Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
Each year, Lancaster Theological Seminary names five “outstanding graduates” to receive complimentary one-year subscriptions to Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology. I’m not so sure I can live up to the “outstanding” tag, but I do appreciate being one of the five named by the faculty @ LTS. Too, I love free theology journals. Thank you!
Karl Rove is an Atheist?
Christopher Hitchens: Karl Rove is an atheist. I think it’s safe to say at this point that fundamentalist Christians have been seriously duped and cheaply used by this administration and its brain. Hat tip: Telic Thoughts. Extra reading: Jeremiah 2:19-25.
Empire Tools & the Subjugation of Christianity 1
Early medieval Christianization mimicked the methodology and philosophy of empire expansion more than the evangelistic processes of the early or primitive church.
Christianity had been thoroughly absorbed into Rome and mirrored almost all of its ethnocentric prejudices by 500 C.E. The 600’s saw an almost complete superimposition of a curiously familiar sociopolitical philosophy and procedure over religious ideology, duty, and mission. The result was a systemic sort of Christianization, rather than compassion driven evangelization. Approved belief and creedal perfection replaced the original movement toward diverse unification and care for the needs and souls of neighbors. The Church became a new kingdom cut from a fading empire’s cloth. Read More »
Empire Tools & the Subjugation of Christianity 2
Some of the most vivid examples of religion perpetuating empire can be found in the historic documentation concerning the Christian emperor Charlemagne and the conquest of the Saxons. Christian conversion - if the following documents are accurate representations of historic events - was not encouraged during the early medieval period, but rather forced upon a subjugated people. Read More »
The Week’s Must Read Blog Posts 04262007
Viewing the Virginia Tech Tragedy Through a Community of Faith: “While I needed to come back to Los Angeles, my heart is still with my first church plant at Virginia Tech - [nlcf].” Read More »
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish!
My semester is so near its end. The completion of this semester signifies the end of my formal education process. It’s been good. I’m so glad to be finished. Today, I take my very last class test. I’ll be done. All of my requirements will be fulfilled. All that remains is motions (i.e., show up for a few irrelevant classes and semi-meaningful graduation events). I would just like to say, to all who were involved with my formal education process, “So long, and thanks for all the fish!” Read More »
Random Class Notes Dump 04242007
Bhakti Maarga (path) or Bhakti Yoga in Hinduism
Bhakti Maarga or Bhakti Yoga is a spiritual path of Sanatana Dharma wherein an intense devotion is offered to a personal god. Bhakti (share) is a thoroughly relational approach to one’s god. It is emotionally experiential, and built upon an active shared relationship with one’s deity. Bhakti is the most popular Sanatana Dharma path in India. Bhakti can be summarized by two words: Overwhelming love! This love is directed toward one’s personal god. It is lived out through discipleship to the god who is a personal friend. Read More »
Bill Uhrich 2007 Keystone Award Winner!
Kudos to my friend and fellow Lancaster Theological Seminary classmate Bill Uhrich for winning first place in the 2007 Keystone Awards Contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society of Newspaper Editors. The Keystone Awards Contest is administered by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Foundation. Bill is an environmental columnist and photo editor for the Reading Eagle, in Reading, PA. He is graduating from Lancaster Theological Seminary in a few weeks with a Master of Arts in Religion. Too, be sure to check out Bill’s fantastic new blog re: Falcons! Congratulations Bill!
Introductory Queries, Apropos World Religion
1. What is Hinduism? How would you explain Hinduism to someone who knows nothing about it?
Hinduism is the third largest of our world’s religions, behind Christianity and Islam. The majority of adherents are in India, the original birthplace of Hinduism, circa 8000 BC. Hinduism does not claim a single founder or leader. In fact, there is not a single tradition or expression inherent to the label “Hinduism.” The label Hinduism was actually attributed to a varied and complex compilation of traditions native to the Indian subcontinent. The application of this label to this complex conglomeration was performed by foreigners (Colonial British Rule). The term preferred today is “Sanatana Dharma,” which translates “eternal religion” or “ageless.” Read More »
Transitions: Finishing and Starting Strong
Note to my readers: I’m taking the next few days to finish up a few final seminary requirements and to start making a serious family transition from seminary/campus living to city living and church planting. There is a bunch of stuff happening right now, on a number of levels, and God is bringing it all together. God is faithful. These days are good, exciting, and chock full of potential. I’ll be participating in a hybrid church planting internship with my conference (Atlantic Conference of the Brethren in Christ), in Lancaster, while simultaneously working to put the early stages of Inner Metro Green on the ground, in a tangible way in the city. Keep praying! Read More »
