Today during prayer I was thinking about how Jesus would respond with deep compassion whenever faced with the crisis of another. In the Gospels, he seems to have limitless energy for the needs of others, never too weary to pour himself out. We might imagine that this is simply because “Jesus is God”, supposing that his energy for all things is endless because of this unfair advantage. This would be a mistake, … [Read more...]
TOOL and the Truth About Us
Fair warning: if you’re not very interested in music or big questions, this post probably isn’t for you. TOOL are having a moment. After a thirteen-year break from studio albums and a famously long digital music holdout, they have finally released their monolithic library to the streaming masses. Even their old albums are dominating the sales charts. Five of the top ten slots were recently taken by their complex, … [Read more...]
The Disciple’s Dilemma
I have a great relationship with scripture. I read it more than ever, and try more earnestly than ever to be shaped by its pages (though 'try' is the only honest word). But as a person who loves study and learning, it has also been a turbulent relationship. I have ridden great waves of high and low love and devotion for the Bible as I’ve travelled through my studies and explorations, which have often brought … [Read more...]
Silencing the Storm
To be spiritually healthy in today’s world, you’ll need to become some kind of minimalist. There’s just no other way to fit God in. He’s too big for the tiny gaps in our lives. Minimalism is no longer some radical alternative lifestyle for privileged people who want a simpler life. It’s essential. It’s survival. It’s sanity. Minimalism is basically about two things: possessions and attention. I’ve written before … [Read more...]