GroshLink

As new students prepare to flood the campus for the first time and returning students grit their teeth, I am reminded of a piece that Peter brought to GCF's attention a few years ago Why Nerds are Unpopular. As you pray for the coming year of ministry, please keep these members of the population in prayer.

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I recently came across some comments by George Orwell (quoted by Dan Everts, God in the Flesh, IVP: 2005, pp.30-1) regarding how although modern language may strike someone as more impressive, it actually carries less meaning I found this an apt commentary on some of the obtuse conversations that occur in the university. Here is Ecclesiastes 9:11, according to Orwell's modern translation:

Objective consideration of contemporary phenomena compels the conclusion that success or failure in competitive activities exhibits no tendency to be commensurate with innate capacity, but that a considerable element of the unpredictable must invariably be taken into account.

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Just the other day, I was thinking about how Charlie is responsible for the reuniting of Willy Wonka with his father after the candy genius' creativity hits a wall (when Charlie refuses to leave his family for the temptation of a candy empire). Charlie is quite a hero for his family and for Willy.

With this small underdeveloped thought, I found THE CANDY MAN: Why children love Roald Dahl’s stories—and many adults don’t a fascinating as it introduction to Dahl's writing, click more for a particularly thought provoking section regarding Dahl's use of fairy tales.

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Jim Wallis, the editor of Sojourners magazine & author of God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It, offers five areas in which the Democrats should change their message and their messaging in a NY Times Op-Ed Piece entitled The Message Thing

An earlier blog touching on Christians which fall outside of the assumed right was Onward Moderate Christian Soliders, a link to a NY Times Op-Ed piece by John Danforth.

 

 

 

Came across this piece on Amos Comenius (1592-1670, painting by Rembrandt), a Moravian bishop often called the Father of Modern Education. I must say that this perspective resonates with me, even though our family moved from Moravianism to Presbyterianism several generations ago: 

Sensitive to the developmental needs of children of various ages, Comenius divided elementary schools by grades. Believing that children must be wooed rather than coerced into learning, he invented the illustrated textbook and made experience and discovery part of the classroom environment. He taught that corporal punishment, if used at all, should be connected only with moral and not intellectual faults. He insisted that girls were as fully capable of learning at the highest levels as boys. And he preached that schools should teach all realms of knowledge, including morals and piety. The Moravian's reforms were both praised and implemented all across Europe, with over half of European schools eventually using his textbooks.

But behind these reforms lay a deeper vision. Comenius belonged to the Unity of the Brethren-a group of Pietist Christians descended from followers of the proto-Reformer Jan Hus. This small group of Czech believers had been persecuted and exiled from their mother country since early in the bloody religious conflicts of the Thirty Years' War. It was this background that birthed a vision in Comenius for a Christ-centered, universal education called "Pansophism." He believed that a broad-based educational program bringing together people of diverse backgrounds in a common understanding could help avert further strife.

"In the beginning of life, when we are infants, we need others to survive, right? And at the end of life, when you get like me, you need others to survive, right?"

His voice dropped to a whisper. "But here's the secret: in between, we need others as well" (pp.156-7).

Theresa picked up Tuesdays With Morrie at the library, when looking for a book on tape for our summer road trips. This proved to be quite a good choice, subsequently recommended to us by the Barnes & Nobles Summer Reading Table and my sister, who came across a copy at her work's lending library. Asking around, a number of people have read this piece and also have picked up Albom's recent 5 People You'll Meet in Heaven.

What is the attraction of Tuesdays With Morrie?

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"Hope and Healing: Painting in Italy in a Time of Plague, 1500-1800," at the Worcester Art Museum looks fabulous. I am particularly attracted to its attempt to

present mainstream Christian "high art," church art, in terms of function rather than form. The 35 paintings included are considered as devotional icons rather than as old master monuments. They are viewed from an existential rather than a doctrinal or sociopolitical perspective; through the eyes of a believer for whom a picture of the Virgin is a moral lesson and an emotional encounter before it is a Tiepolo or a Tintoretto.

But I can't help but come away with the question as to whether those visit the exhibition. . .

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Thought you'd appreciate Growing up w/a dose of magic . . . a NY-Times Op-Ed extolling Harry Potter, epitomizing the urgency of finding out what happens in a new piece or one you've just come across & don't know what's inside (I have this problem a number of books like Philip Jenkins' Next Christendom, Robert Wuthnow's Loose Connections, Rodney Stark's One True God, Ralph Winter's Perfecting Ourselves to Death), having a series in progress, and growing w/a character (I remember the days of Luke and the original Star Wars, although not as much content as Harry Potter).

An interesting response to the pressures of researching and reporting on Scientology can be found in this Sunday's Opinion section of the Post-Gazette

Brief thoughts on and link to original articles

When I have time, I would like to pick up this new piece by the scientist-theologian John Polkinghorne. For now I'll satisfy myself with the Crouch's Books & Culture review. Here is a piece I found of particular interest, after having spent a summer considering intelligent design (ID) as part of a faculty discussion group:

For Polkinghorne the developmental nature of both life and the cosmos are simply a natural consequence of the Creator's gracious gift of freedom to the created order. Howard van Till, another physicist-turned-theologian, describes the universe as displaying "robust functional economy," meaning that the universe was created containing the fertile complexity needed to develop the astonishing array of life we observe, without requiring further supernatural input.

None of this necessarily rules out the fundamental contention of intelligent design—that certain aspects of life are too complex to have arisen without the guidance of a designer. Yet it does reveal how limited id's scope really is. On the one hand, ID attracts hostility from the scientific establishment because it seems to undercut science's hopes of understanding the workings of chance and necessity in the world. On the other hand, the only Designer of which ID can speak is little more than a shadowy cosmic Engineer, ready to intervene with clever solutions to problems, but whose ultimate intentions are unknown and, within the scope of ID theory at least, unknowable. Polkinghorne's Trinitarian account of a freely developing universe, on the other hand, can fully accept science's understanding of reality while also making much more specific claims about the nature of the world's Creator. That Creator turns out to be a loving Economist, a kind of endlessly resourceful Alan Greenspan, who creates and sustains an wondrously fruitful, free world.

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Have you seen Neeslan, a creation spurred by Liam Neeson's commitment to be Aslan's voice in the coming Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe release? A number of people have asked me if we'll find a faithful telling of C.S. Lewis' work come to screen in 137 days or if Disney will have corrupted its allegory of the work of Christ. I do not know, but Lord willing, there will be much value in the film and it will reflect the author's intent.

The other day, I watched Disney's Ruby Bridges: A Real American Hero, click here for the Ruby Bridges Foundation, with Hayley and Ellen. I found the film a helpful introduction to conversation regarding the relationship between the African American and the European American communities that our bridged at our local congregation. Furthermore, I found the faith of the Bridges' family and Ruby, in particular, a great encouragement and model of how to live when marginalized in one's community. I found myself mourning and praying against the destructive power of sin and the evil One in individuals and structures in our society, our world. So I do have confidence that the light of the Gosepel can shine through the Wonderful World of Disney and it is even more encouraging to read on Narniaweb.com:

Is this going to be a secularized Hollywood version or will C.S. Lewis’ Christian themes stay intact? It’s no secret that C.S. Lewis was an outspoken Christian and his faith was woven throughout everything he wrote. Narnia is no exception and much of the stories are allegorical in nature. Will Hollywood have its way and strip out Lewis’ spiritual messages? Not so, promises Douglas Gresham, co-producer and stepson of Lewis himself. A committed Christian, Gresham has vowed not to “change the words of the master.” Indeed, Walden Media itself has a track record of family-friendly films so it seems that the film will be in good hands. Many are concerned that Disney's influence will water down the Christian themes which run through the Narnia stories, but it's important to remember that Walden Media is ultimately in charge of the film, not Disney.

The Baylor Showdown has reminded me how a college's return to faith is only accomplished by the grace of God. Reflecting on the transformation of Grove City College, the alma mater of both Theresa and myself, reminds me what a blessing it has been to know followers of Christ w/the passion, determination, and the sacrifical lifestyle necessary for being part of such a Kingdom endeavor. I was surprised by the omission of Grove City College in the recent article on the Renaissance of Christian Colleges, but maybe that has to do w/not being a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and finding itself outside the typical orbit of evangelicalism . . . which is not all a bad thing.

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Just had to get this up . . . I will try to organize my thoughts on the fantastic candy garden w/waterfall, the Oompa-Loompa tribe of clones, their ironic judgmental songs in the context of the tempting Cocoa/Candy deity, the role of parenting (the transformation of the minor deities after the crises moments of the Chocolate Factory tour), the generation of brats which we have become and are raising, the hollowness of candy as well as the havens of our entertainment culture, the incredible teleportation (one of the most set-up, but most appreciated parts of the film in my perspective as a follow-up to Burton's Planet of the Apes), the redemptive nature of poor families which live in interdependence. Hard to compare to almost any other movie . . . although Moulin Rouge or musical scores/routines added to Edward Scissorhands might come close. Although tight on family, it was not of the same genre as Big Fish. But for now I must say . . .

the adding of patriarchal, oppressive Dental dad (note: no mom in the practice or the house) left lots to be desired. I confess that the contrast w/Charlie's dad working at the toothpaste factory and Charlie's creation of a toothpaste factory (white versus black) was sharp. But the mental anguish of braces which left a manufactored smile, the throwing away of holiday candy by fire (although note the dragon in the fire place and the dragon boat in the chocolate rive), and recognition by bicuspids was a little too much . . . Dentists are not like this & do they really explain Willy Wonka's drive to build a candy empire, his creepy creativity, and the oddities of his life & behavior?

 

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Book review of Albert Delbanco's The Real American Dream: A Meditation on Hope. written as part of my Masters in Higher Education Degree Program at Geneva College.

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Book review of Neil Postman's The End of Education written as part of my Masters in Higher Education Degree Program at Geneva College. (More)

Looks like we were right on top of the news with Cardinal Schonborn, see Leading Cardinal Redefines Church's View on Evolution, see op-ed piece posting on Finding Design in Nature

Excerpt of some contrary opinions from within the Christian community below

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Last night, Theresa and I saw X-men on the Sci-Fi Channel underwritten by Burger King's promo of the Fantastic Four film and related products. The comparision was between the 2 films seemed laughable. It seems that the NY Times writer agrees. Would love to hear from anyone who sees Fantastic Four.

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Returning to the Design question, see Opting out in the debate on evolution

I found today's NY Times Op-Ed piece Finding Design in Nature by Christoph Schonborn quite good. Check it out. I don't have time to comment on it right now.

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Moviemaking with a Purpose, an interview w/Ralph Winter, caught my attention this morning. This topic has been a long-term interest of mine, finding more development when Mike, Toby, and myself taught a Sunday School Class at Allegheny Center C&MA on Reel Spirituality (Robert Johnson, 2000). A handout in which I distilled some of the material for a graduate student retreat can be found here.

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When the question was raised as to the role of InterVarsity staff on campus as those who transform the cultural elite I had the following thoughts (note: this was in response to a recent article highlighting a presentation by University of Virginia's Sociologist James Davidson Hunter, click 'more' for the text of the article),

I perceive the role of InterVarsity staff as being followers of Christ, which pans out practically as having a parabolic, prophetic, open door, and networking/communal life/ministry as we sow the seeds of the Gospel . . . some which take root, some which grow, and some which bring forth much fruit. This can get under the skin like salt, bring things to attention like a blinding light. As such, this may lead to opportunities for larger roles, if so, praise be to the Father! This may lead to lead to opportunities for lesser roles, if so, praise be to the Father! This may lead to times of conflict and change, if so, praise be to the Father! This may lead to times of peaceful co-existence where the various parties involve come to understand one-another more deeply, if so, praise be to the Father! As the People of God in shared ministry, we must beware of the professionalization, intellectualization, and numbers/influence calculations of our mission.

Together we are part of God's Story and God's Work not individual competitors (or various sectarian subcultures) to be compared w/the consumerism of the age. God sees the whole film, while we see but a frame (as part of the larger plot) to which we are called to be faithful in cultivating the earth and the advancing of His Kingdom through the lens of His teaching and not of this world . . . although I do not deny that considering such scenerios is the work of a sociologist such as Hunter. The question we are asking is whether he is proposing a wise and godly application of the knowledge he has gained through his research.

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A friend pased along a link to Left Behind Games, an organization creating a real-time strategy game of its name-sake. I find it hard to believe that this is the genre of God games that we desire young followers of Christ to dive into and become their world. Our alternative subculture is rooted in the whole Biblical Story, not an obsession w/the End Times timeline. For more on the Biblical Story, note: this is applied to the educational context but more on common grace coming soon.

To continue, we are to provide cultural resources of grace, truth, and love which extend networks of communication (even facilitated by and in the structures of media) toward the end of being part of a People of God which by the grace of God restores and blesses the creation and her inhabitants. May our computer scientists follow this call instead of focusing their time on playing, designing, or creating strategy games such as Left Behind: Eternal Forces . . . (click 'more' for game description)

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So many takes on Batman. Now have we finally made his journey from childhood fear to adult superhero plausible? How he overcame fear, dealt w/the loss of his parents, wielded his fortune in a positive direction, maintanined a tight relationship w/his butler (or why his butler sought to do such w/him), became endowed w/so many gadgets that worked and seemed to have them in endless supply, has a predisposition to lacking friends (and significant relationships), etc . . .

Join me as over the next week, I'll share some thoughts regarding Batman and interact w/various on-line articles that seek to understand 'what he does,' even who he is as the 'mask of Bruce Wayne.' The purpose for this interaction w/culture, myth, and story is to help us process through living in the Biblical Story . . . to discern what we do and whether it emanates from who we say we are, take a look at what masks we wear, and remind us some of what faithful loving of God and neighbor in our day-by-day context in 'the real world' is all about.

For those of you wanting it stated more clearly, I find Mars Hill Audio has a similar vision and informs my some of my thoughts in this area (Note: If you have not, I'd recommend you check them out. Pieces by Ralph Wood, good stuff on P.D. James & J.R.R. Tolkien, and others on myth are quite helpful):

exists to assist Christians who desire to move from thoughtless consumption of modern culture to a vantage point of thoughtful engagement. We believe that fulfilling the commands to love God and neighbor requires that we pay careful attention to the neighborhood: that is, every sphere of human life where God is either glorified or despised, where neighbors are either edified or undermined.

More in coming weeks on the larger vision and passsion, but I'm getting ahead of myself . . . Tell me your thoughts on the dark knight.

Taking off of Billy Graham's confession of Democratic Party affiliation, I thought this piece by a former Senator and current Episcopal priest would be a good read. Love to have your reactions to these words coming from the Republican side of the aisle and officiant for President Reagan's funeral . . .

Onward, Moderate Christian Soldiers

By JOHN C. DANFORTH It is important for those of us who are considered moderates to make the case that we have strongly held Christian convictions.

Great to read of InterVarsity's commitment to address the 'Graduation Evacuation.' and see the development of the Youth Transition Initiative (YTI).

This is an area that demands much effort as we live among loose connections across the spectrum of our life endeavors. Much work to be done in this area. Material which I've used (or had a part in developing) can be found here. If you'd be interested in having a presentation at your local congregation for parents, youth ministers, and/or high schoolers let me know.

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