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
Western culture
Beatnik Christianity Recognizes That Little of “Traditional Marriage” Is Traditional
Christian culture loves talking about traditional marriage. Sometimes this involves waxing poetically about God's perfect intentions for the complementary union of man and woman, but more often than not these days it's a diatribe crossed with a jeremiad. Traditional marriage has taken on apocalyptic significance. It's presented to us as divine retribution being invoked by … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Recognizes That Little of “Traditional Marriage” Is Traditional
Beatnik Christianity Frames the Jesus Story Through Narrative Instead of Systematics
During my Reformed phase some years ago, I read an essay by D.A. Carson containing a chart of theological progression. It showed a linear development. It started with exegesis, which led to biblical theology, then moved to historical theology, and culminated in systematic theology. The implicit message was clear: systematic theology is the pinnacle of Christian theological … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Frames the Jesus Story Through Narrative Instead of Systematics
Beatnik Christianity Restores A Christocentric Biblical Hermeneutic
Biblical interpretation has drastically evolved over the centuries, but one principle that has remained relatively stable has been the affirmation of a pivoting Christocentric hermeneutic. Jesus followers at least profess that the whole sweep of the Bible's redemptive narrative from Genesis to Revelation should be perceived through the lens of Jesus. The Old Testament looks … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Restores A Christocentric Biblical Hermeneutic
Beatnik Christianity Harmonizes Eastern Ancestral Sin with Sacred Humanism
Western Christianity has had a troublesome guilt-shame complex ever since Augustine of Hippo. In his dualistic schema, human anthropology and God's grace are framed as being in conflict, which creates the need for a theological seesaw effect. The former must go down for the latter to go up. Humanity's sinful nature is cold, filthy, and wretched so that God's righteous grace is … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Harmonizes Eastern Ancestral Sin with Sacred Humanism
