For some time, I have wanted to find helpful material for me to process my own thinking/struggling with the Muslim world and the mess our country finds itself in these days.
I have found help from someone I trust. My friend Julie has a post on an important voice in Islam who brings a form of clarity that is greatly needed. I think we should keep our eye on this. And, brace ourselves. I think we have not seen the worst of the radical Islamic movement yet.
Separately, but related are two bits on the whole Ted Haggard mess that really should be looked at carefully. My friend Mark Roberts has done a series on Ted Haggard and the burdens that pastors face.
And again, Julie, that energetic Bruin that she is, has written perhaps the very best thoughts on the set up for failure that the church creates in this piece "No Christian Cure....". Outstanding!
One more thing. James Dobson often makes me nuts. And here is another reason why. I would hope that should I commit a major moral failure (God forbid please!), that my friends would have the time to commit to standing beside me, and holding me up as I seek healing; no matter how ugly. Seems to me, I remember reading something about this once. Maybe, just maybe, Dr. Dobson might need to examine his busy calendar and see what priorities most embody the character of Christ. For me, standing beside a fallen friend is near the top of the list. But I am not as important, or influential, or busy, or famous....so perhaps I should just shut up.
There. I will.
I have found help from someone I trust. My friend Julie has a post on an important voice in Islam who brings a form of clarity that is greatly needed. I think we should keep our eye on this. And, brace ourselves. I think we have not seen the worst of the radical Islamic movement yet.
Separately, but related are two bits on the whole Ted Haggard mess that really should be looked at carefully. My friend Mark Roberts has done a series on Ted Haggard and the burdens that pastors face.
And again, Julie, that energetic Bruin that she is, has written perhaps the very best thoughts on the set up for failure that the church creates in this piece "No Christian Cure....". Outstanding!
One more thing. James Dobson often makes me nuts. And here is another reason why. I would hope that should I commit a major moral failure (God forbid please!), that my friends would have the time to commit to standing beside me, and holding me up as I seek healing; no matter how ugly. Seems to me, I remember reading something about this once. Maybe, just maybe, Dr. Dobson might need to examine his busy calendar and see what priorities most embody the character of Christ. For me, standing beside a fallen friend is near the top of the list. But I am not as important, or influential, or busy, or famous....so perhaps I should just shut up.
There. I will.
3 comments:
On a loosely related item... whenever I hear "radical" Islam, I cannot help but turn inward and look at what has happened to the radical form of my own religion. Look here to see what I mean: http://bibchr.blogspot.com/2006/11/spanked.html
I think this is yet another answer to your "big question" that you posted Steve. That's not to say I am putting you in this school of thought. Only you and the Father know that. But it's certainly a view that many non-Christians (and some Christians) have about Christianity in general.
As for me, I guess this is why I call myself a "James Dean" Christian. I believe. But I also believe that today's Christians are taking the church in the same manner the Jews took the purity rights.
In the words of David Byrne, "how did we get here?!"
Steve, it is so much fun to be reconnected to you. I read your blog every day now. And so glad for the introduction to Rob too. The pair of you are new blog favorites of mine.
I dearly hope that I can see you some time in the near future and meet Rob as well.
Feeling warm and cozy sharing Bruin love,
Julie
And a Happy Thanksgiving to all the Bogarts!
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