the devil

I must admit the concept of the Devil/Satan intrigues me.  I choose the word concept for a reason; since I've been in seminary that hasn't been one mention or discussion on the subject, except in my classes on evangelism.  I find this incredibly interesting that it would be discussed in my evangelism class and yet not discussed in either my biblical studies classes, nor my theology classes; likewise, I find it frustrating.

Insert title here.

Yes, I realize I have not posted in well over too long of a time.  I, unfortunately, do not see this circumstance changing anytime soon.

I figure what I should do is either become a master of quippy zingers a la Chandler on Friends

or

I should become a master of witty pithy phrases that make you think.

However, I also do not see that occuring anytime soon.  Needless to say, this blog is coming to grips with the power of silence.

the power of the symbol

Finally!  After too long of a hiatus I actually have something worthwhile to write!  It's nice to feel the liberating power of Christmas break, but anyway...


Symbols are a powerful thing... almost too powerful.  The fact that they are so powerful is interesting, because in reality they are nothing.  Their power resides merely in social agreement.  They have the power to direct, condescend, aid in transcendence, etc.

Think of it, we get angry when someone speaks a vulgar word, or expresses a vulgar gesture.
An A+ on a paper/test is highly regarded whether or not any of the information is retained afterwards.
A diamond is a highly valued gem that is, though rare, merely a crystalline construct of tetrahedral carbon atoms.
A large bicep is understood as strength... i.e. Arm and Hammer.  Likewise, fashion.  Who makes up the laws of fashion?  Are there really any rules that make any sense beyond our social setting's unspoken code of conduct?

what it feels like to die... or just finals week

I've been busy since I've returned from Thanksgiving, and it's not about to let up!  This is not the most enjoyable time of the year, but for whatever reason it seems to be much more busy than last year, or even last May.  Perhaps because I had one or two less exams for those semesters, and perhaps it's also because I wasn't married.  Perhaps it's also because I have an internship that requires much more involvement, and I allow it to involve more of me.

two weeks and nothing

So I know I want to post every Friday...

But it's just not working out these past two weeks.  I suppose that whats end of semester burn out does, cause my brain is fried.  I could write a post... but I'm going to err on the side of not doing so, because I still have a paper due in 4 days that I have not even begun to start on and I have plenty of work to do for my ordination process.  So that's my excuse for this week.

Oh.

And Thanksgiving, you're not supposed to do anything the day after Thanksgiving, except go shopping.  Since I didn't go shopping, I sat around eating leftovers and hanging out with family.  It was nice.  That's my excuse for last week.

I would encourage you to read my other blogs though, here's a personal favorite: Lady Gaga:1 Christians:0

Also, here's some interesting facts and some more facts on the upcoming SEC Championship game.  For those of who who could careless about the Bulldogs, Tigers or football... you can disregard.


Oh and GO DAWGS!!!

grace unlocked

I used to have a problem with grace.
Not the southern genteel type grace... Although, I'm sure I know a few people who think I have a problem with that now.
The grace I had a problem with was specifically with that of forgiveness in God through Jesus; however, the issue revealed itself elsewhere as well, such as being given to generously in some form or another.
My problem was, and at times still is now, that I'd much rather have reciprocity.

stupid Jesus

This quote resonated with me:

"I had stopped saying the word “Jesus.”  95% of the time, I only spoke of “God.”  Or if I had to speak of him, I referred to God the Son, the second Person of the Trinity, the Logos…names that sounded intellectual and sophisticated.  If I had to speak of the Son incarnate, then I spoke of Christ, or the God-man.  Never Jesus Christ, and certainly never just Jesus.  Loving Jesus, following Jesus, seeking Jesus — these were the province of fundamentalists, Bible thumpers, Jesus Freaks, crude Christians who wore WWJD bracelets and listened to Michael W. Smith and read Max Lucado instead of Jurgen Moltmann."
If you want you can read the whole blog whole blog here.

Oddly enough, but not really, I have had a similar experience.