Blaise and Holden — an odd couple

Am reading Catcher for the umpteenth time. I’m beginning to see some similarity between Holdens’ view of the world and Pascals’ Pensees (Thoughts). Holdens’ longing for simplicity, his search for the ideal, is not unlike Pascals’ thoughts concerning ‘diversion’. Yes, an odd, almost scandalous comparison, but one that has some merit. I’m going to have to think on this madman stuff for awhile. More to come in the future.

Emerging emergence?

Am beginning to read a bit (for the first time) concerning the emerging church and the vision that drives it. What interests me, however, is not so much what the movement proposes, but rather the resistance of many evangelicals to anything new, to anything different. True, all things must be tested and measured by God’s written Word. This, at heart, is what makes us ‘evangelical.’ We ascribe authority to the written Word in the same manner that ‘non-evangelicals’ might ascribe authority to the Church or to her leaders.

But do we really have it all figured out? Do we know exactly what the Church is to look like? Do we have it nailed down that well?

Although they knew scripture well, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, by and large, missed Him. They knew exactly what Messiah would look like, exactly how Messiah would arrive. But they missed Him. Why? Because they thought they had it all figured out. They had it down pat. And they still missed Him.

Is there a word of caution for evangelicals here?  For instance, do we really know the exact manner in which the Second Coming will occur?  And the rapture.  Do we really know that something called a ‘rapture’ will even occur? If Christ returned today, would we recognize Him? Could we, perhaps, be placing so much faith in our plan that we miss His Plan altogether?

The City

Take a look at “The City.” This is a cool, wicked, and quite insightful ‘litty-type’ mag put out by Houston Baptist University. I just received the second issue today, and am already devouring it. This publication takes on tough issues (government, morality, religion, and individuality) with reason and clarity and a good dose of common sense.