Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
A few weeks ago some of my young adult leaders and I started working through this exceptional book by Mark Noll. Noll, in addition to being named one of America’s most influential Evangelicals by Time Magazine, is also a robust historian with pastoral sensitivities.
I selected this book for my leaders as spring/summer reading since they desired to grow in their understanding of historical issues as they pertained to the church. Albeit early in our reading, it has been encouraging to hear some of my leaders commenting that the scandal that Noll discusses (that Evangelicals have never been able, in a focused manner, to nurture a passion for the mind) is something that does not seem to be repeating itself in their generation. They consistently say that they want to grow and learn to love God with all their heart, soul and mind. (They are reading the book 
Here is a brief quote to wet your appetite.
“…there is a theological dimension to the scandal of the evangelical mind. For an entire Christian community to neglect, generation after generation, serious attention to the mind, nature, society, the arts– all spheres created by God and sustained for his own glory– my be, in fact, sinful.” 23.
Road Trip to Grand Rapids
It’s been a while, but i have a good excuse. New baby, doctoral work and lots of involvement at North Park. With a slower pace in the month of Feb. I’m looking forward to a short visit to Calvin College with our Missions Director.
Also, at the end of Feb i’ll be posting some thoughts at http://www.epconference.net/ concerning God’s economy.
Christmas Reading List
I have been MIA from my blog. Writing papers and preparing sermons has been keeping me steadily busy.
Over the break i’m reading two important book. Cox’s The Future of Faith and Hart’s Atheist Delusion. Hope to provide a short review of both books soon.
Merry Christmas
Harvey Cox and Religious Shifts
While most like to believe that George Barna is the father of religious trends i think Cox and his new “The Future of Faith‘ book might have more to offer.
NHL 2009
Wow, can’t believe the hockey season is right around the corner. O.K i’m not going to lie i’ve been having withdrawals.
Anyone else a Habs Fan?
THROUGH THE ROOF
Through the Roof, TTR is a gathering of Young Adults that meets on the Campus of UWO in London. I’m so excited to be speaking. Hope to see you there.
Politics and God
Politics and God are often seen as an oxymoron. Isn’t politics the realm of Satan ? There seems to be a growing movement suggesting that anything organized and structured can’t be from God who moves spontaneously by the Holy Spirit. I think it’s unfortunate how we’ve come to associate spontaneate with the role of the Spirit who regularly follows in step with the trinitarian dance to reveal more and more of the Son to us.
While this argument has a long history within the Christian tradition, the recent passing of Senator Ted Kennedy might provide a fresh perspective.
I recently read Excerpts from Kennedy’s letter to Pope Benedict XVI, a wonderful note revealing the heart of a politicians concerned about his relationship with God and his service to the world. He wrote, “I pray that you have all of God’s blessings as you lead our Church and inspire our world during these challenging times. I am writing with deep humility to ask that you pray for me as my own health declines.”
A great reminder that no matter our roles or positions, we all need God’s guidance and help as we try to make a difference in the world. May the life of Senator Kennedy inspire a new generation of leaders to continue to seek God and serve the world.
The Future of Homosexual Leadership
O.k. i’ve been posting about some of these issues for while. I came across this quote by
V. Gene Robinson, the openly-gay bishop of New Hampshire. He remarks, “Just simply to say that it goes against tradition and the teaching of the church and Scripture does not necessarily make it wrong,” he said. “We worship a living God, and that living God leads us into truth.”
Is this a model of leadership that you would feel comfortable following? Would love to hear your thoughts. Is this future of leadership in the Anglican church.
If going against the teaching of the Church and the tradition does not characterize something as wrong, then what does?
Thoughts?
Girl Power- Islam Style
While cnn is probably not the most realiable source for news, every so often a good story makes it through. This one about Rowaida Abdelaziz is worth reading. It provides an interesting perspective on how some women view and understand the wearing of the customary Muslim heading covering known as hijab. It also goes to show that our initial biases of others can often be wrong. Lots to learn and think about.
I’m back with some Daddy Lessons
After a week of vacation I got a new take on what a stay at home dad actually goes through (also how tough things can get for moms) I’m not the only one learning daddy lessons. Sites like dadlabs are helping dads learn how to be good parents in the 21st century. If you want a real challenge get married and start having kids.