John Pople
I am a physicist working at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource in California, and a Christian who has demonstrated (at least to myself) that the Bible is a source of wisdom beyond human authorship. I’ve always been fascinated by the unknown, especially in physics, theology and philosophy, and greatly enjoy the rich sense of wonder I experience when at work and at play in those worlds. How does light interact with matter at its most basic level? What are the limitations for a human mind studying itself? How can the ancient story of God’s treatment of Job be embraced? These sorts of questions.
As a consequence, in the arena of the Bible exposition, I’m most strongly drawn towards age-old, unsolved mysteries and longstanding perceived injustices. What is the Song of Songs actually saying? Why does the Bible approve of the warrior Jephthah if he really did sacrifice his daughter? Why is John’s gospel so strikingly different from the other three? Some of the discoveries I found most enjoyable can be found in published form here: johnpople.com
The Leading Ladies Case Studies delve into the Biblical text of each heroine’s story to unearth fine details, and deep patterns, previously unseen.
Articles
Mother in Israel: Deborah’s Story
“Deborah’s road to becoming a Mother in Israel has some formative steps. She is first Israel’s Judge. She will add to that role a Warrior aspect. Having tasted both regimes, she writes her Victory Song, in response to God’s liberation of His people from the Canaanites, in which she reveals her divine perception of her truest, most valuable role.”
Serpent Slayer: Jael’s Story
“Jael had neither training, nor even warning, of the destiny that was so suddenly thrust upon her. For her to react in the moment as she did — equaling the deeds of the Man after God’s Own Heart! — reveals a remarkable combination of audacious opportunism and steely nerve, all founded on a rock-solid faith.”
The God of Widows: Tamar’s Story
“From Tamar’s tragic tale grows our introduction to the gospel of hope. Once widowed, God becomes our God, and we experience the freedom to seek a new and better groom.”
Midwife in Israel: Rahab’s Story
“When Rahab ties the scarlet cord on Jericho, her destiny – and that of her city – is sealed. Israel breaks out against their brethren, and takes the land. The Promised Land has been entered in earnest, and God’s Kingdom is born on Earth. A Kingdom dedicated to Heavenly principles and practices, yet which is owned and populated entirely by humans. This Kingdom will fail, and fall, but in so doing will provide the necessary education that we can only be saved by grace through faith, just as Rahab was (Jam 2:25).”
Dangerous Liaisons: Delilah’s Story
“Delilah’s story is one of betrayal, arguably the precedential betrayal in scripture. Most who’ve heard the story from Sunday school days are taught the only betrayal is hers, when she sells her lover Samson, Israel’s Judge and fearsome warrior, into the hands of the Philistine Lords. More careful reading suggests a more complex tale.”
The Witch of Endor: Reality Bites
”A midnight rendezvous. A forbidden ceremony dabbling in the occult. Disguise, terror, criminality, and a death sentence. King Saul’s encounter with the Witch of Endor has all the components of a fantasy novel and yet, in reality, it is a poignant tale of a desperate king grasping for survival, and clutching only a thin, cold mist of despair. For all King Saul is rejected by God –and we must support the divine decision – it’s difficult not to sympathize with a soul so doomed. Surrounded by faithful warriors he may be, yet Saul cuts a lonely figure.”
Wings of Shelter: Ruth’s Story
“Ruth’s story is very much a tale of two halves. From the ashes of famine, bereavement and despair in Moab, arises a tale of compassion, cooperation and caring for others in Israel.”
Wisdom’s Story
“Solomon states his intent: the Proverbs are designed to steer the reader away from seductive Hedonism (also presented as a woman) and towards Lady Wisdom. For all his destructive foolishness, Solomon is the one who most intelligently articulates the principal dilemma all humans face. Will you marry Wisdom, or be seduced to partner Hedonism?”
Esther: Born to Rule
“The last King of Israel was a Queen. And after all was done, the last became first.”
Mary Magdalene: First Among Apostles
“There are more debates about Mary Magdalene than any other New Testament woman, almost undoubtedly because she developed a close personal relationship with Jesus, which prompts salacious rumours and bizarre theories to flourish.”
Hagar: I Am Seen
“It’s a crippling thing to feel invisible. A demeaning experience. A feeling Hagar knows all too well. Hagar is an immigrant, a slave, and a concubine; she is as far outside the preferred social clique as one can be. … Hagar never stood a chance. She occupies the lowliest, least visible, layer of society. No-one sees a slave.”
“Thus, we learn Eve’s help for man is described in the same way as God’s. This marries perfectly with her name: she is the Heavenly breath to Adam’s Earthly clay. In both cases the implication encoded in the Hebrew is that God introduced woman to man, not as a subordinate, but as a message from Heaven to commend (perhaps even model?) godliness.”