merge: Recent Comments

Comment on missing the point

2011-10-07T18:16:19Z

Great job, Dan. We have become experts at missing the point.

Comment on missing the point

2011-10-07T11:17:52Z

Also, is there genuinely a large class of people (otherwise disposed to visit a church) who would turn away at the presence of crosses at the road or in the sanctuary?

Comment on missing the point

2011-10-07T00:24:29Z

I agree that Christians' participation in their own subculture can be an unnecessary stumbling block. A major expression of this I didn't see mentioned is the use of language and idioms ("Evangelical Latin"). Words and phrases like "washed in the blood," "sanctification," "grieve the Holy Spirit," "Spirit-filled," etc. serve one the same functions that technical language does in other disciplines: They help to quickly identify those who are "in the know" or out of it.

I DO think there is an unstated assumption in the above analysis that is not correct: That all uses of Christian-culture symbols (car fish, t-shirt, crosses) are done for the same reason, self-righteousness.

Christians at different stages of their walk do some of these things for a wide variety of reasons. I know of a man who had become a Christian. He desired to make this known to the men he had worked with for years, and he chose to put a fish symbol on his car. For him, it was an act of bravery to intentionally "put on" a symbol that would likely garner him scorn from his old friends.

I think it is necessary to first assess why a Christian is doing some activity that may be counterproductive to the furtherance of the gospel. If it flows from self-righteousness, that would require a firm, directly response. If, however, it is a well-intentioned but misguided effort, that should be gently corrected.

Comment on ripe

2011-09-30T05:07:20Z

I am skeptical about a lot of what I read about forgiveness in modern evangelical output. The focus is always on the aggrieved party, and forgiveness is suggested as a self-help activity. "Forgive so that the burden of anger is lifted from you!" The Biblical mandate for forgiveness isn't so you feel better; it's so you life reflects God's mercy. "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Release from anger is great, but it's an epiphenomenon - a side effect of the real purpose of forgiveness.

Comment on comeback church

2011-09-20T04:30:59Z

Sunday I was scribbling furious, and now largely unintelligible thoughts/notes during your sermon. (Ha!) Very thought provoking! I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts about the Church (with a capital C,) but am even more interested in why you feel that Mt. Auburn does not currently "have it going on."

Comment on finish strong

2008-01-11T14:21:13Z

Good entry dan. It's funny how some things hit home.

Comment on mush

2008-01-03T22:44:08Z

It was great visiting and spending New Year's with you and Sherri!

Thanks for the pumkin nut bread! I think we finished it before we made it around Indy!

I had the BEST venti cup of Starbucks this morning from a place in St. Clairesvill, OH. Whip cream on TOP of the cinnamon and cocao sprinkles ...

Perfection ....

Comment on mush

2008-01-03T22:23:10Z

Glad to see that you made it home safe and sound. We were all praying for a few more snow days, but I guess Lara prayed harder than we did! Now that the "vacation" is over, maybe you can get some rest. Enjoy the pumpkin nut bread and the starbucks, talk to you soon.

Comment on typical thompson take-off

2008-01-03T21:09:51Z

Thanks Pauly! A tongue sticking out of the pc is better than stuck to a flag pole this time of year....

Comment on typical thompson take-off

2008-01-02T12:36:33Z

Thats what you get for making fun of the ravens against colts. (imagine a tongue sticking out of the computer)

Just kidding Dan. Please get home safe with that wonderful family of yours. Take advantage of the extra time with your folks. Be safe on the way, we will be praying for you.

Paul