The field of cultural anthropology makes a fascinating distinction between "analytical cognition" and "holistic cognition." Reflecting the values of Western culture, analytical thinkers separate out ideas into black and white. They value compartmentalization, individualism, independence, and quantifiable research. Reflecting the values of Eastern culture, holistic thinkers … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Creates Room for Both Analytical and Holistic Cognition
Jesus
Beatnik Christianity Replaces the Ethical Framework of Right vs. Wrong
The single worst piece of advice I ever received came from a groomsman's dad shortly before my first wedding. He said, "You need to look at marriage like that scene from Apollo 13. 'Failure is not an option!' You must honor your vows no matter what." For him, and for much of Christian culture, there's no room for complexity or nuance. It doesn't matter how much you're … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Replaces the Ethical Framework of Right vs. Wrong
Beatnik Christianity Syncs the Rigorous Study of Theology and Culture
Within the field of theology, exegesis is where the interpreter extracts meaning from the biblical text in light of its literary and cultural-historical contexts. This is good. The opposite is eisegesis, which is where the interpreter imbues the text with a meaning foreign to its original contexts. This is bad. For instance, in Matthew 6 Jesus says you cannot serve both God and … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Syncs the Rigorous Study of Theology and Culture
Beatnik Christianity Has Permanent Burnout with Christian Culture
Remember that scene in Office Space where Peter Gibbons first arrives at work? He sits down at his cubicle on Monday morning to that incessant, high-pitched repetition of, "Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking. Just a moment." That look of utter despair tells you everything. This is a broken man who hates his work life. Long-term stress has resulted in acute apathy, … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Has Permanent Burnout with Christian Culture
Beatnik Christianity Insists Upon Actually Making Sacrifices to Serve Others
Sacrifice is an essential component of The Way of Jesus. In Luke 9 our Lord said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it." Likewise, in Philippians 2 Paul writes, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Insists Upon Actually Making Sacrifices to Serve Others
