12.08.2003
Strange Fellow
In my experience, the words "calvinist philosophy" do not tend to inspire enthusiasm in other people. But if the idea of exploring the depths of human experience is at all interesting to you, give it a chance.
A wonderfully strange fellow, Glenn Friesen, gives us a window into his life and reflections on his new site concerning Christian Nondualism. The site is a significant resource, but I must highlight the (comparatively insignificant) fact that he has two photos of Dooyeweerd here that I have wanted to post for months.
Caveat: I'm fairly certain that the term "mystical" as Friesen applies it to Dooyeweerd must not be understood as any kind of supra-creational spiritualism.
In my experience, the words "calvinist philosophy" do not tend to inspire enthusiasm in other people. But if the idea of exploring the depths of human experience is at all interesting to you, give it a chance.
A wonderfully strange fellow, Glenn Friesen, gives us a window into his life and reflections on his new site concerning Christian Nondualism. The site is a significant resource, but I must highlight the (comparatively insignificant) fact that he has two photos of Dooyeweerd here that I have wanted to post for months.
Caveat: I'm fairly certain that the term "mystical" as Friesen applies it to Dooyeweerd must not be understood as any kind of supra-creational spiritualism.
12.03.2003
Philosophical Terms
On Aug. 21 I gave a sort of definition for continental philosophy. For those more interested in the subject I heartily recommend Scott Moore's Notebook. It is quite extensive.
Being a fan of extensivity (and you know I love dictionaries) let me also mention The Ism Book. Perhaps "Dooyeweerdianism" will be included in the next version, despite its reformational anti-reductionism(!) and critique of most "isms."
On Aug. 21 I gave a sort of definition for continental philosophy. For those more interested in the subject I heartily recommend Scott Moore's Notebook. It is quite extensive.
Being a fan of extensivity (and you know I love dictionaries) let me also mention The Ism Book. Perhaps "Dooyeweerdianism" will be included in the next version, despite its reformational anti-reductionism(!) and critique of most "isms."
12.01.2003
Jurisprudence
Gary North once wrote: "Every revolution needs slogans. Here is mine: politics fourth" (sidebar p.575). One point here, among others, is that Jesus being Lord of every part of life does not mean there are political fix-alls or shortcuts in the Christian cultural task. And yet we certainly have work to do in the political sphere.
Some of that work involves legal scholarship. I was encouraged to read Andree Seu's article recommending that Christians work to wrest jurisprudence from its secular captivity and bring it to its biblical roots. Holding up Kuyper as an example, Seu suggests that it might be time to establish a Christian School of Law in the U.S. that will labor to go beyond "generically conservative analyses to engage in a distinctively, self-consciously, rigorously biblical undertaking."
Similarly, Bruce Green (Dean of Liberty University's School of Law) writes about progress in founding a new Christian law school and mentions reading Dooyeweerd (via Strauss via Reeves). Certainly, if any would take up Seu's challenge to "revive Kuyper's proposal," they ought to avail themselves of the tremendous head-start provided in Dooyeweerd's writings.
Gary North once wrote: "Every revolution needs slogans. Here is mine: politics fourth" (sidebar p.575). One point here, among others, is that Jesus being Lord of every part of life does not mean there are political fix-alls or shortcuts in the Christian cultural task. And yet we certainly have work to do in the political sphere.
Some of that work involves legal scholarship. I was encouraged to read Andree Seu's article recommending that Christians work to wrest jurisprudence from its secular captivity and bring it to its biblical roots. Holding up Kuyper as an example, Seu suggests that it might be time to establish a Christian School of Law in the U.S. that will labor to go beyond "generically conservative analyses to engage in a distinctively, self-consciously, rigorously biblical undertaking."
Similarly, Bruce Green (Dean of Liberty University's School of Law) writes about progress in founding a new Christian law school and mentions reading Dooyeweerd (via Strauss via Reeves). Certainly, if any would take up Seu's challenge to "revive Kuyper's proposal," they ought to avail themselves of the tremendous head-start provided in Dooyeweerd's writings.
11.29.2003
American Thanksgiving
During this annual feast I like to reflect on Washington's proclamation. It is not a particular temptation of mine to mistakenly identify God's Kingdom and this nation, or even "western civilization," however, it is genuinely humbling to acknowledge the transgressions of the these communities to which I also belong.
On a more trivial note, I was hoping for a goose this year. Alas. The meal (nonetheless delicious and bountiful) was a small "only-part-of-the-family" affair. Afterwards I went up to my sister's in Northumberland, PA. I played a lot of Nintendo with brother Jeff.
During this annual feast I like to reflect on Washington's proclamation. It is not a particular temptation of mine to mistakenly identify God's Kingdom and this nation, or even "western civilization," however, it is genuinely humbling to acknowledge the transgressions of the these communities to which I also belong.
On a more trivial note, I was hoping for a goose this year. Alas. The meal (nonetheless delicious and bountiful) was a small "only-part-of-the-family" affair. Afterwards I went up to my sister's in Northumberland, PA. I played a lot of Nintendo with brother Jeff.
11.26.2003
Evening's Aesthetic Discussion
The question(s) at the end of the evening was:
"What work induced your most intense response?"
(& did this occur in your childhood or more recently?)
The question(s) at the end of the evening was:
"What work induced your most intense response?"
(& did this occur in your childhood or more recently?)
11.24.2003
The Unknowing God
A few friends have returned from the latest Evangelical Theological Society conference. I had heard that Clark Pinnock and John Sanders, advocates of "Open Theism," were up on charges.
Their memberships were retained, perhaps rendering the word "evangelical" even more ambiguous than it already is in popular usage. It's not like ETS required anyone to be a professing Christian to begin with, which is fine. But it's sad to see practically useless doctrinal requirements.
A few friends have returned from the latest Evangelical Theological Society conference. I had heard that Clark Pinnock and John Sanders, advocates of "Open Theism," were up on charges.
Their memberships were retained, perhaps rendering the word "evangelical" even more ambiguous than it already is in popular usage. It's not like ETS required anyone to be a professing Christian to begin with, which is fine. But it's sad to see practically useless doctrinal requirements.
11.22.2003
Even Tastier Pancakes?
At Betsy's recommendation, I got a copy of Nourishing Traditions for my mother. Now all I have to do is find out where they still sell real organic lard.
Give this book to your mother for Christmas. Next time you visit for a meal, you won't be sorry. This book also makes a good gift for all your poor, misinformed vegan friends.
At Betsy's recommendation, I got a copy of Nourishing Traditions for my mother. Now all I have to do is find out where they still sell real organic lard.
Give this book to your mother for Christmas. Next time you visit for a meal, you won't be sorry. This book also makes a good gift for all your poor, misinformed vegan friends.
11.21.2003
The Little Things
I finally got my driver's license renewed... after four trips to the MVA, many phone calls, checks sent, receipts received and faxed, etc., etc. I feel like a free man again --not that I actually own a vehicle, mind you.
I finally got my driver's license renewed... after four trips to the MVA, many phone calls, checks sent, receipts received and faxed, etc., etc. I feel like a free man again --not that I actually own a vehicle, mind you.
11.17.2003
Religion And Theology
In an earlier post (Why I Am A Dooyeweerdian) I confessed to being a former “embryonic rationalist.” However, I came to believe that rationalism is at odds with true religion. Some thoughts (provoked by a recent conversation) may elucidate this further.
There is perhaps a sort of rational-theoretical certitude (in "analytical" statements. eg., all bachelors are unmarried). And there is a kind of psychological conviction and feeling of assurance.
But I think faith has its own confidence, and it can only come from God's Spirit witnessing with&by the Word. In matters of biblical teaching (in addition to the life-or-death message of salvation) regenerate persons can have the confidence of faith in those teachings which God may illumine their hearts to see are truly taught in the Scripture. And this sort of faith can have no other object than God as He has revealed Himself, and truths of His Word.
There is a crucial distinction here between (faith-) confession and theology (which is a scientific-theoretical affair). This distinction is too often unappreciated, even within covenantal-reformed circles. However, this distinction does not diminish the importance of theology, rather it gives it a proper place and keeps us from holding theoretical thought as autonomous… even when it addresses Scriptural doctrine.
In an earlier post (Why I Am A Dooyeweerdian) I confessed to being a former “embryonic rationalist.” However, I came to believe that rationalism is at odds with true religion. Some thoughts (provoked by a recent conversation) may elucidate this further.
There is perhaps a sort of rational-theoretical certitude (in "analytical" statements. eg., all bachelors are unmarried). And there is a kind of psychological conviction and feeling of assurance.
But I think faith has its own confidence, and it can only come from God's Spirit witnessing with&by the Word. In matters of biblical teaching (in addition to the life-or-death message of salvation) regenerate persons can have the confidence of faith in those teachings which God may illumine their hearts to see are truly taught in the Scripture. And this sort of faith can have no other object than God as He has revealed Himself, and truths of His Word.
There is a crucial distinction here between (faith-) confession and theology (which is a scientific-theoretical affair). This distinction is too often unappreciated, even within covenantal-reformed circles. However, this distinction does not diminish the importance of theology, rather it gives it a proper place and keeps us from holding theoretical thought as autonomous… even when it addresses Scriptural doctrine.
11.14.2003
Saevio Adversus Machina
a confessional moment
Today was a day for contemplating Self-Actualization.
When I feel like I'm failing, I want to blame the System. "Sane people should find themselves completely at odds with life in a dsytopia. Success is really a sign that you've lost your humanity."
Then the character on the other shoulder says something about taking personal responsibility, facing the absurd, being the sum of my choices.
Which voice do you suppose is the devil's?
a confessional moment
Today was a day for contemplating Self-Actualization.
When I feel like I'm failing, I want to blame the System. "Sane people should find themselves completely at odds with life in a dsytopia. Success is really a sign that you've lost your humanity."
Then the character on the other shoulder says something about taking personal responsibility, facing the absurd, being the sum of my choices.
Which voice do you suppose is the devil's?
11.11.2003
American Veterans Day
Previously called Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the armistice that ended the first world war on this day in 1918 at 11am. In the United States it was proclaimed as an annual day of mourning by president Wilson in 1919. The name was then changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. Veterans, especially those who died in battle.
You may find this summary of just war principles of interest.
It is also noteworthy that the Mayflower Compact was signed on this day in 1620.
Previously called Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the armistice that ended the first world war on this day in 1918 at 11am. In the United States it was proclaimed as an annual day of mourning by president Wilson in 1919. The name was then changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. Veterans, especially those who died in battle.
You may find this summary of just war principles of interest.
It is also noteworthy that the Mayflower Compact was signed on this day in 1620.
11.10.2003
The Continuing Un-reformed Episcopals
The Reformed Episcopal Church and the Anglican Province of America are now betrothed, the wedding is set for sometime around 2008. One wonders how this is happening, since the REC (historically) stands on one side concerning the romanizing Oxford Movement, and the APA stands on the other.
But an REC friend tells me the prevailing attitude is: "who cares about the vestments debate in the face of overwhelming modernistic liberalism?" They are willing to sacrifice their calvinistic distinctives in hopes of maintaining their "conservatism," forgetting that it was the "re-catholicized" church that went liberal.
The Reformed Episcopal Church and the Anglican Province of America are now betrothed, the wedding is set for sometime around 2008. One wonders how this is happening, since the REC (historically) stands on one side concerning the romanizing Oxford Movement, and the APA stands on the other.
But an REC friend tells me the prevailing attitude is: "who cares about the vestments debate in the face of overwhelming modernistic liberalism?" They are willing to sacrifice their calvinistic distinctives in hopes of maintaining their "conservatism," forgetting that it was the "re-catholicized" church that went liberal.
Back In Bloom County
From about 1983 to 1989 I clipped it each week from the Sunday paper and taped it to my bedroom wall. I wasn't such a devotee of Outland, but read it frequently until the end, circa 1995.
Rumor has it that Opus has returned.
From about 1983 to 1989 I clipped it each week from the Sunday paper and taped it to my bedroom wall. I wasn't such a devotee of Outland, but read it frequently until the end, circa 1995.
Rumor has it that Opus has returned.
