Right belief (orthodoxy) is to heresy as right conduct (orthopraxy) is to... what? The very fact that Christianity doesn't have an obvious correlative term tells you all you need to know. Instead of coining a new term, however, a more subversive path forward may be to sync belief and conduct by broadening out heretic to include any professing Jesus follower who severely … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Reimagines and Recycles the Word Heretic
Piety
Beatnik Christianity Renounces the Cosmic Bellhop View of God As Blasphemous
In every religious expression throughout history there has been a disconnect between the official tenets and expectations of the powers that be and the actual beliefs and practices of the everyday people. Christianity is no exception, so it's probably best to be charitable between the espoused ideal and the actual reality. At the same time, it's worth asking, "At what point … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Renounces the Cosmic Bellhop View of God As Blasphemous
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 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
Beatnik Christianity Dispenses with the Pleasantries
Shortly before his death in 1997, William S. Burroughs quipped, "If you're doing business with a religious son of a bitch, get it in writing; his word isn't worth shit--not with the good Lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal." Speaking of quotes I wish I'd heard before my ordination process from hell. Seriously though, I'm sure many Jesus followers would find that quote … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Dispenses with the Pleasantries
