Call for Comments: How to Use the Bible

[jpholding]

This is a draft of my main project today, which I hope to post tomorrow. Lot of old hat reworked for a new purpose, but probably still needed.Any suggestions for more "do" and "don't" points?

*****************

Bible: The User's Manual
Or, What to Do with Your Sacred Text
James Patrick Holding

A reader has made an excellent suggestion for a practical piece on "how to use your Bible". It's a good idea, because as this reader noted, some today use the Bible as some sort of talisman or even a roulette wheel. I recall one example of this from Pat Robertson (the very sort of person we should NOT listen to for this sort of advice) who, when trying to decide on whether or not to relocate, asked God to show him and then flipped his Bible open, landing his finger on a passage that was a military instruction to "go north" -- so he relocated! The absurdity of this method is illustrated by the joke about the man who used the same tactic to decide whether or not to commit suicide, and landed on the passages, "And Judas went and hanged himself" and "go ye and do likewise"!

It may be best (and here, I am indebted to the form of the reader's questions somewhat) to lay this out in terms of "do" and "don't" admonitions.

Do:

* Memorize texts. As the reader noted, David memorized the Bible so that he would not sin against God. If it's the Word of God, or even if it's just an authoritative text, it makes sense to do as you would for any other text you consider important, and memorize important bits of it. There's a caveat to this, however: It's not enough to simply be able to recite (it never is, any time, for any text) but one must also know what the text means. In fact, I'd say that it's far more important to memorize meaning and message than it is to memorize words. Indeed, if you have a poor "playback" memory (as I do) that may be your ONLY alternative. The point is that if you are someone who has arrived at the conclusion that the Bible is an important document, memorization of it by some means (textual or conceptual or both) simply makes sense as a means of use -- and it's also supported Biblically (as noted), and reflects as well ancient use of it and other texts.

* Check references. As the reader noted, The Bereans used the OT to check up on Paul’s teachings. This is also a common sense point for a Christian; if it's the manual for the faith, you obviously check it when someone makes claims based on it! The caveat yet again is that knowing meaning of texts, and how to interpret, has to be part of this; otherwise we turn into Tom Paines who ignorantly accuse the NT writers of misusing the OT (not being aware of Jewish exegetical methods of the NT era), or into Unitarians who just read the text in English devoid of any context and come up with screeds against the Trinity by using decontextualized proof texts.

* Investigate context. Read it like a newspaper? Bosh, as that advice is meant to be taken. It's a complex document with forms ranging from a treaty to Greco-Roman rhetoric. If you don't know who wrote it and why and to what circumstances, it won't speak to you at all (and sadly, many prefer options in our "do not" section below to this sort of sound examination!). And if you don't have a reasonable grip on this were any passage is concerned, then frankly, you have no business quoting it to others. (Some passages admittedly are easier to grasp than others, but the point remains the same, and don't be deceived into thinking you have grasped a passage because you easily came up with a way to read it). What it boils down to is that you don't show a text respect unless you know what it is saying.

# Do not:

*Treat it like a Ouiji board. This is the sort of thing Pat Robertson did. I'm not talking here about normal reading practice of flipping open just to read, but for the purpose of divining messages from the text. Not to say God can't speak to you like that (it's obviously possible theoretically), but is has no basis in history or precedent. This also goes for when regular reading is done and it is claimed that certain verses "jump out" at you. Perhaps they do -- thanks to conscience rather than God. But don't put the jump ahead of the careful step of exegesis and application.

# Read it in bite size pieces irrelevant to context. Unless you have some reason to do so, it's not a good idea to divide and read by chapters. The chapters were not in the original, and they only sometimes correspond with proper breaks in the story. Look for good narrative or argumentative breaks instead; that is, unless you're one of those sorts of people (and many are) who can easily pick up reading anywhere you have left off without losing track of context.

# Feel obliged to read the Bible "in order," or completely over a whole year, etc. Here's some surprising news: You can limit the amount of time spent reading books like Leviticus and Esther. These books SHOULD be read, and understood in their context, but not as often by far as those of more relevance. One of the great mistakes of current Sunday School and devotional literature is to try to fit in these books into reading programs as frequently as more impactful books like Romans. This ends up creating lessons that "force" meaning onto texts where none such is intended (since teachers struggle to make the texts relevant, rather than employing serious contextual study which may not be as relevant).

# Force meaning into texts. This is a habit of many modern pastors who have no concern for original intent of the Biblical authors. If a text's first context does not support a given view, it ought not be used -- period. Now a caveat here is that it can be said, "Didn't the NT use the OT without regard for context?" Yes, and that was normal exegetical method for the period. The problem is that you need a "license" to exegete that way -- either prophetic inspiration or else an act of God (like the resurrection of Jesus). If you don't have these, tread this territory at your own risk.

[Sparko]

how 2 use a bible correctly:

:biblethump:

[JCA]

This is a draft of my main project today, which I hope to post tomorrow. Lot of old hat reworked for a new purpose, but probably still needed.Any suggestions for more "do" and "don't" points?


Depending on if you wanted something funny or serious, I prepared 2 of something inbetween. The first only taking seconds, and relying on nothing but my humanity..

1) The Bible is NOT a coaster. (That's actually more profund than one might think).

and 2) Do not keep your findings to yourself. This is not what 'revelation' is about.. although personal revelation is good. Sharing what one finds in the Gospel, is also what the Gospel is about; IMHO. It also allows others who are also Christian to come closer to God, or help you back on the path if you have found to have 'strayed'.

I'm sure you can find some better depth to #2, JP.. but I hope you see what I mean. Was just a thought as I was browsing.


Love and Peace

JCA

[Sparko]

Use some good biblical commentaries to help you understand the passages.

If you are not sure about a passage, try reading it in various translations.

[Amazing Rando]

Read the Bible Christocentrically. :yes:

[jpholding]

OK, this is going up in a few minutes. I incorporated much of what was here so far. Thanks, all!

Of course I can always add more, so keep commenting as desired.

JP

[JSDileo]

OK, this is going up in a few minutes. I incorporated much of what was here so far. Thanks, all!

Of course I can always add more, so keep commenting as desired.

JP
JP, check you're e-mail. You got an e-mail from Farrell Till. :hehe: Why don't you take a look?:smile:

[jpholding]

JP, check you're e-mail. You got an e-mail from Farrell Till. :hehe: Why don't you take a look?:smile:

Uh uh. I caught on to THAT trick right away.

The guy in that message looks and sounds a LOT more intelligent than Farrell Till. :rofl:

[Ishmael]

You forgot to mention "read scores of commentaries which say what I am saying about reading the Bible in context, then, insult everyone who disagrees with your own verbose written material."


Help that helps,

Ishmael

[jpholding]

You forgot to mention "read scores of commentaries which say what I am saying about reading the Bible in context, then, insult everyone who disagrees with your own verbose written material."


Oh dear. Someone here has a self-esteem problem. :rofl:

[Ishmael]

Oh dear. Someone here has a self-esteem problem. :rofl:
O RLY? Well then you might be able to help by introducing me to the compassionate religion that you follow. Perhaps through your instruction in it, I might be able to overcome my feelings of low self image...?

[jpholding]

O RLY? Well then you might be able to help by introducing me to the compassionate religion that you follow. Perhaps through your instruction in it, I might be able to overcome my feelings of low self image...?

Doubtful. You've recognized your right place, but not the proper definition of "compassion" in its context. :thumb:

Silly little man. You're not going to be able to touch me....especially not with that avatar of the Quaker Oats Man after downing a gallon of ipecac. :rasberry: If you ever do get an actual answer to anything, do contact the network news, eh?

[Ishmael]

Doubtful. You've recognized your right place, but not the proper definition of "compassion" in its context. :thumb:

Silly little man. You're not going to be able to touch me....especially not with that avatar of the Quaker Oats Man after downing a gallon of ipecac. :rasberry: If you ever do get an actual answer to anything, do contact the network news, eh?
So the word compasion with reference to Christianity also has a context and that context does not apply here? Okay.

So, when and in what context would you be required to show compassion to another human being, according to your understanding of Christianity?

[jpholding]

So the word compasion with reference to Christianity also has a context and that context does not apply here? Okay.

So, when and in what context would you be required to show compassion to another human being, according to your understanding of Christianity?

Within the context of a covenant or kinship relationship.

Compassion: "a value rooted primarily in kinship obligations." (Pilch and Malina, Handbook of Biblical Social Values, 30)

You may proceed with the displaced proof texting at your convenience. :thumb:

[Ishmael]

Within the context of a covenant or kinship relationship.

Compassion: "a value rooted primarily in kinship obligations." (Pilch and Malina, Handbook of Biblical Social Values, 30)

You may proceed with the displaced proof texting at your convenience. :thumb:
I don't need to prooftext anything, your answer is fair enough.

My opinion about you is that you are correct about most of your interpretation of the Bible. Nevertheless, I see your use of the context argument in general as a redaction of the entire religion, at least as Christianity is usefull for contemporary practitioners.

[jpholding]

I don't need to prooftext anything, your answer is fair enough.

Interesting.

Nevertheless, I see your use of the context argument in general as a redaction of the entire religion, at least as Christianity is usefull for contemporary practitioners.

I make no bones about that. Yet I would say that any "religion" whose central texts tend to be the likes of "Purpose Driven Life" is in need not just of redaction, but rather, radical overhaul....

[Christy]

:ahem: But your' making Christianity sound Middle Eastern, and those evil Islam-a-baddies are Middle Eastern. I don't want to follow a religion that has any similiarities to those nuts, or was written by collectivists Middle Eastern right-wing nuts.

Just so you know, I'm not being serious. I edit too much. :teeth:

[OU812]

:ahem: But your' making Christianity sound Middle Eastern, and those evil Islam-a-baddies are Middle Eastern. I don't want to follow a religion that has any similiarities to those nuts, or was written by collectivists Middle Eastern right-wing nuts.

Just so you know, I'm not being serious. I edit too much. :teeth:



:rofl:

[Cynic Sage]

:ahem: But your' making Christianity sound Middle Eastern, and those evil Islam-a-baddies are Middle Eastern. I don't want to follow a religion that has any similiarities to those nuts, or was written by collectivists Middle Eastern right-wing nuts.

Just so you know, I'm not being serious. I edit too much. :teeth:

:rofl:

[FreezBee]

Do:

* Memorize texts. As the reader noted, David memorized the Bible so that he would not sin against God.

:huh: :clueless: :help: Excuse me for intruding, but ...

1. Which David memorized the Bible? Not king David mentioned in the OT - there were no Bibles around until the 3rd cty ce!

2. Why would memorizing the Bible prevent you from sinning against God? I know it's illegal to cross the street for red light, but I do it anyway - occasionally - sometimes - maybe!



* Investigate context. Read it like a newspaper? Bosh, as that advice is meant to be taken. It's a complex document with forms ranging from a treaty to Greco-Roman rhetoric. If you don't know who wrote it and why and to what circumstances, it won't speak to you at all (and sadly, many prefer options in our "do not" section below to this sort of sound examination!). And if you don't have a reasonable grip on this were any passage is concerned, then frankly, you have no business quoting it to others. (Some passages admittedly are easier to grasp than others, but the point remains the same, and don't be deceived into thinking you have grasped a passage because you easily came up with a way to read it).

:thumb: That's what we skeptics say all the time!


What it boils down to is that you don't show a text respect unless you know what it is saying.


Umm - could we agree that you might - in a manner of speaking, that is - say that you might - in a manner of speaking, of course - say that you could show a text at least some respect by trying to understand what it is saying?

What I mean is, if you can only show a text respect if you know what it is saying, when do you then know, if you are showing respect to the text?

For me hermeneutics is somewhat like talking to another human being - you need to realize that you do not know everything and therefore you should not force any preconceived interpretation down on the text. Listen to the text, let it talk to you, before you decide what the text is going to say.



# Do not:

# Force meaning into texts. This is a habit of many modern pastors who have no concern for original intent of the Biblical authors. If a text's first context does not support a given view, it ought not be used -- period.

:thumb: this will disspel all of them eschatologists in one blow! On the other side, what's a poor pastor to do? There's been no news for nearly two millenia, so how to make the Bible contemporary?

(It could be done in a non-eschatological way, but there's nothing like making people believe this is their last chance!).


Now a caveat here is that it can be said, "Didn't the NT use the OT without regard for context?" Yes, and that was normal exegetical method for the period. The problem is that you need a "license" to exegete that way -- either prophetic inspiration or else an act of God (like the resurrection of Jesus). If you don't have these, tread this territory at your own risk.

Ooh, let's save this for a rainy day, shall we?


- FreezBee

[jpholding]

:huh: :clueless: :help: Excuse me for intruding, but ...

Nah. back to the showers.

1. Which David memorized the Bible? Not king David mentioned in the OT - there were no Bibles around until the 3rd cty ce!

Informally speaking, there were certainly texts around that belonged to what would be the Bible as we know it.

Don't nitpick....it's not nice, and it makes your hair stand up.

2. Why would memorizing the Bible prevent you from sinning against God?

As ancient people did memory exercises, it would keep them so busy and focussed that sin would become harder to get to. I'll bet you don't recite the red light law repeatedly through the day. Do you? Er, you do?

Umm - could we agree that you might - in a manner of speaking, that is - say that you might - in a manner of speaking, of course - say that you could show a text at least some respect by trying to understand what it is saying?

Yep.

:thumb: this will disspel all of them eschatologists in one blow! On the other side, what's a poor pastor to do? There's been no news for nearly two millenia, so how to make the Bible contemporary?

It's not that hard.

[Sheepdog]

Read the Bible Christocentrically. :yes:

you stole my word :brood:

[Sheepdog]

Do: Rethink your presumptions from time to time. We all bring presuppositions to the text, it's a necessary evil (e.g. the definitions of English words, for instance, would be presuppositions). But the diligent Bible student will, upon reading a Biblical text that conflicts with his presumptions, will revise the latter to be in more conformance with the former.

[FreezBee]

Informally speaking, there were certainly texts around that belonged to what would be the Bible as we know it.

Don't nitpick....it's not nice, and it makes your hair stand up.

I've just had a haircut, so no problem, my hair can't stand up :lmbo:

And just for the record: I'm not nitpicking - it does make a difference, which texts you are memorizing, doesn't it?

As ancient people did memory exercises, it would keep them so busy and focussed that sin would become harder to get to. I'll bet you don't recite the red light law repeatedly through the day. Do you? Er, you do?

I actually do! And do remember that even David broke the law - he coveted Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and had Uriah killed. And there also was that census incident.

Yep.

Ok!

It's not that hard.

I'm sure you have several good examples to point us to :smile:


- FreezBee

[jpholding]

I've just had a haircut, so no problem, my hair can't stand up :lmbo:

100% bald? Good heavens. :glare:

I actually do! And do remember that even David broke the law - he coveted Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and had Uriah killed. And there also was that census incident.

Comparatively speaking, is not David still the man after God's own heart?

I'm sure you have several good examples to point us to :smile:


All over me website. :teeth:

JP

[Goth_S]

What about conflicting interpretations, on which there is little to be used as a tie-breaker?

Interpreting "God's will" etc. etc.





Love,
Goth_S

[Sir-Think-A-Lot]

Dont assume that just because a particular translation is popular or commonly used that it is 100% accurate. There may still be shades of meaning that the translators missed. Although most lay-people dont have the resources to give a serious study of the Greek and Hebrew, there are steps you can take to minimize the problem. One is to use several translations of the Bible(I have about a dozen different Bible translations lying around my house). Although your best bet would probably be a Strongs or a Greek/Hebrew dictionary.

[Johnny MacManky]

. . . There may still be shades of meaning that the translators missed. Although most lay-people dont have the resources to give a serious study of the Greek and Hebrew, there are steps you can take to minimize the problem. One is to use several translations of the Bible(I have about a dozen different Bible translations lying around my house). Although your best bet would probably be a Strongs or a Greek/Hebrew dictionary.

Or, we could even introduce "most lay-people" to the internet and the phenominal wealth of online Biblical Studies resources.

Cheers

John

[Cynic Sage]

Or, we could even introduce "most lay-people" to the internet and the phenominal wealth of online Biblical Studies resources.

Cheers

John
True. However, the internet is also a host and breeding ground for misinformation as well.

[Sheepdog]

a former prof of me back in the day said something very interesting: the Internet is a sewer, you have to be careful what you pick out of it.

[jpholding]

What about conflicting interpretations, on which there is little to be used as a tie-breaker?


There's a lot more than you think out there to break ties....it's just that most people don't think to go to places like seminary libraries where the meaty stuff is. With that kind of resource, it becomes clear that many "opinions" are badly informed.

Case in point: I'm know you've heard of Jerry Falwell, but are names like Bruce Malina, Richard Rohrbaugh, Craig Keener, or Darrell Bock familiar?

If I had my way, it'd be them all over the news....not Falwell.

[Goth_S]

I know Rohrbaugh and Keener at least.

Context group, right?


Not sure about the others.
I know I've got something at least on them in my notes from Tarlton....I hope (?)




Love,
Goth_S

[jpholding]

I know Rohrbaugh and Keener at least.

Context group, right?

:thumb: Rohrbaugh is. Keener is not, but he is sympathetic to their views or presents similar sorts of material. Malina is one of that group too.

[Goth_S]

oh.



Well, I still get points for being close!! hehe

[jpholding]

Well, I still get points for being close!! hehe

:hehe:

I really LIKE you.

How would you like an avatar drawn for you? You don't have to use it right away, but a black bunny with a pink nose seems appropos....

[Goth_S]

:hehe:

I really LIKE you.

How would you like an avatar drawn for you? You don't have to use it right away, but a black bunny with a pink nose seems appropos....



That would be awesome!

A little gothy bunny :)

I would love it!

[jpholding]

That would be awesome!

A little gothy bunny :)

I would love it!

I'll have it tomorrow afternoon. :thumb: If you want any specific regalia on her, let me know in the next 4 hours...otherwise, I have the recent Christian Research Journal article on Goth and it has some pics I can use for reference.

It will only have room to fit a head shot, or maybe above the shoulders (as you can see from others here I have drawn).

[Goth_S]

I'll have it tomorrow afternoon. :thumb: If you want any specific regalia on her, let me know in the next 4 hours...otherwise, I have the recent Christian Research Journal article on Goth and it has some pics I can use for reference.

It will only have room to fit a head shot, or maybe above the shoulders (as you can see from others here I have drawn).


I leave it to your creativity. :)

If you want a direction that like, check out Death from the "Sandman" comics, drawn by Neil Gaiman. I like her alot, those comics are a favorite of mine.

I highly suggest them, if your looking for reading material. Good stuff, not your average comic book material. Come to think of it, I don't think it can be bought in anything other than Graphic novel form.


But yeah, I'm sure you'll come up with something cool. :)

[jpholding]

Hmmmm..



If you want a direction that like, check out Death from the "Sandman" comics, drawn by Neil Gaiman. I like her alot, those comics are a favorite of mine.

http://www.vamp.org/Gothic/Images/death-image.html

That won't be too hard....

[Goth_S]

Awesome!!!


She's so cool! A far cry from the steryotypical depictions of death.

I think you'd dig the comics. Very imaginative at the least.

EDIT:

One quick request, careful with the hair. The only thing I don't dig on, is her psycho wild hair, that's sometimes drawn. Any style is cool, just not the uber-frizz. hehe

[Sir-Think-A-Lot]

If you want a direction that like, check out Death from the "Sandman" comics, drawn by Neil Gaiman. I like her alot, those comics are a favorite of mine.

I highly suggest them, if your looking for reading material. Good stuff, not your average comic book material. Come to think of it, I don't think it can be bought in anything other than Graphic novel form.

I havent read the Sandman Comics, but I have read American Gods, Good Omens, and am curently working on Ansani Boys. Actually I feel kinda bad reading it because I still have a book left in the Homcoming series, but I'll get to it eventualy.

[jpholding]

She's so cool! A far cry from the steryotypical depictions of death.

I think you'd dig the comics. Very imaginative at the least.


Are they (ulp) expensive? Can they be found in most comics stores or do you have to usually go somewhere else?

[Sir-Think-A-Lot]

Are they (ulp) expensive? Can they be found in most comics stores or do you have to usually go somewhere else?

I'v seen them at Barns N Nobles. Not sure how much they cost though.

[Goth_S]

Not too bad. 20 bucks at the most I think. Maybe closer to 30 after tax. Their big books. Graphic Novels really. Color illustrations, nice glossy print. lol
You can find them just about anywhere books are sold. Bookstop or Barns and Nobles should have them. Just about any respectable comic shop ought to have them too. Their pretty popular, even outside the typical comic crowds, as their not really typical comic books. I could mail you a copy if you want, to get a feel for weather or not you dig it before you plop down a jackson for it.


I'd recommend "Preacher" as well, but that's pretty blasphemous. But an awesome story. About the product of an indescretion between an angel and a demon, that gave birth to "Genesis", a being more powerful than god himself, which causes God to abdicate, and leave heaven in the control of the Seraphim.
A preacher that lost his faith, is possesed by the power of Genesis, and thus has the power of "The word of god."
Basically, any time he wants something to happen, he only has to say it. He's got the power to force angels and demons to his command, but he's trying to use the power only for good.
So he goes on a search for God, to restore the balance and all that. He teams up with a vampire and a would-be assassin.

*chuckle*


Good story really. Sounds a bit too "out there" but it's regarded as one of the best works in the comic scene.


But definately check out the Sandman. Each one is a work of art. Lots of mythological references, what with Cain and Abel being servants of the lord of dreams, Morpheaus.

Delerium is always cool too.

[jpholding]

Not too bad. 20 bucks at the most I think. Maybe closer to 30 after tax.

Gahhhhhh....beyond my present spree budget. :doh: Maybe I can slum in the comics section a bit...well yes, please mail me a copy. PO Box 112, Clarcona FL 32710-0112 will do for an address.




I'd recommend "Preacher" as well, but that's pretty blasphemous.

Based on the summary you gave, the theology is, er, kinda...primitive? :teeth: It'd probably make me laugh before it offended me.


I have your avatar done. I'll send you a private message with the link in a moment. It came out much better than I expected. And I may even have a place for her in one of my future comics.

[Goth_S]

Gahhhhhh....beyond my present spree budget. :doh: Maybe I can slum in the comics section a bit...well yes, please mail me a copy. PO Box 112, Clarcona FL 32710-0112 will do for an address.

Awesome awesome, I'll send it as soon as I can. :)
Might take some time, but hopefully not much.

Based on the summary you gave, the theology is, er, kinda...primitive? :teeth: It'd probably make me laugh before it offended me.

Oh yeah, it's only loosely based on mythological history. It doesn't even presume to be historical in any manner. Just a good read. It just deals with some of the most "lowly" of human acts. It's designed to make a clear case between good and evil.


I have your avatar done. I'll send you a private message with the link in a moment. It came out much better than I expected.

AWESOME!! Thanks!

And I may even have a place for her in one of my future comics.


hehehehehe Sweeeeet!

[Christy]

I heard about the Sandman series from a friend, when Neil Gaiman came to speak at our college a few years ago, and read what he wrote so far in Coraline. My friend asked me if I wanted to go and I went. I didn't know who he was, and I asked my friend who said that he wrote the Sandman graphic novels. I haven't got around to reading them though.

[Goth_S]

I heard about the Sandman series from a friend, when Neil Gaiman came to speak at our college a few years ago, and read what he wrote so far in Coraline. My friend asked me if I wanted to go and I went. I didn't know who he was, and I asked my friend who said that he wrote the Sandman graphic novels. I haven't got around to reading them though.


I highly advise it. Especially if you dig flights of fancy.

If you like Fantasia, The Labyrinth, CS lewis, or the Incarnations of Immortality series by Piers Anthony, I think you would dig The Sandman series.


Gaiman is a phenominal story teller, and creates characters that defy the common interpretations of such figures as Death.

Death is an interesting character. She's with you when you are born, and embraces you when you die, to carry you to your next place of existance.
Heaven and hell, only get minimal attention. Rather, the importance is placed on how one lived.

Death spends one day a year, as a mortal, to gain appreciation for the suffering of humans, and the joys they experience. She of all the Endless, cares for our plight, and often serves as a mediator when the Endless deal in mortal affairs.

She was the first of the Endless, and will be the last. It's an interesting thought, because she knows every plant and animal intimately, yet remains the most isolated of beings.


A sad, and charmed existance all at once.



GOD MY AVATAR IS AWESOME!!!


Looky looky!!! hehehehhee

Thanks JP!!!!!!!!

[Sir-Think-A-Lot]

Gaiman is a phenominal story teller, and creates characters that defy the common interpretations of such figures as Death.

Death is an interesting character. She's with you when you are born, and embraces you when you die, to carry you to your next place of existance.
Heaven and hell, only get minimal attention. Rather, the importance is placed on how one lived.

I always liked Death in Discworld. Especially when he gets forced into retirement(although that was a real boon for the 'Dead Rights' gang).