One reason many sincere Jesus followers spiritually peter out is that their lives resemble Sisyphus fighting gravity to roll the boulder up the hill. The Christian life, as it's been taught to them, is an unsustainable exercise of exhausting willpower. Is that The Way of Jesus, though? What if Jesus followers were instead mostly taught to put up their sails and channel the … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Prefers Unforced Rhythms of Grace to Spiritual Disciplines
Eugene Peterson
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 Trusts Spiritual Directors More Than Pastors
I revere excellent pastors. Unfortunately, they're few and far between. Not only that, they're getting harder to find as American Christian culture's implicit expectations are shifting to more of a "Church CEO" model. These days pastors are chiefly responsible for overseeing programs, increasing attendance, maximizing participation, managing the board, and serving as the … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Trusts Spiritual Directors More Than Pastors
Beatnik Christianity Rejects the Obsession with Outward Appearances of Piety
The 19th century Holiness Movement has been largely forgotten outside of Wesleyan circles, but its permeating influence upon global Christianity continues. The movement called for the "consecration" of a Christian's whole life and the pursuit of "entire sanctification" that purged sin from one's soul through a "second work of grace." The ultimate goal being not only intimacy … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Rejects the Obsession with Outward Appearances of Piety
The Spiritual Movement from Perfection and Righteousness to Health and Well-Being
In Henri Nouwen's book, Reaching Out, he writes about the three spiritual movements from loneliness to solitude, from hostility to hospitality, and from illusion to prayer. This concept of inward spiritual movements have deeply influenced my faith in recent years. In particular, I've begun to consider whether there might also be a spiritual movement from perfection to … [Read more...] about The Spiritual Movement from Perfection and Righteousness to Health and Well-Being
