conjectural navel gazing; jesus in lint form

time out link-o-rama

Here are a few links for you.

1. There is a conference that may be of interest to those exploring the Emergent Movement and worship. There will even be an Orthodox presenter. Who knew? And if they keep throwing around the term "sacraments," we just may have a revival. Get up off your hands! Stand up!

2. As the Pope struggles for life, there are some who are taking the opportunity to criticise.

Outwardly Pope John Paul II, who has been actively involved in battling war and suppression, is a beacon of hope for those who long for freedom. Internally, however, his anti-reformist tenure has plunged the Roman Catholic church into an epochal credibility crisis.

Appologies to my Catholic readers, but it is interesting to me that this is happening at all.

3. Here is a link to a statement made by Evangelicals and Catholics toward a reconciliatory end. It is one of a series.

4. Bruderhof has something to say about death and the Christian faith. It does not directly apply to the Schaivo story since she was not terminal, but it is an interesting perspective on dying and death.

In past centuries, plague, famine, and warfare decimated whole towns and cities, and sooner or later every family
was touched by death. As writer Philip Yancey has pointed out, "No one could live as if it did not exist." Nowadays, thanks to improved nutrition, public sanitation, greater life expectancy, and medical technology, death no longer seems such an unavoidable reality. Indeed, we have largely removed it from our day-to-day experience. But there is a flip side: we have also lost the ability to accept the end of life when it does finally come.

This paragraph suggests some short-sightedness on their part, but the sentiment is interesting nonetheless.

5. Jennifer at Scandalofparticularity has an interesting little post on how one might read scripture. I liked it and the four comments which follow. She also has a brief post on Rowan Williams and death.

6. The Raw Story has an interesting leak about the Schiavo case. Yes, yet another struggle amid struggle.

7. Mainstream Baptist has an interesting little post about how some Republicans are uncomfortable with the seeming religiosity "taking over" their party.

8. And, finally, the Southern Baptist Convention is forming an agency parallel to the Baptist World Alliance. This is not surprising, but it is still news somehow. What is interesting is this:

"What splintered the former Baptist World Alliance was compromising doctrine," Towns wrote. "Correspondingly, what will hold together the International Baptist Network is fundamental doctrine. And what doctrine is fundamental to Christianity? First, the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God without error, and is the only authority for Christians and churches. Second, Jesus was born of a virgin and is the God-man. Third, the sinless Son of God died a substitutionary death for sinners, and those who believe in Him can be forgiven of their sins and guaranteed a home in eternity with God. Fourth, the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead gives new life to all believers. Fifth, the bodily return of Jesus Christ at the end of this age will complete God’s plan and purpose on this earth."

If you cannot sign, you cannot join. Bryan and I have argued this out in the past. It should be interesting to see what fruit comes of this.

Posted by tripp at April 1, 2005 01:14 PM