10 April 2004

Some reading for the journey Wanted to share with you a few books that have helped me on my pilgrimage. Keep an eye out for them: They might bless you, too. The Parable of the Dancing God by C Baxter Kruger. Kruger, a theologian from Jackson, Mississippi, brings the parable of the Prodigal Son vividly to life, retitling it to place the emphasis back on the love of the Father, as it should be. Even more than his books, try and get hold of his tapes. Listening to Baxter was the final nail in the coffin of fundamentalism for me. Check out his website at www.christianity.com/perichoresis. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. A breath of fresh air. Great encouragement for weary travellers on the Way. Meet the man himself at www.brennanmanning.com. Finally, perhaps the most profound, insightful and moving theological treatise I have ever read. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown is a simple children's storybook, yet is also (intended or otherwise) a touching parable of God's love for us in Jesus Christ. Dave 2:23:20 PM    comment [] When Christianese becomes controlling We've all heard of "Christianese," right? It's when Christians talk a language only they can understand: "Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb, brother? I felt led to come over and just intercede for you in the name of Jesus." It all makes sense to church-folk, but can leave outsiders more than a tad confused. But there comes a point when Christianese stops being merely quirky. It can become controlling. Check out http://www.iserv.net/~mrbill/church-speak.html. There you'll find a whole glossary of "Christian" words that can be used to control and manipulate. I have seen it myself time and again. Dave 2:05:52 PM    comment []

© Copyright 2004 The Grace Pages. Last update: 02/05/04; 01:36:07.