Parallels

---
name: parallels
description: Retrieve and analyze parallel Bible passages, comparing their similarities, differences, theological significance, and life applications.
---

# Parallels Skill

## Overview
This standalone skill enables any agent to perform a deep-dive comparison and theological analysis of parallel passages in Scripture by retrieving matches from the local database.

## Guidelines & Objectives
When executing this skill:
- Always run the python retriever script located at `.claude/skills/parallels/parallels_query.py` to retrieve the parallel passage groups.
- Execute the script using: `python3 .claude/skills/parallels/parallels_query.py "<query>"` where `<query>` is the topic, event, or name of the parallel.
- For each parallel passage retrieved:
  1. Retrieve and present the full verse texts (retrieved by the script).
  2. Clearly compare the passages, detailing their **Similarities** and **Differences** (e.g. details mentioned in one but omitted in another).
  3. Analyze **Authorial Emphasis**: Explain how the author uses similarities among differences to highlight different theological themes, target different audiences, or present distinct historical/theological angles.
  4. Explain their **Theological Significance** and how they relate to the organic unity of Scripture.
  5. Provide concrete **Practical & Pastoral Applications** of these truths for modern Christian life.
- All study outputs generated by the `/parallels` command must be saved to the `biblemate/` folder with a timestamp prefix under the Universal Study Output Saving Rule.

## Required Study Output Structure
The final markdown study file saved to the `biblemate/` folder MUST follow this structure:

### 1. Parallel Passage Group: [Topic/Title]
Present the passages retrieved by the script:
*   **Passage 1**: [Reference] - [Full Text]
*   **Passage 2**: [Reference] - [Full Text]
*   *(And so on for any additional parallels)*

### 2. Comparative Analysis (Similarities & Differences)
- **Similarities**: Contrast the main overlapping historical events, words, or structural patterns.
- **Differences & Omissions**: Highlight details present in one passage but missing or described differently in another.

### 3. Authorial Emphasis & Rhetorical Angle
- **Passage 1 Focus**: What is the author's primary target audience, rhetorical style, and main theme in this specific version of the account?
- **Passage 2 Focus**: What is the other author's emphasis, and why does it differ (e.g. Matthew focusing on Jewish fulfillment vs. Luke focusing on the outcasts)?
- **Similarities Among Differences**: Explain how the differences serve to accentuate the distinct theological goals of each biblical author.

### 4. Theological Significance
- Explain the doctrinal or redemptive-historical importance of this parallel group.
- Relate it to the covenantal storyline and how it finds resolution/fulfillment in Christ.

### 5. Practical & Pastoral Application
- Provide concrete takeaways for daily Christian life, worship, or faith.
- Conclude with a warm pastoral prayer or reflection in the first person.