A Few Thoughts on the Fast Company Article, “What the Bible Got Wrong”

Another response to that infograph about contradictions in the bible from Project Reason: A Few Thoughts on the Fast Company Article, “What the Bible Got Wrong” : What's Best Next:

So, in conclusion, the assertion that the Bible contains contradictions matters a lot to me. As a result, I investigated it in great detail when I was first becoming more serious about my faith and, as a mere freshman in college, was able to see that no claim of contradiction ultimately holds.

Social Media and Digital Discernment

Macarthur does say social media can be good, but I found the following quotes interesting as he was putting them up on his own blog: Social Media and Digital Discernment:

But this is not just about wasting time at work. It’s about wasting time, period. By its very nature, social networking is a massive distraction. It detracts from disciplined study, thoughtful meditation, and concerted prayer.

Ironically, people can spend hours jumping from link to link without even realizing how much time they are wasting.

Don’t Call it a Comeback

Another book coming out that looks interesting: Don’t Call it a Comeback – Kevin DeYoung:

The book, which features chapters from Collin Hansen, Justin Taylor, Tim Challies, Darrin Patrick, Thabiti Anyabwile, Tullian Tchividjian, and many others will be released January 31, 2011.

Why Fast Company & Sam Harris need to do their homework

Why Fast Company & Sam Harris need to do their homework | The Resurgence:

The claim that the Bible is full of contradictions ignores the variety of genres of literature in the Bible. Fundamentalists interpret religious texts in only one way—the literal way—and so does Project Reason. You can make up lots of supposed contradictions by interpreting this way. Not interpreting a text with the awareness of the genre lacks the basic principles of reading and interpretation.

Panel Discussion: 25 Years of “Amusing Ourselves to Death”

Interesting: Panel Discussion: 25 Years of “Amusing Ourselves to Death” – Justin Taylor:

What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.

Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism.

Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance.

...In short, Orwell feared that what we hate will ruin us. Huxley feared that what we love will ruin us.

On the Elusive Goal of Accuracy in Translation

A collection of thoughts on translation methods. You can click the names of the people to view their full response: On the Elusive Goal of Accuracy in Translation – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

Surely accuracy is the translator’s chief goal in rendering God’s inspired, inerrant Word for modern readers. But translators disagree about the best strategies for bringing the Bible out of the ancient world into today’s English vernacular

This is individual stewardship at Mars Hill

This post has a nice table comparing gratitude and greed: This is individual stewardship at Mars Hill. | The Mars Hill Blog:

Rather than gratitude for God’s grace we exhibit greed for our own gain. The difference between these two outlooks influences and directs every aspect of life

Faithful Presence Amid "Continuous Partial Attention"

I am aways jumping between things, and yet like the idea of extended concentration on one topic: Faithful Presence Amid "Continuous Partial Attention" - Desiring God:

So let’s pause now—really, right now—stop all multi-tasking: turn off your cell phone, don’t check e-mail, take a break from anything media related, and slowly work your way through this quotation from James Davison Hunter

The ESV Clip

I wonder if the ESV is worried about the new NIV that is on bible gateway now and set to come out in print next year. This clip has some big name pastors saying how much they like the ESV. Hopefully this won't become another "the KJV is the only correct translation" type debate... The ESV – Justin Taylor

Evangelistic Worship

Is church for the Christian or for the non-Christian? This links to a good article by Keller Evangelistic Worship | 9Marks:

On one hand you have pastors who are trying to reach non-believers on Sunday, on the other you have people assuming that they are speaking to Christians. If you think about it, it's really one of the first questions on the flow chart.

Don’t Use E-mail to Correct Others

There is good video at the bottom of this: Don’t Use E-mail to Correct Others – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

Why do certain Christians feel the need to review the pastor’s Sunday morning “performance”? This discouraging weekly experience is enough to dull whatever excitement you have to head into church in the morning.

The Passage That Opened Heaven to Luther

What does Romans 1:17 mean, here are four takes: The Passage That Opened Heaven to Luther – The Gospel Coalition Blog

The Trellis and the Vine Workshop

Desiring God has recapped their Trellis and Vine workshop: The Trellis and the Vine Workshop Recap - Desiring God

I think they did a better job than my recap of the workshop

Australia's Greatest Export?

Desiring God think it is Matthais Media: Australia's Greatest Export? - Desiring God:

But in terms of everyday kingdom expansion, perhaps Australia’s greatest export is Matthias Media

Don’t Waste Your Life

Free Audio book: Don’t Waste Your Life — free audiobook : Anglican Church League, Sydney, Australia:

The free audiobook for November 2010 from Christian Audio is John Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life. Narrated by Lloyd James.