What this Palimpsest substack is about

Palimpsest definition

A Palimsest is a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain. Writing materials like vellum were expensive in the ancient world, so frugal writers would scrub or scrape off as much of the orginal text as possible, and use it again.

1. Palimpsest as a metaphor

Writing over what was written before is a metaphor for re-thinking. A new perspective, a bit more knowledge learned, a new set of facts that has just come to light are reasons to go back over old conclusions and see if they still fit.

2. Who cares?

I have been trained in the area of Biblical Studies, and I have interests in our modern political life, in ethics and morality, and in a host of subjects that deserve a re-think. So, if you would like to engage with me in re-thinking issues, especially but not limited to those that touch on the Bible, you may be interested. Full disclosure: I’m far from a fundamentalist. My approach to the Bible will be as conversant with the latest scholarship as I’m able to be.

3. Being specific

I’m alarmed by the Evangelical movement and the direction it has taken. I’m concerned about the frequent facile use of the Bible to justify all kinds of social and political positions. I’m particularly concerned about Christian Nationalism these days.

4. Use an image and “subscribe” buttons

A picture will look nicer when you share the post on your social media (click the image icon in the editor to search for copyright-free photos), and it will give color to your archive as you build it.

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