American religion is a mass of contradictions. We want community, but on strictly individual terms. We want human closeness without feeling cramped or obligated. We want a personal God who doesn’t ask much personally. We want mystery, but in a controlled, non-disruptive way. We want a faith that’s fulfilling, practical, earthy, tolerant, transcendent, fun, empowering, morally serious without being morally demanding, a faith that restores wonder and deepens intimacy, and we want it not to cost too much or take up too much time.
—Mark Buchanan, “A New Beginning” (in Books and Culture)
- Mood:
hungry
Contradiction
-
The analog ideal and the digital real
There’s an underlying issue that’s been bugging me on the digital vs. analog stuff I’ve seen off and on for some time. So on Facebook, I tried to lay…
-
Being the limiting resource in the rushing stream
Last weekend was our church's annual Men's Retreat, with the theme of "Living Intentionally." Though I was only able to attend a portion of the time…
-
Losses and messes
Hasn't been the easiest past couple of weeks. Nothing awful in the scheme of things; just a steady stream of losses and messes, departures and FUBAR…
- Post a new comment
- 4 comments
- Post a new comment
- 4 comments
