Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast
So, if thee is interested in learning the differences between Conservative Quakers and other Quakers, or would like to understand differences between Quakers and other Christians, thee may well be at the right place. On the other hand, the Conservative Quaker perspective is so strikingly unique in contemporary society, that it will be a balm to many seeking spiritual fulfillment. To assist these seekers is the true intent of publishing our podcast.
A good many of the podcast installments will be presented by Henry Jason. Henry is knowledgeable in the Greek of the New Testament and has a fascinating way of tying the meaning of the original words with the writings of early Friends. Listening to him provides a refreshing view of scripture and is an excellent way to learn about original Quaker theology. Henry's podcasts are usually bible classes and so they are often interspersed with discussions, questions and insightful comments by his students.
The music in our podcasts is from Paulette Meier's CDs: Timeless Quaker Wisdom in Plainsong and Wellsprings of Life available at paulettemeier.com.
Find out more about Ohio Yearly Meeting at ohioyearlymeeting.org.
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Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast
Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #2
John 1:1-5
Henry begins a verse-by-verse commentary on the Greek of the Gospel of John, pointing out significant Greek meanings as he moves from verse to verse.
Verse 1
The Greek word “pros” (often translated “with”, as in John 1:1-2) and is often translated as “. . . and the word was with God.” However, this Greek word “pros” means “to”, “by” (as in location), or “before” (as in the vicinity or presence of God”). As a result, it might be more correctly translated as, “In the beginning was this word, and the word was by (in the presence of) God, and God was the word.”
Verse 2
In the Greek of Jesus’ time, the use of the male noun classes usually included both male and female, unless the context of the noun demanded it be interpreted as referring only to males. Henry warns that it is important not to apply our popularly-held 21st century predilection of insisting that the male noun class always excludes women. For the Greeks, they were usually inclusive and included both men and women.
Verse 3
In the phrase, “In him was life . . . .” the Greek word for life is “zoe”, and (especially in John’s Gospel) is better understood as “eternal life”/”kingdom of God”/”kingdom of heaven”.
Verses 4-5
The phrase “. . . the light of men” is a very good example that in the Greek mind, “anthropon” (“men”) was clearly understood as inclusively including both men and women.
The Greek word “scotia” (translated “darkness”) in the phrase, “. . . the darkness has not understood it” would be more accurately translated as “ignorance”. In addition, the Greek word, “katalaben” often translated as “understood” would more correctly be translated as. ”overcome”/”fiercely grasped”/”taken it down” as a more accurate meaning. Thus giving a rendering of “ . . . ignorance has not overcome it [the light]/taken it [the light] down”.
The advice in our introduction is from page 32 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline.
A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.
To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org.
Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome!
We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.
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