You know the new atheists - Dawkins, Hitchins, Harris, Dennett, Stenger. All have published a number of books posing challenges to the Christian faith (and religion in general). I think they're important and needed reading - too often my Christian tribe can spout off without having taken the time to listen well and sympathetically to… Continue reading New atheists, old questions.
Growing in recognition, nominated for two Grammys (and playing at the Grammys with Bob Dylan and the Avett Brothers - come on, that will be the high point of the whole night!), let me add my voice to the growing chorus and profess my great affection for the music of Mumford and Sons. Oh my,… Continue reading har har har har
There is something about mountains that lures me to endlessly photograph, ski (which I did yesterday), hike, explore or simply be in them. Their sheer size dwarfs, generating in me an appropriate sense of my smallness. I love the wildness of mountainscapes, the sheer indifference of a mountain to me and my safety. Getting out… Continue reading Friday photos
There's an intriguing new book out by professor Sherry Turkle called Alone Together: why we expect more from technology and less from each other. She's exploring how use of technology shapes our relationships, wondering what will be the impact of importing "the technologies of efficiency into our intimacies." My take is that she's not real… Continue reading Technologies and intimacies
I headed west into the mountains, hoping to do some skiing today; however the mountains were socked in and Canmore had snow covered roads already so decided to turn back. Heading back home a little disappointed, I caught a glimpse of one of those enduring scenes of Canadian beauty in my rear view mirror: gold-brown… Continue reading Friday photos
Anyone else getting more and more uncomfortable with the word "spirituality"? It's not that I don't like the word but the way its used is so frothy. It's become a nothing word, a cagey term you can make to mean almost anything you want. And it tends to encourage the sacred/secular divide, somehow supporting the… Continue reading Redeeming spirituality?
Recently received notice of two great reviews of Seeking God's Face. One is from a blogger Pastor Ray McCalla who blogs at Sinaiticus. You can read the review here. The other review came via an email from Christopher Webb, the President of Renovare, an organization founded by Richard Foster committed to spiritual formation. In an… Continue reading I’m blushing – two fine reviews of Seeking God’s Face
I recently penned an article for The Banner, the magazine of my church tribe, the Christian Reformed Church, published in the latest edition. The Banner is a good rag with thoughtful pieces that engage and inform - do yourself a favour and give it a look. They've just completed an entire reworking of their website,… Continue reading New article on praying the daily office
Do your own prayers bore even you? More often than I care to be honest about, I’ve noticed what absolutely lame and inane prayers I offer up to God, finding myself babbling who-knows-what with my head and heart miles away. It feels like my prayers mostly swim in the shallow end of the God pool. … Continue reading Saying our prayers, part IV
What a difference a week makes! Last week this time I kicking back on the deck of a ship cruising the Caribbean; today I'm looking out on a snowy landscape with a stubborn minus 20 C temperature warning me to stay inside. I'm posting these photos if only to warm myself up with a few… Continue reading Friday photos
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