One of the most peculiar elements of Christian culture is the doctrine of grace. Jesus followers can't stop themselves from bringing up this implicit moral ledger of debts and credits even as they endlessly reiterate that, no really, God's love truly is a free gift. While denying that God's love for us is in any way transactional, there's this lingering rhetorical shadow of … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Maintains That Christian Culture Misrepresents God’s Grace
Christian culture
Beatnik Christianity Defines the Gospel As Jesus Putting the Whole Creation to Rights
In some circles, it has almost become cliché to say that the Gospel isn't intended as a "get out of hell" card. Yet even in those spaces there isn't a widespread renewal of what the Gospel actually is. There's seldom a compelling vision capturing its true depth and breadth. Instead what we often find is this rather clumsy refitting of a deeply flawed paradigm. It's like … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Defines the Gospel As Jesus Putting the Whole Creation to Rights
Beatnik Christianity Engages in Vigorous Good Faith Dialogue
The New York Times columnist David Brookes has noticed Western society's pivot away from "eulogy virtues" to "résumé virtues." Sadly, Christian culture has followed the secular lead on this one. Church tradition contains a wealth of insight about character formation, but few talk about that anymore. All we seem to care about anymore is the immediate and the practical. I've … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Engages in Vigorous Good Faith Dialogue
Beatnik Christianity Values the Honesty and Vulnerability of Authentic Artistic Expression
"Why do we need art? ... Because the only way we can approach God is if we're honest through metaphor, through symbol. So art becomes essential, not decorative." That wise reflection came from U2's Bono during a discussion with Eugene Peterson about the role of the psalms in Christian faith. I'm completely sold on that perspective and am convinced God is, too. So much of … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Values the Honesty and Vulnerability of Authentic Artistic Expression
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
