December 27, 2003
The End of the Postmodern Age or the Beginning?
I've noticed something. Have you?
While on one hand, lots of people like Sweet, McLaren, etc. are continuing to unpack the idea of moving Christianity and Christians into a practical theology relevant an present in a postmodern society, right wing Christians like this fella (Byfield's an old friend of my uncle as it turns out, in their early, Christian-commune, Alberta Report days) and others are trumpeting a relieving (for them) end to disturbing postmodern movements within the Christian church in North America.
So who is right? Are we taking radical, important new steps into reinventing the church (or, as I've recently heard said, the Next Reformation - make it sound more important and official, why don'tcha?), or are we seeing an upsurge in conservatism and the death of said postmodern Christian movements?
I've noticed something. Have you?
While on one hand, lots of people like Sweet, McLaren, etc. are continuing to unpack the idea of moving Christianity and Christians into a practical theology relevant an present in a postmodern society, right wing Christians like this fella (Byfield's an old friend of my uncle as it turns out, in their early, Christian-commune, Alberta Report days) and others are trumpeting a relieving (for them) end to disturbing postmodern movements within the Christian church in North America.
So who is right? Are we taking radical, important new steps into reinventing the church (or, as I've recently heard said, the Next Reformation - make it sound more important and official, why don'tcha?), or are we seeing an upsurge in conservatism and the death of said postmodern Christian movements?
December 23, 2003
Trials, Part five million
I like what Pete had to say in a reply to Trials and Pain II on Mike's blog:
"It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'."
I just finished a long e-mail session with a good friend of mine; we are jointly experiencing the most difficult trials of our lives. Different trials, similar suffering. I just finally finished reading the journey of Mike and Sue in their loss. My heart still aches for Francois and his family. And as I sit here, I can hear the 11:00 news talking about one of the worst weeks in Israel for violence all year. And somehow, Pete's saying is not a cliche, but a profound and encouraging truth. We are currently experiencing all the darkness, evil and pain of Friday. But on Sunday the promise comes again; on Sunday we are free. And Sunday will come. That is what I signed up for.
I like what Pete had to say in a reply to Trials and Pain II on Mike's blog:
"It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'."
I just finished a long e-mail session with a good friend of mine; we are jointly experiencing the most difficult trials of our lives. Different trials, similar suffering. I just finally finished reading the journey of Mike and Sue in their loss. My heart still aches for Francois and his family. And as I sit here, I can hear the 11:00 news talking about one of the worst weeks in Israel for violence all year. And somehow, Pete's saying is not a cliche, but a profound and encouraging truth. We are currently experiencing all the darkness, evil and pain of Friday. But on Sunday the promise comes again; on Sunday we are free. And Sunday will come. That is what I signed up for.
