Category Archives: Culture commentary

Mormonism and American Evangelicalism

Posted on June 11, 2009 by PaulVK

Zondervan academic is plugging a new book about the book of Mormon and I’ve been reading the daily released blog outlays. They’ve been fascinating. I’m also reading Mark Noll’s excellent book on the relationship between the development of 19th century … Continue reading →

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Redemption by Choice

Posted on June 10, 2009 by PaulVK

This was a response to a listserve discussion on the moral elements of enjoying the fruits of exploitation. Ought non-profits to accept donations from sources that have enriched themselves through questionable business dealings? Ought we to celebrate the Great Wall … Continue reading →

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Outline of Keller's Sermon on Cultural Renewal

Posted on June 4, 2009 by PaulVK

This sermon was given in October of 2005 as part of Redeemer’s Vision series. The recordings were free on the web for a long time but now only some of them are available free. The remainder can be purchased at … Continue reading →

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The fool and his prayers

Posted on June 2, 2009 by PaulVK

If there is anything that speaks to God’s grace, it must be his capacity to listen to our prayers. I remember from the movie “Bruce Almighty” poor Bruce got inundated by the volume of prayers. I think more even than … Continue reading →

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The Loss of Awareness of God's Wrath and the ironic resultant loss of gratitude

Posted on May 28, 2009 by PaulVK

This is a repost from September 2007. Since reading NT Wright’s book on Justification and continuing my study in Revelation for our adult Sunday School class I’ve got more thoughts God’s wrath, and I might tweek some of my statements … Continue reading →

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Some ramblings on the science vs. creation narrative debate

Posted on May 18, 2009 by PaulVK

I think it’s helpful to ask where the heat comes from in this conflict. In my opinion Genesis 1-3 is a polemical piece standing against the competing creation myths vying for the hearts and minds of the Hebrew people. It … Continue reading →

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"what does it matter as long as we're nice to each other now"

Posted on May 18, 2009 by PaulVK

A little rant from a CRC-Voices post I made on the significance of the resurrection and ascension. I’m listening to some of the speeches given at a Calvin Seminar on the Ascension. http://www.calvin.edu/worship/idis/theology/ascension_shout.php You’re approach pretty much cuts us off … Continue reading →

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Word-gardening for Kingdom Traction

Posted on May 13, 2009 by PaulVK

In Sacramento the CRC pastors meet once a month to spend time together working on our mutual effort. Each month one of us is responsible for the topic, discussion, whatever. This is my month so this is what I prepared … Continue reading →

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Is anger an article of faith for your desired social change?

Posted on May 5, 2009 by PaulVK

I have often observed in groups that seek to motivate some sort of social action or change, the implicit assumption that anger is essential. Their actions are designed to elicit anger from those they wish to mobilize. They tell stories, … Continue reading →

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Why we should love church done poorly

Posted on May 5, 2009 by PaulVK

This is a response to a thread on CRC-Voices about sermon length. The discussion got into various aspects of sermon preaching and listening. The conditioning of modern media often comes into the discussion here. Postman’s “Amusing Ourselves to Death” is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture commentary, Devotional Reflection | 4 Comments