Culture
"When we speak of culture in its broadest sense, we are speaking about the sum total ways of living that shape (and also are shaped by) the continuing life of a group of human beings from generation to generation. We are speaking about the language that enables them to grasp, conceptualize, and communicate the reality of their world; about law, custom, and forms of social organization, including marriage, family, and agriculture. These things shape the life of each member of the society. They are also shaped, modified, and developed from generation to generation by the members of the society. From the point of view of the individual member they are given as part of the tradition into which he or she is born and socialized. But they are not changeless absolutes." - Lesslie Newbigin
Kairos - In Greek, 'kairos' means, essentially, 'this moment in time.' As a community of believers we need to be as close to this moment in time understanding and engaging our culture, but not so close that we lose our distinctives and become sucked into our culture. Join us as we reflect on the culture around us.
Recent Film Reviews (View all)
CSNY
I saw Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (CSNY) in 1976 in Springfield Massachusetts. I loved their music, and was excited to see them only to be let down by idiot fans who booed them, and threw bottles when they changed their set to acoustic wiping out some of their great songs like Ohio, Find the Cost of Freedom and Chicago, all anti-war songs that resonate with many of us till this day. I think that part of their appeal for me was their desire to not allow the status quo to reign, especially when it related to war.
Recent Music Reviews (View all)
Kanye's Struggle for Righteousness
Our struggle for righteousness which is expressed in the fight for reputation is a brutal master which will never allow us to rest. We wish we had it, and once it is acquired we will fight to the death to keep it (think of 2Pac or the Notorius B.I.G.). This drive pushes us, beats us, wears us down, and gives us no rest. It is a slavery that promises our emancipation as it slips its shackles around every limb.
Recent Art Reviews (View all)
The Importance of Art When Engaging Non-believers
Dr. Francis Schaeffer was right when he said that the best way to understand the basic world view of a period of history is by studying its art forms, and it is because of this observation that I write this paper. My hopes are that we recognize our challenge in finding appropriate vehicles of communication directly connected to our interest, or lack thereof, in works of art produced by those who make up our culture.
Recent Book Reviews (View all)
This Beautiful Mess
According to author Rick McKinley, at the center of the gospel message is something not so tidy, not so neat, not so perfect. Building upon Jesus words in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," the conclusion is that the kingdom is for those who lack and those who are broken. Unfortunately, most of us are too busy involved in other matters to see the beauty (i.e. The Beautiful Mess) that is the kingdom around us.
Recent Other Essays and Articles (View all)
Know the Game – A Cultural Introduction
I was once asked in a class to tell something about myself that no one knew, something innocuous and trivial but definitely personal. We would all write down the statements on small pieces of paper and then shuffle them, hand them out and read aloud.
