To Richard Beck’s important reflections below I would add that many who say they want community, are really only interested in what Robert Bellah and his associates called “lifestyle enclaves.” We want to be around people like us in all ways. Different is scary, risky, and too big an investment.
http://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-biggest-obstacle-to-spiritual.html
My piece on what Augustine, Bunyan, and Jonathan Edwards might have to say about addictions can be found here:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/2015/01/27/addictions-and-augustine-bunyan-and-edwards/
7. A slowed down spirituality to lead with integrity. Our first passion is Jesus, not reconciliation. Reconciliation is a byproduct, an essential outworking of our following of Jesus. At New Life, we invite people to leave the world, along with the cultural American church, to radically follow Jesus. Reconciliation is a core theological outworking of the gospel, not an addendum. Slowing down for a deep, beneath the surface spirituality with Jesus is the only way our us to do this with integrity.
The rest is here: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/racism/
Getting to spend time with William F. Buckley was a great blessing. I had a couple of meals at his home. One was with some friends and our film crew. The other one was just the two of us. At both, peanut butter could be found. Bill liked to put it on this wonderful toast his cooks made.
My dear friend, Kurt Richardson, sent me this piece yesterday. It brought back some fond memories:
“It takes courage to stand up against your enemies. It takes more courage to stand up against your friends.”
(Peter Vardy)
Social context is huge. It does not need to be determinative. It does seem however to be determinative many times.
I have been in and among many churches and Christian organizations. One question I’ve asked which shows the power/influence of social cohesion is: Name one person who has raised an issue of concern about their respective church, school, etc. and was that person marginalized, fired, or promoted? I get lots of silence.
Sad reality and it is the kind of thing which made Niebuhr cynical about groups, including the church. But the church can and must do better. And I know several pastors who do, so I stay sane!
I heard via John Fea’s blog that Tom Magliozzi died. He and his younger brother, Ray, were the hilarious hosts of NPR’s “Car Talk.” They were affectionally known as “Click” and “Clack.” Though my mechanical skill is minimal (and that is an exaggeration), I loved listening to these guys. They acted stupid, but both were graduates of MIT. Their laughs and banter was infectious.
Here they help out an astronaut in space!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moAqzM4ptm8
My friends in the four pictures: a much younger Warren Culwell, Darin Maurer with his high school buddy and basketball teammate, the dancing Scot, Dougal Cameron, and the book omnivore, Danny Smith, all get up around 4 a.m. The latest riser is probably around 4:30, but you get the picture.
I don’t get up at four, but sometimes I am up at four. I generally sleep very well, but every now and then I am up. This past Wednesday was one of those days so I decided to write text notes to all four friends. I can report that none dropped dead of a heart attack when they received my early morning missive!
This first picture is of Tony Lane who teaches at London School of Theology. Later this summer, I will be interviewing Tony on his terrific book, Exploring Christian Doctrine. The second is my dear friend, Dr. Dave McCoy, and yours truly. So what do you think about the comparison?
