I just wrote some more comments at my friend Erin’s blog about the story, but in response to your comment:

I elaborated a few details in retelling it, and last year I Googled for versions of the story to make sure I had the skeleton right

I am not trying to slam but to affirm the goodness of intuition/natural theology, but also point out its limitations. Likewise, I’m affirming tradition as a better guide than individualized intuition, but ultimately arguing that revelation is indispensible to knowing God, even though that revelation may be guarded by an unfaithful religious establishment.

The only confusing thing (for me) is that you seemed to start off affirming how God work’s through nature and through people’s genuine seeking (the shamans) -but then seem to slam natural theolog/spirituality in comparison to good ol tradition. I didn’t get the transition.

I loved your telling of the Raven story –really just as you remember it? Wow, impressive.

Getting into the details of the story, and the many ways it could be exegeted is beyond my ability while at work now…but I look forward to talking with you later.

Nice work!

-Leif

Great article - thanks for writing, and thanks to Mike for publishing it. I learnt the raven story in school in Calgary too. Is this a widely taught story?

I laughed out loud with your point that one of the magi must be a woman. Very perceptive. I can buy that.

Keep nerding out.
Ann