For the record, I have not yet read Velvet Elvis. Amongst my Winter Break readings are Blue Like Jazz (2nd Time) and The Jesus I Never Knew.
I hope to get some good reading in while I have a bit more time on my hands with no school!
A good friend once told me to always pay attention to context...
I recently finished reading a biased review of a book I had told someone I was interested in buying. Velvet Elvis, by Mars Hill teacher Rob Bell, essentially tries to uncover the realities of the Christian faith. He attempts to take a fresh look on the man of Christ in a way that reaches far beyond the evangelical box.
To this, my friend presented me a newsletter from The Berean Call that featured a review bashing his book and foundations. In much frustration, I read the review noticing the complete lack of integrity by the reviewer. Aside from taking Bell's points out of context, he warns that Bell essentially leads a cult of worshipers at his Church in west Michigan.
I've listened to a great many of Bell's sermons and noticed his Christian worldview is different than most teachers. One quick look at his church and maybe you'll notice that Mars Hill puts the majority of Evangelical Churches to shame as they devote over 35% of all giving to their global outreach team. Aside from that, Bell attempts to make God and this idea of the church something relevant for the day we live in today - by no means does he dumb down the gospel, if anything he paints a picture that makes people think.
My simple advice is this: don't believe everything you hear. One bad critique doesn't always equal truth. Form your opinions using your brain - take the advice of others with a grain of salt.
It may have seemed like any other normal Thursday, but today was the start of finals. This college phenomenon isn't something foreign to me (this is after all my 4th year) but today was particularly interesting.
My first final, international marketing, was at 9:45AM. We all arrived slightly early to cram our heads as best as possible. The teacher soon arrived with a puzzled look on his face. Hastily he ran outside to make a phone call to his TA. As he entered, we began to think something was wrong...The TA had all the tests and scantrons, but was nowhere to be found. Eventually, after fighting with the Xerox machine and making enough copies, the teacher finally handed out the tests...45 minutes later! This test was 100 questions and as such wasn't the easiest thing in the world.
Meanwhile, yours truly assumed that I would have plenty of time to study for my next final at 12PM (conveniently in the same room). But with the interruption, I had barely enough time to cram. Boy, it wasn't fun being cooped up in the same room for 5 hours...
Meanwhile, I have a take-home final essay due tomorrow that I've barely touched. That is where I'll be spending my restless hours tonight...
When one wakes, the possibilities of turmoil and regret can quickly come to play. The sun may rise, yet one may look to the west in fear of the dark. How guilty it can be to miss the beauty of the sunrise that is the life of a human. And yet still, the day continues, with ill surprises that may haunt a lifetime forever.
And yet still, it may have been something different. The surprise may not have been a surprise at all, save for one's reaction. A simple mix up, like that of a drink at a coffee joint may have taken place. With the wrong drink comes hope. Hope of a fix, hope of a change. But change can only happen when one takes the step forward, terrified of the quest, and asks for a new cup of coffee. With the fear of oneself surpressed, maybe they'll make it. And when they do, oh how sweet it is.
And now as the sunsets, one has finally looked towards the gleaming light with hope, hope of life and love endlessly appearing. Maybe the dream is just that, a dream. Tell yourself that and the dream won't come true. Make your dream a reality. Make the first step.
I recently signed a lease to move into an apartment in west Sparks. Heather and I are excited as we will be living there once we get married. This will be the first time I've ever lived in an apartment, and as such will be a giant transition from modern suburbia.
Firstly, I won't enjoy walking 50 yards to my car; I will not have the luxury of warming it up in the morning. Also, there's a good chance that the neighbor below our apartment smokes - not fun.
Aside from my quarks, I enjoy the prospect of finally moving out. The hot tub and excercise room will be nice, as will coming home (soon) to a beautiful wife...
Check out this new Jars of Clay album on iTunes. It's an amazing listen on thoughts from the band, as well as some originals on old favorites like Frail and Flood. Make sure to check out Jars' new song on the Chronicles of Narnia album as well...another great tune...
