This Side of the Pulpit » Entries tagged with "life"
The Resurrection of the Dead, Part Ia
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Theology
…when night comes and no one may work…
Ran across the following video on my favorite Catholic blog, Creative Minority Report. Though I do not agree with everything the commentator says, he says it with great authority and eloquence that I wish I had. His point? We are not just descending into madness, but it has already come. Watch and enjoy, if possible. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Theology
Tools and Toolishness
So, Scrivener for Windows was just released. Scrivener is a writing program for Macs which is immensely popular and used by hundreds of published authors. Since I use Windows machines, I’ve been out of luck to even look see what it looks like until last night. But I’m impressed. The Windows version is “early Beta” which means I discovered several bugs already, and the final release is not planned until January or February, but even at that, it is a nice piece of software. I’ve also tried using Liquid Story Binder, which is very cool…in an everything-including-the-kitchen-sink-kind-of-way, but which is not as well loved or used (Sorry, Jesse, it’s true). Mostly I’ve used, though, is a combination of Word and Microsoft Onenote to keep track of characters and events and outlines. Onenote … Read entire article »
Filed under: Theology, Writing&Books
Man in “Vegetative State” Answers “Yes” and “No” Questions
In a study that challenges the diagnosis of vegetative state, doctors found that the brain of a seemingly unconscious, vegetative man responded to yes-or-no questions in the same fashion as an alert, conscious person. This discovery not only complicates the medical definition of consciousness, but seems to call into question centuries of philosophy dealing with the nature of life and the self. Here’s the story If this pans out it doesn’t take a genius to see that it will revolutionize medical ethics. Lord help us! … Read entire article »
Watching the Wheels on January 4
I have no New Year’s resolutions yet. Not at least expressed in any coherent, voiced way. Plenty of nebulous ideas, wish-dreams and desires. One of which is to get working out again. Too long away from Y at this point and the doctor is sceptical of my cholesterol level. At least Jack thinks I’m strong. It ain’t much for wisdom, but here’s my offering: don’t make resolutions too hastily, and never make them by yourself. Sit down and talk with the spouse, the family and whomever about what you want to do. Then do what I haven’t done yet: Write them down. Make them measurable. It’s self-growth cliche, but they really should be SMART (specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and timely–timed). In other words “work out more” is lousy. “Work out twice … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Book Review:Principle of the Path
Principle of the Pathby Andy Stanley is the latest book I’m reviewing as part of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Bloggers program. I actually received the book and read it months ago. I’ve finally decided to write the review and put the book far behind me. I’m sure Stanley is a good pastor. By the way he writes, he’s an engaging preacher. Principle of the Path, however, is not a good book. Tone: I made the mistake of looking at the back jacket and seeing his publicity photo. He wore a casual shirt and looks twelve years old. Now, I’ve had a few people in my parish suggest that I’m young, and perhaps not old enough to be wise. It’s irritating. One doesn’t have to be advanced in years to give good pastoral … Read entire article »
Filed under: Writing&Books
How Simple Should Christianity Be? « Glory to God for All Things
1. Christianity is not an idea. 2. Christianity is not part of the religious annex of planet earth. 3. Reality cannot be simplified. On the first point - Christianity is not an idea. I could say that it is also not a philosophy. It is a faith about how things (all things) are and Who God is, and what God has to do with us (or us with Him). It is thus a full account of reality, even though much of that account may remain unspoken. Christianity is either everything or it is nothing. From: How Simple Should Christianity Be? « Glory to God for All Things. One could object that it’s easy for a priest (or pastor) to say that “Christianity is everything or it is nothing.” It’s all they know, for the most part. But one … Read entire article »
Filed under: Theology
Good Sunday
…and now I’m tired. DS III –except we cut the Introit in favor of some “Matins-training.” They sang the opening versicles pretty well. The two hymns (Venite and the Te Deum/Benedictus) will be coming soon. During Sunday School a member who is affiliated with RAIMinistries presented on the ongoing recovery efforts in New Orleans. 65,000 houses vacant or abandoned. Still. At the second service Samuel D. Roper was baptized. Beautiful boy. After church the Ropers had a cookout, and the food and fellowship were great. This week a company is drilling geothermal wells for the sanctuary renovation. This is the first major step, and we’re pretty excited about it. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Abortion on TV?
Creative Minority Report discussed “The Abortion Episode” of The Family Guy that was too controversial for FOX to air. At first I thought of one of the pro-life episodes of The Simpsons I saw the other night, when Springfield tried to ban children. A memorable line from that one, said to a mob of citizens, “Now let’s go kill all the kids….. ‘s stuff!!” But in his post, Matthew Archbold goes on to this more serious angle, and I think he’s right on the money: I think for too long we’ve been told that abortion is too incendiary to discuss. It’s too hot a topic. Can you think of any other issue where Hollywood says this is “too hot a topic” to exploit for profit? The reason for the silence is not … Read entire article »
…And the Violent Bear it Away
It’s a strange verse in the Bible. The rest of it reads, “”And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matt. 11:12 NKJV) The Fathers understood this in a positive sense: the man finding a treasure in a field sells all to possess it. The Kingdom of God is the pearl of great price. Or as Steve Winwood sang, “While you see a chance, take it.” Lutherans do not do much with this verse or this idea. Lutherans emphasize that the saving power of Christ–salvation is outside of us. That is true. Christ has saved us from the power of sin, death and the devil. But at the same time we have been given the invitation, placed on … Read entire article »
Filed under: Theology
Books!
Networked Blogs
Recent Comments
- Julia Harrington on Brown Shoes and No Connections
"Haha, Hall Hall. :)…" - Mark Lehenbauer on Trying New Stuff on the Blog
"Aah. Took several minutes to get from FB to the blog.…" - Mark Lehenbauer on Trying New Stuff on the Blog
"So, if I comment here on the blog it will show up on FB?…" - Carl Vehse on The Horror! The Horror!
"Dixie, you are right. Scientific study that backs up the claim that alcohol and…" - Dixie on The Horror! The Horror!
"...The potential for spread of infection during this religious ritual does ex…"