In 1999's The Matrix Agent Smith menacingly comments, "A revelation... came to me when I tried to classify your species. I've realized that you are not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment, but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Accepts Genesis’ Imperative for Creation Care
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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 Holds Together Contemplative Practices and Social Justice
To use a biblical metaphor, the Church needs Mary and Martha. Whereas so much of our frenetic American society is focused on "Doing," the Church should deliberately create spaces where "Being" and "Doing" are held in sacred tension. Jesus followers need opportunities to pause, center ourselves psychologically and spiritually, focus on being mindfully present in the moment, and … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Holds Together Contemplative Practices and Social Justice
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
Wrong from the Start: How Christian Culture Keeps Pulling Us Away from Jesus
I love Jesus but loathe most elements of Christian culture. The reason is that Christian culture usually has little to do with following Jesus and when there is a direct connection it is often in direct conflict with The Way of Jesus. The more I study it the more I become convinced it's more influenced by Screwtape than the Holy Spirit. Let's be clear. This isn't about … [Read more...] about Wrong from the Start: How Christian Culture Keeps Pulling Us Away from Jesus
