Rethink Mission: Inspiring gospel-centered missional churches

The Post Where We Link to Stuff You May or May Not Find Interesting and/or Amusing

Should Believers Critize Biblical Texts?
(First, look up what “connatural” means.)

While writing a paper on Genesis 32:22-32 (the passage where Jacob “wrestles” with God), I began to wonder if this biblical metaphor for our relationship with God has been neglected. This post, though from a slightly different angle, has forced me to consider this again.

Has an “over” realized understanding of God’s sovereignty caused us to shrink back from what appears to be the biblical notion of “wrestling” with Him? What do you think?

“Whoever, Whatever, Whenever, Wherever”
If you are looking for ammunition to support your side on the health-care debate, you won’t find it in this piece by George Barna. What you will find is a thoughtful reflection on what Jesus calls US (not U.S.) to do, regardless of politics.

Why Does Everything Bad Feel So Good?
A somewhat “wonkish” post on Science and Faith issues, particularly in regard to what “makes” us sin. This gets to the very core of what it is to be both physical and spiritual creatures.

Now, Look Up What “Luddite” Means
I know I’m swimming against the tide here, but it is not clear to me that access to this much information is an entirely good thing. I have a theory that the easier information is to collect, store, transmit, etc, the “dumber” it makes a society. Compare a letter written by an “uneducated” Civil War soldier to a text (or email) that you sent today. I think you’d be surprised. And you’d think with all this technology they could have come up with some better music. Do you think I’m fighting a loosing battle?
-

Seminary Nerd is a student at a respected Midwestern Seminary. He hopes to be a Bible Nerd when he graduates, but for now he is content with going to classes and passing along the stack of empty pizza boxes that are the Links of the Week.

A Word to the Wise.
Don’t check Facebook while robbing someone’s house. No other commentary needed. Filed under stupid human tricks.

“Too Many People Are Attending College These Days”
A provocative quote from Michael Moynihan contained in this article. Should everyone go to college? Anybody here attend college but later regretted it? Does the U.S., in its effort to be “classless,” provide too many educational opportunities?

Which Kind of New Yorker Are You?
After I graduated from college, there was a period of time when I lived in three cities in eight years.  Needless to say, it’s difficult to really get excited or passionate about a place in such a short period of time.  The “Resume Builder” as Jon describes, presents a challenge to a missional church in any city, not just New York.

Teen Birth Rates Higher in Highly Religious States
I could say a lot about this, too much in fact.  This is a touchy subject but these statistics do not look good before a “watching world.”  To those in vocational ministry:  Do you see this dynamic in your churches?  What is your advice?

Oldie But Goodie
Yeah, it’s an old link, but I laughed when I ran across it again… so there.  Beside, these links are more about ME than YOU!
-

Seminary Nerd is a student at a respected Midwestern Seminary. He hopes to be a Bible Nerd when he graduates, but for now he is content with going to classes and passing along the stack of empty pizza boxes that are the Links of the Week.

The Post Where We Link to Stuff You May or May Not Find Interesting and/or Amusing

Introducing the man behind the links: Seminary Nerd.

Seminary Nerd is a student at a respected Midwestern Seminary. He hopes to be a Bible Nerd when he graduates, but for now he is content with going to classes and passing along the stack of empty pizza boxes that are the Links of the Week.
-

C.S. Lewis On Broadway (Not Really, But Close)
The works of C.S. Lewis (in particular “The Screwtape Letters”) had an important effect on me in my high school and college years.  I feel like he is a kindred soul, though much smarter and with a better accent. Any of you peeps seen this production?

A Good Man Is Hard To Find….In Church
A touchy subject, but handled well here.  A few years ago, I heard a historian refer to a famous person as a “Muscular Christian.”  I’d never heard that idea before.  But what is the danger of going too far in the other direction?  Has this over correction happened in some places?

A Proper Universalism?
Good thoughts from the esteemed Dr. Armstrong on Colossians 1:19-20.  Even if you don’t like how the word universalism is used in this context, it is hard not to be optimistic about God’s work on this planet based on this verse.  We are not rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

Theological Thoughts on Gravity
No, not “gravity” as in “something serious,” the real gravity.  You know, what your high school science teacher was talking about when you weren’t paying attention.  Mr. RealLivePreacher writes well and the last few paragraphs are worth the price of admission (the price being a relatively looong post).  But, I’d like to have seen some gospel at the end of it.

Careful…You Don’t Want Chewbacca Getting Medieval On Your A##…
This guy has nerve to talk smack about Star Wars!  And as I routinely drink my morning coffee from a Star Trek mug, (drives the ladies wild) I’m none to happy with his next project.

-SN