Here’s some of the fascinating articles I found around the web this week:
1) “Bloggers Replace Mom’s Recipe Box As a Source of Food Knowledge” by Eliza Barclay
This interesting article reviews some new studies done for food companies concluding that social media is the rapidly rising new authority on food and recipes. Where previous generations would have consulted with mom or grandma, or at least the back of the Toll House bag, now people read foodie blogs, and share recipes on facebook. Social Media is continuing to shape and reshape our world. This is just one interesting example.
2) “We Dare Not Defend Our Rights” by Colin Hansen
Hansen writes a brilliant piece that articulates concern over the church’s reliance on power and political support. He argues that in some cases it may not be advantageous, and even disastrous to the gospel of the Kingdom of God to demand our rights as citizens of these United States of America. It’s a perspective on the whole discussion I hadn’t thought of, and is worthy of your consideration.
3) “7 Strategies to Stop Procrastinating” by David Murray
Don’t put reading this off! It’s short, sweet, and to the point. It’s also helpful. Most of the content is probably familiar to you, but in a culture that is incredibly self-indulgent we tend to put off what we don’t really want to do. This happens to me far too often. Here are a few simple steps to put into practice.
4) “Six-Legged Giant Finds Secret Hideaway, Hides for 80 Years” by Robert Krulwhich
A fascinating piece on a bug, presumed extinct for the last 80 years, discovered on a small island. The piece recounts its discovery, and conservationists attempts to rescue the species. It’s really a fascinating read…though I confess, I don’t ever want to see this bug in real life!
5) “Harold Camping Admits Sin, Announces End To Doomsday Predictions” by Lillian Kwon
The 90-year-old radio host renowned for his failed and botched predictions about the return of Christ has come to his senses. This is really a great story on what appears to be genuine repentance and heartfelt reassessment. I rejoice in the news of Camping’s repentance.
6) “His Arm Is Strong To Save: A Trajectory of Coversion in America” by Owen Strachan
A brief and helpful survey of preaching the gospel call in American theological life. Owen traces the distiniguishing shifts from the First Great Awakening into the second, and the continuing modifications into the 20th and 21st century. It’s a very helpful essay on the not so good picture of the state of “revivalism” and preaching today. In addition he makes a final plea for a return to God-centered evangelism. Worth your reading.
7) “Thinking You’re Naked” by Jon Acuff
A beautiful reminder of God’s love for us and view of us. Acuff begins with a story about his five-year-old who sadly discovered what shame was. He segways, then, into our own discoveries of shame and self-condemnation. The picture is moving and the reminder of God’s love for us is beautiful.
8) “Abstinence = Epic Fail” by Anthony Bradley
Don’t let the title fool you, this is a solid and Biblical article. Dr. Bradley, who is continuing to become a favorite writer of mine, has written a good challenge to the Christian subcultural view of sex and sexuality. As I continue to study this subject this year I am ashamed at the way we have taught and promoted the idea that our bodies are bad, shameful, and sex itself is a necessary evil. Maybe we don’t say it like that but we certainly create that image. We divorce our sexuality from our humanity in ways that I think are really unhealthy. So does Dr. Bradley, and in this piece he offers us an alternative to that trend: the practice of chastity (over and against abstinence).
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 