bible for 100 Years

2011-04-13T02:14:00.002+08:00

On one of Rome's quieter, less traveled streets the world's only institution dedicated solely to Biblical studies houses over 200,000 volumes. It was founded by Pius X 100 years ago. Jose Maria Abrego, Rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute, says: "One hundred years for an academic institution is nothing. But it does allow it to claim a certain experience and try to look toward the future and toward the service it can develop in the future with a base."

A Century of Studying the Bible

2011-04-13T02:05:00.004+08:00

Its been a century since the Pontifical Biblical Institute of Rome has been teaching the Bible. It was founded in 1909 by Pope Pius X and handed to the Society of Jesus due to their intellectual apostolate. As they prepare to celebrate their 100th anniversary, their main objective remains teaching the Bible, but most importantly what it represents.

Is it about Time to Discard All You Know about Qumran?

2011-03-29T05:45:00.003+08:00

Simone Paganini, a young Italian exegete teaching in Vienna and Innsbruck, has just published a book Qumran: Le rovine della luna questioning many of the commonly held views about Qumran. His main arguments are the following: [1] The people who lived in Qumran were not the hypothetical sectarian Essene community that Josephus wrote about. Instead, they were men and women engaged in farming and commerce, particularly in the manufacture of vessels for priestly use. [2] The scrolls found in various caves near the Dead Sea were not produced in Qumran. Rather, they belonged to the library of the Temple of Jerusalem. The scrolls were hidden in the caves to save them from the impending destruction of the Temple by the Roman army. [3] The scroll 7Q5 does not contain a verse from the Gospel of Mark as previous thought by some scholars.

About: Dr. Simone Paganini

LST-CBAP BIBLICAL STUDIES FORUM

2010-07-29T00:22:00.009+08:00

In line with its mandate to promote theological and biblical studies in the Asian context, Loyola School of Theology, in collaboration with the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines, sponsored the Biblical Studies Forum last July 15 and 16, 2010, on the topic of Doing Biblical Studies in the East Asian Context.

On July 15, there were two public lectures attended by the international participants, CBAP members and associates, LST professors and students. Dr. Gina Hens-Piazza (in the picture above) lectured on "Biblical Studies as Contextual Studies...." This was followed by discussion in small groups. In the afternoon Sr. Rekha Chennattu, RA, delivered a paper on "Doing Biblical Studies in the Asian Context." After this there was an open forum with the two speakers.

Dr. Hens-Piazza is associate professor at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, and also serves on the editorial board of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly. Sr. Chennattu teaches at the Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth in Pune, India.

On July 16, the forum participants from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Australia shared their experiences of inculturated and contextualized study/teaching/ministry of the Word of God in their respective countries.

LST Course Offerings in 2Sem SY 2009-10

2009-10-30T08:22:00.003+08:00

Biblical Language Courses

Biblical Exegesis Courses

Other Courses

2009 CBAP Convention - Video & Photos

2009-07-20T17:45:00.004+08:00

The 2009 Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP) Convention was held at the Phinma Training Center in Tagaytay City last July 17-19. Dr. James H. Charlesworth of Princeton Theological Seminary delivered two major papers, one on "Did the Serpent Deceive Eve?", the other on "Qumran and the Origins of Christianity.” Miriam Alejandrino, OSB, also gave a major paper on "The Disciples' Journey of Faith in the Johannine Perspective.” The workshops were conducted by Michael Lapid (“Early Christian Thought on Philippians 2:6-11”), Noli Mendoza (“Jeremiah’s Vision of a Suffering Earth”), and Freddie Billanes (“The Penitent Criminal in Luke 23:39-43”). CBAP is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

Click this to watch a video of the convention:

Click this to see various photos of July 17 (Friday):

Click this to see various photos of July 18 (Saturday):

Click this to see various photos of July 19 (Sunday):

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Dr. James Charlesworth's Public Lecture at LST

2009-07-15T17:16:00.012+08:00

Wednesday, 15 Juily 2009 -- Dr. James H. Charlesworth delivered a public lecture to a full packed crowed of students, professors, and guests at the Cardinal Sin Center in Loyola School of Theology on "Reconstructing Jesus' Life and Thought in the Gospel of John."

Charlesworth has another speaking engagement at Loyola School of Theology on 22 July 2009, at 8:00 in the evening on the topic of "The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Origins of Christianity. He is in the Philippines as a guest speaker at the 2009 Annual Convention of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines, in Tagaytay City, on July 17-19.

Click here for more pictures.

Dr. James H. Charlesworth: 2009 CBAP Convention Speaker

2009-07-08T11:56:00.002+08:00

Dr. James H. Charlesworth will deliver a major paper in the 2009 Annual Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines Convention at Phinma Training Center in Tagaytay City on July 17-19.

Dr. Charlesworth is Princeton Seminary’s George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature and director and editor of the Seminary’s Dead Sea Scrolls Project. He holds a B.D. from Duke Divinity School, a Ph.D. from Duke University Graduate School, and an E.T. (Eleve Titulaire) from the Ecole Biblique de Jerusalem. His academic interests include the Dead Sea Scrolls, apocryphal works, the historical Jesus, the Gospel of John, and the Revelation of John. He teaches courses on the relationship between the Jesus traditions in the gospels and the theologies of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the life and thought of Jesus of Nazareth, the Old Testament in the New, the Gospel and Epistles of John, and the Hebrew and Theology of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Prof. Boris Repschinski, Visiting Professor at LST

2009-05-21T14:28:00.017+08:00

Course Title: Matthew. A Gospel for a community between tradition and future
Description: In a world that speaks of globalization and multi-culturalism and often experiences them as painful, and in a church that holds fast to traditions and yet realizes their fragility the Gospel of Matthew offers some sound advice because it mirrors a community suffering a similar crisis... (August only: M T F 2:00-4:40 pm. See the list of Biblical Exegesis & Language Courses at LST below).
Curriculum Vitae

2009 Biblical Exegesis Courses at LST

2009-05-21T14:18:00.002+08:00

SS 201 HISTORY OF ISRAEL (READING COURSE) (Ramirez)
SS 204 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS & RESEARCH METHODS (Ramirez)
SS 225 OT EXEG: THEME OF REPENTANCE IN HOSEA (Ramirez)
SS 245 NT EXEG: MATTHEW, A GOSPEL FOR A COMMUNITY (Repschinski)
SS 276 BIBLICAL THEOLOGY: WISDOM LIERATURE (Keating)
SS 301 HISTORY OF ISRAEL (ADVANCED READING COURSE) (Ramirez)
SS 304 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS & RESEARCH METHODS (Ramirez)
SS 325 ADV OT EXEG: THEME OF REPENTANCE IN HOSEA (Ramirez)
SS 345 ADV NT EXEG: MATTHEW, A GOSPEL FOR A COM... (Repschinski)
SS 376 ADV BIBLICAL THEOLOGY: WISDOM LITERATURE (Keating)

2009 Biblical Language Courses at LST

2009-05-21T14:12:00.002+08:00

BG 201 BIBLICAL GREEK I (Schneider)
BG 202 BIBLICAL GREEK II (Schneider)
BG 203 BIBLICAL GREEK III (Schneider)
BG 204 BIBLICAL GREEK IV (Schneider)
BH 201 BIBLICAL HEBREW I (Ramirez)
BH 202 BIBLICAL HEBREW II (Schneider)
BH 203 BIBLICAL HEBREW III (Ramirez)
BH 204 BIBLICAL HEBREW IV (Ramirez)

The 9th Annual CBAP Convention (2008)

2008-08-02T00:31:00.011+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines held its 9th Annual Convention last 18-20 July 2008 at Phinma Training Center in Tagaytay City.

The theme chosen for this year’s convention was “The Torah and Paul” – 2008 being a year dedicated to the Apostle to the Gentiles. The two major papers were: “Eschatological Motivations of Paul’s Moral Imperatives in the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians” by Renato Repole, SJ, Rector of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City, and “The Book and Text: Some Questions about Reading the Bible” by Jean-Louis Ska, SJ, Professor of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.

There were six workshop papers presented: “Deborah Disclosed: Prophet, Woman and Judge” by Kristine Meneses; “Peter and Paul: with Different Charisms” by Gil Alinsangan, SSP; “The Story of Aqhat: Ugaritic Background of the Prologue of the Book of Job” by Randolf Flores, SVD; “Jesus and His Movement” by Carmelo Sorita; “Remembering the Poor, Remembering Paul” by Carlito Reyes; and “Freedom and Love: Core Values in Pauline Ethics” by Leander Barrot, OAR.

The following were elected to the CBAP Board of Trustees: Gil Alinasangan, SSP; Cielito Almazan, OFM; Leander Barrot, OAR; Bernardita Dianzon, FSP (BOT Secretary); Randolf Flores, SVD (President); Helen Graham, MM; Victor Nicdao (Vice President); Felipe Fruto Ramirez, SJ; and Herbert Schneider, SJ (Exec. Secretary & Treasurer).

See photos: First Day; Second Day; Third Day; LST Public Lecture

CBAP Convention: 18 July 08 (Fri) – Photos

2008-08-02T00:22:00.005+08:00

Rene Repole delivering his lecture

Phinma [3461, 3462, 3463, 3464, 3465, 3443, 3486, 3487]
Registration [3398, 3399, 3400, 3401, 3402, 3403, 3404, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3408]
Opening Liturgy [3409, 3410, 3411, 3412, 3413, 3414, 3415, 3416, 3417, 3418]
Moderator: Ms. Arche Ligo [3419]
Orientation: Leander Barrot, OAR [3420]
President’s Report: Victor Nicdao [3421]
Presentation of New Members: Bernardita Dianzon, FSP [3422]
Break [3423, 3424, 3425, 3426]
Financial Report: Herbert Schneider, SJ [3427]
Introduction to the First Major Speaker: Manuel Montesclaros, SJ [3428]
First Major Paper: Renato Repole, SJ [3429]
Eucharistic Celebration: Cielito Almazan, OFM [3431]
Choir [3408, 3430]
Socials [3432, 3433, 3434, 3435, 3436, 3437, 3438, 3439, 3440, 3441, 3442]
Dinner

CBAP Convention: 19 July 08 (Sat) – Photos

2008-08-02T00:01:00.008+08:00

Jean-Louis Ska delivering his lecture

Moderator of the Day: Gil Alinsangan, SSP [3448]
Introduction to the Second Major Speaker: Randolf Flores, SVD [3449]
Second Major Paper: Jean-Louis Ska, SJ [3450, 3451, 3452, 3453]
Break & Book Sales [3454, 3455, 3456, 3457]
Workshop Paper 1: Kristine Meneses [3458, 3459]
Workshop Paper 2: Gil Alinsangan, SSP [3460]
Lunch
Reports: OT & NT Interest Groups [3466, 3467, 3468]
Announcement of Election Results: Sr. Bernardita Dianzon, FSP [3469]
Workshop Paper 3: Randolf Flores, SVD [3470, 3471]
Workshop Paper 4: Carmelo Sorita
Break
Presentation of Membership Policy: Herbert Schneider, SJ [3472]
Open Forum [3473]
Eucharistic Celebration: Bp. Broderick Pabillo, DD [3474, 3475, 3476]
Socials & Cocktail [3477, 3478, 3479, 3480, 3481, 3482, 3483, 3484, 3485]
Dinner
Meeting of OT & NT Interest Groups

CBAP Convention: 20 July 08 (Sun) - Photos

2008-08-01T23:26:00.012+08:00

Concluding Liturgy presided by Jean-Louis Ska, SJ

Opening Prayer
Moderator of the Day: Miriam Alejandrino, OSB [3488]
Workshop Paper 5: Carlito Reyes [3489, 3490]
Workshop Paper 6: Leander Barrot, OAR [3491, 3492]
Break
Turnover of Responsibilities [3493, 3494, 3495, 3496, 3497]
Eucharistic Celebration: Jean-Louis Ska, SJ [3498, 3499, 3500, 3501]
Lunch [3502, 3503]

JONAH & THE CONVERSION IN THE OFFING

2008-07-13T01:52:00.012+08:00

Loyola School of Theology
in collaboration with
The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines
presents a public lecture by

Prof. JEAN LOUIS SKA, SJ

on Wednesday, 23 July 2008, at 8:00 PM
in the LST Cardinal Sin Center

*Tickets at 100 PhP each | *Free Admission for LST Students

Jean Louis Ska, professor of Old Testament Exegesis (Pentateuch) at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, studied philosophy in Namur (Belgium), theology in Frankfurt am Main, and Scripture in Rome, where he received licentiate and doctorate degrees (1980 and 1984) at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. His dissertation, Le passage de la mer: Étude de la construction, du style et de la symbolique d’Ex 14:1-31, Analecta Biblica 109; was published in 1986. His other major works are: “Our Fathers Have Told Us”: Introduction into the Analysis of Hebrew Narratives, Subbib 13; Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute Press, 1990, 22000; Abraham Et Ses Hotes : Le Patriarche Et Les Croyants Au Dieu Unique; Editions Lessius, 2001; Les énigmes du passé. Histoire d’Israël et récit biblique, traduction de E. Di Pede, Le livre et le rouleau 14; Bruxelles: Lessius – Paris: Le Cerf, 2002, 22002, 32003.

Ska’s latest work, Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006), has received glowing reviews. Ernest Nicholson has this to say: “I know of no recent introduction to the Pentateuch that is as comprehensive as this, as attractive or amenable in its approach, or as well informed about the current debates….” According to David M. Carr : “This book is now the best starting point for an introduction to past and present study of the formation of the Pentateuch.” And Bernard M. Levinson says: “It offers a first-rate introduction to the most recent European theories on the composition of the Pentateuch, and Ska is judicious in his assessments of these theories. This Introduction successfully integrates legal and narrative approaches, while taking into account matters of language, social history, and empirical evidence. The book is distinctive for its careful attention to the role of editing and redaction in the formation of ancient literature.”

Bible and Ecology

2008-07-04T20:45:00.004+08:00

The Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Convention of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines have now been published in the book Bible and Ecology (Manila: 2007), 130 pp. The book contains the following articles:

Foreword:

“Nature’s Beauty and Turmoil” (Felipe Fruto Ll. Ramirez, SJ)

Convention Theme:

“Bible and Ecology” (Cielito Almazan, OFM)

Major Papers:

“‘Things too wonderful for me’ (Job 42:3): Job and the New Cosmology” (Dianne Bergant, CSA)
“A Re-Reading of the Priestly Creation Story with a Special Consideration of the Hebrew Verbs rdh and kbš in Gen 1:26-28” (Bienvenido Q. Baisas, OFM)

Workshop Papers:

“OT Holy Mountain Ethos and Its NT Transformation” (Rafael Dy-Liacco)
“Assembly of Gods and Goddesses and the Fate of Humanity: A Survey of Cuneiform Texts from the Ancient Near East” (Randolf C. Flores, SVD)
“‘Kay Yhwh ang Lupa at Kapunuan Nito’ (Awit 24:1-2): Pagsasalin sa Wikang Filipino mula sa Batayang Teksto ng Wikang Hebreo” (Martha Gamolo, DC)
“Glory of the Name, Human Kingship, Welfare of Creation: How Does It All Fit Together? A Study on the ‘Son of Adam’ of Psalm 8” (Emmanuel Hirschauer)
“How Do Biblical Scriptures Want to Be Understood? Leading Questions towards an Inner Hermeneutics of the Bible” (Dominik Markl, SJ)

Biblical Perspectives on the Integrity of Creation

2008-07-04T20:03:00.004+08:00

Dianne Bergant's public lectures in Manila on July 2007 have now been published by the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines. The book Biblical Perspectives on the Integrity of Creation (48 pp.) contains three of her lectures:

"Integrity of All Creation: The Basis for Contemporary Theology and Spirituality"

"The Wisdom Tradition and Creation"

"Out of the Depths I Cry to You, O Lord (Ps 130:1)"

Besides delivering the main lecture at the Seventh Anual CBAP Convention, Bergant gave public lectures at Loyola School of Theology, Divine Word Seminary, Institute for the Formation of Religious Sisters, and Maryhill School of Theology. All her lectures were well received by an appreciative audience.

2008 Summer Program in the Biblical Languages

2008-02-12T16:45:00.000+08:00

Loyola School of Theology, in collaboration with the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines, will be offering the following courses during summer, from 7 April to 16 May 2008:

Biblical Greek I - Prof. Renato Repole, SJ (8:15-10:00 AM). The student will be introduced to the basics of Biblical Greek by means of an active immersion in the language using the approach in modern linguistics to language learning. Challenging but enjoyable work will lead to a mastery of the basics.

Biblical Hebrew I - Prof. Herb Schneider, SJ (10:15-12:00 AM). This is an introductory course to the language of the Old Testament using modern linguistic approach to language learning. The course deals with the Hebrew alphabet, nouns, adjectives, prepositions, articles, pronominal suffixes, construct chains, and the QAL forms of the verbs. The students are expected to do the exercises. Quizzes, oral reading practice, and exams will be given to gain mastery of the language.

A minimum of eight enrollees is needed for the course to be offered. Ten are the maximum number of students allowed to enroll in the course.

REGISTRATION IS NOW GOING ON. Since only a limited number of students can be accepted, enrollment is on a first-come-first-served basis. Last day of enrollment is April 4, 2008. The first eight students to enroll in the course will get a tuition subsidy of 1000 PhP from the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines.

Click here for details.

2008 CBAP Annual Convention

2008-02-12T16:43:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines will hold its 9th Annual Convention on 18-20 July 2008. The major speakers will be Jean Louie Ska, SJ, and Renato Repole, SJ.

Ska is OT professor at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, and Repole is Rector and NT professor at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

2007 Annual CBAP Convention - Tagaytay City

2007-09-13T15:37:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines held its Eighth Annual Convention last July 20-22, 2007, in Tagaytay City, a resort town on a ridge overlooking scenic Taal Lake (photos: 1, 2). The calm waters of the lake betray its turbulent past when a catastrophic volcanic eruption thousands years ago disgorged massive lahar flow that inundated the land of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna. The ancient volcano collapsed on itself to form a massive caldera that is now Taal Lake. Only a small smoke-belching crater in the middle of the shallow waters warns people today of the awesome power of nature that can be unleashed at any time (photos: 1, 2). What an appropriate place for the CBAP to discuss the topic of the Bible and Ecology!

The Phinma Training Center provided first class facilities for the three day convention—air-conditioned conference hall with lobby (photos: 1, 2), three or four workshop rooms, dining hall with cocktail lounge upstairs (photo: 1), bedrooms with baths (photo: 1), and a gym—at a subsidized registration fee of 2,000 pesos each participant.

2007 Annual CBAP Convention - First Day

2007-09-13T15:31:00.000+08:00

20 July, Friday – At half past noon the convention participants began to arrive and registration promptly started at 1:00 PM in the lobby (photo: 1). After receiving their IDs, convention kits, copies of the 2006 CBAP Lectures and Proceedings, and room assignments, the participants proceeded to the hostel where they were billeted (photos: 1, 2). Of the thirty-seven members expected to attend the convention, only about 5 or 6 were not able to make it. There were six candidates for membership and about twenty observers who attended the convention. While waiting for the convention to start the participants exchanged pleasantries and chatted at the lobby. Some browsed books on display at the lobby from the St. Paul (photo: 1) and Claretians Publications (photo: 1).

The convention started at 2:30 PM with an opening prayer and Bible enthronement (photos: 1, 2, 3, 4). After a brief orientation by Leander Barrot, OAR (photo: 1), head of the organizing committee, Victor Nicdao (photo: 1), CBAP President, gave the welcome address and progress report to the plenary assembly. He enumerated the various activities of the association since the last convention and thanked various people and institutions that helped the association. This was followed by the audited financial report of Gil Alinsangan, SSP, CBAP Treasurer.

Bernie Dianzon, FSP, chair of the membership committee, presented one new member of the CBAP. After the assembly discussed and approved the proposal of having a new category of associate membership in the CBAP, Bernie also presented the six candidates for associate members: Benita Esguerra; Martha Gamolo, DC; Hansel Mapayo, SSP; Kristine Meneses; Natividad Mirasol; and Carmelo Sorita.

Cielito Almazan, OFM (photo: 1), professor of Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Novaliches, presented the theme of the convention "Bible and Ecology" (photo: 1) and its relevance for today's world – a world that has become suddenly aware of global warming and climate change, and has recently experienced the devastation wrought by the Pinatubo eruption, the Indian Ocean tsunami, and hurricane Katrina. What does the Bible have to say about natural disasters and people's responsibility toward mother earth?

After the merienda break, Cristino Pine, OFM (photo: 1), introduced the first major speaker Bienvenido Baisas, OFM (photo: 1). Benny, as he is fondly called, studied Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, and under the tutelage of the late Michel Dahood, explored Ugaritic as a means of understanding the Hebrew Bible. Benny is not only an academician, but also a well-sought spiritual director and formator of a number of Franciscan houses and congregations in the Philippines.

In his paper "A Renewed Re-Reading of the Priestly Creation Story with a Special Consideration of the Hebrew Verbs rdh and kbš in Gen. 1:26-28," Benny concluded that "it was the catastrophe to 586 BCE with the destruction of the Temple, the end of the monarchy, the devastation of the land, and the exile…that impelled P to give a new ray of hope towards the promise of shalom and well-being. In the P creation story, P used old stories and elements of those stories, giving them new meanings and purpose in view of answering severe God-questions the exiles and post-exiles posed. God creates creation! This is supreme confession of the story.... Indeed P's use of rdh and kbš could be misleading if taken at their face value…. The "hermeneutical dance" suggested by our late colleague Anthony R. Ceresko…has enabled us to see nuances which I believe ground well our eco-justice teaching in response to challenges of the ecological disaster…." After Benny's lecture, a lively open forum followed.

The first day ended with a Mass presided by Noe de los Santos (photo: 1), Rector of Mater Salutis Seminary in the Diocese of Legazpi. The cocktail and dinner gave the participants opportunity to socialize and renew friendship (photos: 1, 2, 3).

Randy Flores (photo: 1) was the moderator of the first day.

2007 Annual CBAP Convention - Second Day

2007-09-13T15:25:00.000+08:00

July 21, Saturday – The opening liturgy included a well-applauded prayer song and dance performed a group of young people from a parish apostolate run by the Daughters of Charity (photo: 1).

Sr. Helen Graham, MM (photo: 1) presented the second major speaker Dianne Bergant, CSA (photos: 1, 2). Former President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America (2000-2001), Bergant is currently professor of Biblical Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Her research interests include biblical theology and interpretation, the integrity of creation, feminism and liberationist perspectives, and world mission. Some of the books she has published are: Israel's Wisdom Literature: A Liberation-Critical Reading (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1997); The Earth Is the Lord’s: the Bible, Ecology and Worship (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1998); Song of Songs (Berit Olam Series; Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2001); Lamentations (Nashville: Abingdon, 2003).

In her paper "Things too Wonderful for Me – Job 42:3: Job and the New Cosmology," Dianne pointed out that "a careful reading of Job's words shows that he never questioned God's power. However, he expected that power to be exercised in providential ways that he could understand. His insight into the marvels of the natural world, gained through God's astounding manifestation through nature, led him to realize that total comprehension of divine power and providence was beyond his grasp. Once he realized this, Job was able to deepen his appreciation of the mystery that is God, even without fully understanding it." Bergant's insight elicited a lively discussion during the open forum.

After group picture taking (photo: 1, 2, 3) and merienda, the assembly broke up into small groups for two workshop papers: (1) "Kay YHWH ang Lupa at Kapunuan Nito – Awit 24" by Martha Gamolo, DC; and (2) "Teaching Biblical Greek" by Hebert Schneider, SJ (photo: 1).

The afternoon session started at 2:00 with the reports of the activities of the OT and NT interest groups. Both groups met once every semester to listen to lectures given by two or three members. The regular meetings were a way of maintaining the members' interest in scripture and keeping them updated on recent developments in biblical research.

After the reports, the participants had the choice of attending one of two workshops: (1) "OT Holy Mountain Ethos and Its Transformation in the NT" by Rafael Dy-Liacco; and (2) "The Moon and the Stars: Study of Psalm 8" by Emmanuel Hirschauer (photos: 1, 2).

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to the announcement of the results of the election of the 2007-08 CBAP Board of Trustees. Although reelected, Gil Alinsangan, SSP, declined to serve for another term. At the meeting of the newly elected board that night, they chose to keep the same set of officers as last year's, except that Gil would now be replaced by Herb as acting Treasurer.

The second day ended with a Mass officiated by Broderick Pabillo (photos: 1, 2, 3), auxiliary bishop of Manila in-charge of the urban poor. Bishop Pabillo is an active founding member of CBAP.

Arnold Monera (photo: 1) was the moderator of the second day.

2007 Annual CBAP Convention - Third Day

2007-09-13T13:35:00.000+08:00

July 22, Sunday – After the opening prayer, the assembly broke up into small groups for two workshop papers: (1) "Divine Council, Human Fate and Natural Disasters: A Survey of Cuneiform Texts from the Ancient Near East" by Randy Flores, SVD; and (2) "An Ignatian Way of Understanding the Bible" by Dominik Markl, SJ (photos: 1, 2).

After the mid-morning snack, the not-so-new set of CBAP officers for 2007-08 were presented: Vic Nicdao as President; Arnold Monera as Vice President, Bernie Dianzon as Secretary; and Herb Schneider as Executive Director and acting Treasurer. Leander Barrot, OAR, Randy Flores, SVD, Helen Graham, MM, and Fruto Ramirez, SJ, are the other members of the board.

The convention concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Pablo David (photos: 1, 2), auxiliary bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga; former Vice President and founding member of CBAP.

After a hearty lunch, the participants bade shalom to the city on the ridge overlooking lovely Taal Lake with its serene waters hiding the turmoil beneath the earth's crust.

Testimonial Dinner for Dianne Bergant, CSA, and Bienvenido Baisas, OFM

2007-09-13T13:24:00.000+08:00

The CBAP Board of Trustees tendered a testimonial dinner last July 25 for Dianne Bergant, CSA, and Bienvenido Baisas, OFM, who were the main speakers in the recently concluded 2007 Annual CBAP Convention held in Tagaytay City (photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). The sumptuous dinner held at the Loyola School of Theology board room was prepared by Herb Schneider SJ whose favorite pastime is gourmet cooking. Present at the dinner were Vic Nicdao (CBAP President), Bernie Dianzon (Secretary), Herb Schneider, SJ (Exec. Secretary), Helen Graham, MM (Board Member), Bing Kasilag (Assistant), and Fruto Ramirez, SJ (Board Member). Three members of the board--Leander Barrot, OAR, and Randy Flores, SVD, and Arnold Monera--were not able to attend. On behalf of the CBAP, the President expressed gratitude to Dianne and Benny and gave them gifts as token of appreciation (photos: 1, 2, 3). After dinner, Dianne Bergant gave a public lecture sponsored by LST at the Cardinal Sin Center.

Biblical Reponses to the Poor and Marginalized

2007-07-15T11:42:00.000+08:00

So the Poor Have Hope, and Injustice
Shuts Her Mouth -- Job 5:16

The Bible uses a variety of words to describe the poor in ancient Israel. In the OT, the most commonly used word dal refers to people who are weak, gaunt, or helpless (Exod 30:15; Lev 19:15; Judges 16:6; it is even used for malnourished cows in Gen 41:19). The adjective 'oni portrays them as afflicted and oppressed (Exod 22:25; Deut 24:12.14.15; Job 24:4.9), while 'anaw depicts them as humiliated (Isa 32:7; Amos 8:4; Ps 9:19; Job 24:4). The term 'ebyon accentuates the material deprivation they suffer. The verb muk depicts their sinking into indebtedness and slavery, or the deterioration of their economic and social status (Lev 25:35.39). In the NT, the most frequently used word for the poor is ptuchos which means a beggar. Although some of the poor may have worked for a living (Exod 23:11; Lev 19:10; Deut 24:14-15), mendicancy may have been the only means of survival for most of the destitute (Deut 15:7-8.11).

The Bible also uses metonyms for the poor. Widows ('almanot / cherai) and orphans (yetomim / orphanoi) are sometimes just substituted for the word poor (Job 22:9; Ps 68:6; Isa 9:16; 10:2; Jer 49:11; 2 Mac 3:10; 8:28.30; James 1:27). In ancient times, when there were no orphanages and homes for the aged, the widows and fatherless children were most vulnerable and helpless. They were the poorest of the poor. Hence, they became the living symbols of the disadvantaged class.

Perhaps the most graphic and heart-wrenching illustration of poverty in ancient Israel is Job’s:

Behold, like wild asses in the desert they go forth to their toil, seeking prey in the wilderness as food for their children. They gather their fodder in the field and they glean the vineyard of the wicked man. They lie all night naked, without clothing, and have no covering in the cold. They are wet with the rain of the mountains, and cling to the rock for want of shelter. There are those who snatch the fatherless child from the breast, and take in pledge the infant of the poor. (Job 24:5-9)

What was Israel’s response to the cry of the poor? Certainly, there were social legislations enacted to protect the interest of the weak, and provide for the needs of the impoverished. The following were stipulated in the Torah:

If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor, and you shall not exact interest from him (Exod 22:25).

You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his suit (Exod 23:6).

And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner…. (Lev 18:10; cf. 23:22; Exod 23:11).

And if your brother becomes poor, and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall maintain him; as a stranger and a sojourner he shall live with you (Lev 25:35; cf. v. 39).

When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort, you shall not go into his house to fetch his pledge…. And if he is a poor man, you shall not sleep in his pledge; when the sun goes down, you shall restore to him the pledge that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you; and it shall be righteousness to you before the LORD your God (Deut 24:10-13).

All these laws were meant to lessen, if not to eradicate, poverty. However, as long as the Israelites did not open their hearts in generosity and justice towards their fellow, “the poor would never cease out of the land” (Deut 15:11). Destitution and social inequality would always be part of their situation (cf. Matt 26:11).

The Bible does not tell us everything that needs to be done today to stamp out poverty. What it promotes and urges us to attain is the basic life-orientation of helping the indigent and the powerless. How in particular we can help them and raise them up is a matter for ongoing discernment.

To help discern our contemporary response, the Seventh Annual Convention of the CBAP dealt with theme Biblical Responses to the Poor and Marginalized. The two main lecturers were Dr. Gale A. Yee, professor at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachussetts, and Dr. Bernardita Dianzon, FSP, professor at the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City, Philippines. The workshop papers were given by Leander Barrot, OAR; Rustam Sabularse; Renato Repole, SJ; Regino Cortes, OP; Miriam Alejandrino, OSB; and Bienvenido Baisas, OFM. Fr. Cortes’ untimely death prevented the publication of his paper.

Felipe Fruto Ll. Ramirez, SJ

Click: CBAP PUBLICATIONS

Women in Ancient Israel & the Hebrew Bible

2007-07-15T11:40:00.000+08:00

LST Course Offerings in First Sem SY 07-08

2007-05-28T20:31:00.000+08:00

Loyola School of Theology has announced its courses in the First Semester of SY 2007-08. Among the courses to be offered are Biblical Hebrew I & III, Biblical Greek I, II, and III; Biblical Hermeneutics & Research Methods; Historical & Cultural Backgrounds to the New Testament; and introductory courses to the Old Testament, Pentateuch, Wisdom Literature, and the Synoptic Gospels. LST is now offering a Graduate Program in Biblical Exegesis (MA & PhD).

Click here to see complete list of course offerings.

Dianne Bergant Is 2007 CBAP Convention Speaker

2007-02-28T18:24:00.000+08:00

Dianne Bergant, CSA, and Bienvenido Baisas, OFM, will be the main speakers in the the 8th Annual Catholic Biblical Assiociation of the Philippines Convention scheduled on 20-22 July 2007 at PHINMA Training Center, in Tagaytay City. The convention theme will be on "The Bible and Ecology."

Former President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America (2000-2001), Bergant is currently professor of Biblical Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Her research interests include biblical theology and interpretation, the integrity of creation, feminism and liberationist perspectives, and world mission. Some of the books she has published are: Israel's Wisdom Literature: A Liberation-Critical Reading (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1997); The Earth Is the Lord’s: the Bible, Ecology and Worship (American Essays in Liturgy; Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1998); Song of Songs (Berit Olam Series; Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2001); Lamentations (Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries; Nashville: Abingdon, 2003).

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

CBAP-LST Biblical Language Courses

2007-02-03T09:27:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines, in collaboration with Loyola School of Theology, will be offering courses in Biblical Hebrew and Greek from April 17 to May 12 in LST. For details, click on:

Program in the Biblical Languages

Dr. Gale Yee's Public Lecture at LST

2006-08-13T10:07:00.000+08:00

Dr. Gale A. Yee, this year's guest speaker at the CBAP Annual Convention, gave a public lecture at the Loyola School of Theology Cardinal Sin Center last 26 July 2006 at 8:00 in the evening. Her paper, "The Book of Ruth: An Asian American Perspective" used insights from sociological studies on Asian citizens and immigrants in the U.S. to interpret the stories in the Book of Ruth. Dr. Yee's novel approach using contextual reading of Scripture aroused great interest among the mostly lay audience, who--despite heavy rain that evening--attended the lecture. [For more pictures of the public lecture, click on: 1, 2, and 3.] Two days earlier, on 24 July 2005, Dr. Yee, accompanied by Sr. Helen Graham, MM, had lunch with the LST professors, during which they discussed current trends in Biblical hermeneutics and interpretation.

CBAP BOT Dinner in Honor of Dr. Gale A. Yee

2006-08-13T09:11:00.000+08:00

The CBAP BOT tendered a testimonial dinner in honor of Prof. Gale A. Yee last July 26, 2006, at the Loyola School of Theolohy board room. Incoming and outgoing trustees were present. The Executive Secretary of the CBAP, Herb Schneider SJ, a culinary expert and an avid gourmet, prepared a sumptuous array of delicacies that delighted everyone at table. Toward the end of the dinner, the newly elected President of CBAP, Rev. Victor Nicdao, thanked Dr. Yee on behalf of CBAP for coming to the Philippines to be the main speaker at the CBAP Annual Convention and to give a series of lectures at various schools in Metro-Manila. [For more pictures of the testimonial dinner, click on: 1 and 2.

7th Annual CBAP Convention

2006-07-23T19:38:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines held its 7th annual convention at Phinma in Tagaytay City, on the theme: "Biblical Responses to the Poor and the Marginalized, Then and Now." Prof. Gale Yee of the Episcopal Divintiy School in Cambridge, MA, delivered the main lecture on "Recovering Marginalized Groups in Ancient Israel: Methodological Considerations." Bernie Dianzon, FSP, who teaches at the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City, also gave a lecture on "In Christ - Incorporation of the Marginalized Gentiles into the Covenant Community."

The workshop papers were given by Leander Barrot, OAR ("Purity of Heart"); Rustam Sabularse ("Monotheism in Ancient Israel: Pre-Monarchic and Early Monarchic Archaeological Evidence"); Renato Repole, SJ ("Eschatology and Ethics in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"); Regino Cortez, OP ("The Davidic Covenant and the Da Vinci Code Stunt"); Miriam Alejandrino, OSB ("Biblical Responses to the Poor and the Maginalized in the Gospel of John"); and Bienvenido Baisas, OFM ("From Marginalization to Inclusion: A Renewed Re-Reading of the Syro-Phoenician Woman in Mk 7:24-31a").

Two CBAP members who were recently appointed bishops actively participated in the convention: Broderick Pabillo and Pablo David. The latter, as Vice-President of the association, read the President's Report of Vic Salanga, SJ, who is currently on sabbatical in the U.S.

The following were elected to the new CBAP Board of Trustees: Victor Nicdao (President); Arnold Monera (Vice-President); Bernie Dianzon, FSP (Secretary); Gil Alinsangan, SSP (Treasurer); Alex Gobrin, CMF; Leander Barrot, OAR; Clarence Marquez, OP; and Fruto Ramirez, SJ. The board appointed Herb Schneider, SJ, as Executive Secretary.

Archbishop Oscar Cruz, DD, of the Archdiocese of Lingayen, presided over the closing liturgy of the Eucharist.

Scripture and the Quest for a New Society

2006-07-20T11:09:00.001+08:00

Surfing the internet sometimes seems like scavenging in a garbage can where people throw all sorts of ideas and opinions. One can find in the cyber bin valuable insights that can be put to good use – but only after painstakingly sorting out the ‘recyclable’ from the ‘rubbish,’ and throwing away piles and piles of trash.

Searching for “bible politics” at Google yields web articles like these:

* Politics and Bible don’t mix
* Separation of church and state, God versus politics in America
* End-time Ministries – Revealing the future through Bible prophecy
* GOP: ‘Liberals’ will ban the bible
* The Bible as Bush’s guidebook
* Why the Cross can do what politics can’t
* The Bible teaches peace: Ancient Israel’s power politics

The short list above shows divergent and polarized opinions on the role of Scripture in politics. Some people find the Bible completely irrelevant to the affairs of the state, while others commandeer God’s Word to support their political agenda (crusade or jihad?). Obviously, there is need for a critical study on how the Scripture can be used or abused for political ends; and how God’s Word can truly help us reflect on social and political issues of our times.

The 6th Annual Convention of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines, held last 22-24 July 2005 at Phinma Training Center in Tagaytay City, provided a timely forum to discuss the role of Scripture in politics. Dr. Paul D. Hanson (“In Search of a Biblically Based Political Theology”) and Dr. Arnold T. Monera (“The Christian and the State according to the New Testament”) lectured on how Scriptures could shape the people’s faith-response to social, political, and economic issues.

The workshop papers of Anthony Ceresko (“Endings and Beginnings: ‘Alphabetic Thinking’ and the Shape of Psalms 106 and the Psalter”); Randy Flores (“‘. . . ’ (NAB) Elihu’s Critique of Power and Wealth: An Exegesis of Job 36:16-21”); Helen Graham (“A God Who Crushes Wars: Reading the Book of Judith as an Anti-War Document”); and Herb Schneider (“Women in Early Christianity and the Institutionalization of Charisma”) also discussed how the Bible deals with various social and political issues.

Instead of being purely academic, the lectures and discussions drew from the Bible practical lessons on politics and governance. They also inspired and called people to action. As it turned out the CBAP convention produced several excellent papers that are grounded on solid scholarship and balanced views of the authors. The precious insights they present can be a firm rock on which people—faced with unsettling waves of divergent ideas and opinions in the internet as well as in other popular media—can anchor their values and convictions

The main lectures and the worshop papers has recently been published in Scripture and the Question for a New Society (Manila: CBAP, 2006) 156 pp.

Dr. Paul Hanson's CBAP Lectures Published

2006-07-19T16:35:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines published recently the public lectures of Dr. Paul D. Hanson when he came to the Philippines to be guest speaker in the 2005 CBAP Annual Convention. The book bearing the title Religion and Politics: (Mis)Interpreting the Bible contains two articles: "Jesus Christ, Savior and the Human Condition" and "Worship: Touchstone of Christian Political Action." Dr. Hanson is the Lamont Professor of Divinity at the Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachussetts, where he taught since 1971. The focus of his current research is on biblical interpretation and the Bible and politics.

Two CBAP Members Named Bishops

2006-05-27T07:59:00.000+08:00

The Vatican recently announced the appointment of Broderick Pabillo as auxiliary bishop of Manila, and Pablo David as auxiliary bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga. Both are active members of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines. Pabillo, a former Rector of the Salesian Theologate in the Paranaque, now works as parish priest in a rural parish in Palawan. David, Vice President of the CBAP, is a Scripture professor in Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in San Fernando, Pampanga, and Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City.

CBAP Invites Prof. Gale A. Yee as Convention Lecturer

2006-03-01T18:22:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philppines will hold its 7th Annual Convention on 21-23 July at PHINMA, Tagaytay City. Prof. Gale Yee of the Episcopalian Divinity School at Cambridge, MA - USA, will give the main lecture on "Biblical Responses to the Poor and the Marginalized". An Asian-American biblical scholar, Prof. Yee is visiting professor of the Department of Religion at the Chinese University of Hongkong. Sr. Bernardita Dianzon, FSP, professor at Loyola School of Theology, will deliver the other major paper. Sr. Bernie holds an SSL degree from the Biblicum in Rome and has recently earned her STD from LST.

5th CBAP Convention with Prof. Amy-Jill Levine

2006-03-01T16:31:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines had Prof. Amy-Jill Levine as main lecturer in its 5th Annual Convention held at PHINMA in Tagaytay City last July 2004. A Jewish biblical scholar from Vanderbilt University, Prof. Levine delivered a paper on "Jesus and Judaism: Why the Connection Still Matters". An engaging speaker with a good sense of humor, she described how Jesus and his message would have been seen and understood from a first-century Jewish perspective. Prof. Levine also gave public lectures at Loyola School of Theology and other academic institutions in Manila.

Graduate Programs in Biblical Exegesis at LST

2006-02-18T18:27:00.000+08:00

The MA & PhD Programs of Biblical Exegesis at Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City, Philippines, are the only programs in biblical exegesis outside Europe and North America. The Jesuit school offers rigorous training in the biblical languages and various methods of biblical research. Its library (Ralph Gehring Library) is one of the finest theological libraries in Asia, and contains a large collection of books and periodicals on Scripture.

BAR NASHA

2006-02-17T22:55:00.000+08:00

Bar Nasha, Aramaic for "Son of Man", is a forum for discussion of the meaning of human life from a Judaeo-Christian perspective. Jesus chose this particular title as his self-designation perhaps to underline his oneness with humanity in all its frailty and fragility -- but also in all its glory and beauty! "He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the NAME which is above every name..." (Phil 2:7-9f)