Alan Race first articulated the exclusivist-inclusivist-pluralist trichotomy model in 1982. This framework proposes three broad outlooks for how Jesus followers perceive other world religions. Each model contains nuanced permutations, but in the streamlined sense Exclusivism maintains there's no salvation possible in other religions, Inclusivism holds open the possibility that … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Ain’t Afraid of Influence from Other World Religions
Beauty
Beatnik Christianity Affirms the Mystical Interconnectedness of All Things
Have you ever heard of the Overview Effect? It's a cognitive shift reported by astronauts while looking at the Earth. It's a state of awe infused with a sense of self-transcendence. Astronaunt Mae Jemison reflected, "When you look at the Earth from space, you realize that our planet is a beautiful, interconnected system. We are all in this together." That's a powerful … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Affirms the Mystical Interconnectedness of All Things
Beatnik Christianity Decries the Love + Violence That Is Patriotism
Love me a good patriotism quote. The Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, suggested, "Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it." The Spanish cellist, Pablo Casals, asked, "The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?" The French Renaissance man, Blaise Pascal, … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Decries the Love + Violence That Is Patriotism
Beatnik Christianity Unshackles the Liberal Arts Education
Over the centuries, much has been said and written about Christian humanism and, along with it, the immense value of a liberal arts education that's grounded in a Christian worldview. It's an indescribably rich source for spiritual formation. It's my conviction that Jesus followers of all ages should be encouraged to study diverse fields like theology, philosophy, history, … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Unshackles the Liberal Arts Education
Beatnik Christianity Leaves Room for Stability and Wildness in Marriage
Christian culture's vision for marriage endlessly drives home the messages of dependability and responsibility. The cultural paradigm for this lifelong relationship is expressed as being all about the "Big S"s: Sacrifice, Safety, Security, Stability, Support, Surrender, and Sustainability. One gives up the autonomy of single life to gain lifelong partnership "to have and to … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Leaves Room for Stability and Wildness in Marriage
