"Let unity, the greatest good of all goods, be your preoccupation." - St. Ignatius of Antioch (Letter to St. Polycarp)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Humanity validated or obliterated?

Michael Spencer (aka iMonk) has become my favorite Baptist blogger. That's because he is ecumenical in the catholic sense, seeking to mine the gold of all the Christian traditions, without being a relativist or soft-pedaling the truth. And he's best when analyzing his own tradition in a "Let's have a family talk" sort of way, because he's humble enough to see what others don't let themselves see, and courageous enough to know it must be said. He's the Evangelicals' gadfly, as Socrates was to the Athenians, but with a twist of Thomas Merton meets Wendell Berry.

His latest post, titled "On Being Too God-Centered", is a perfect example, and well worth reading. The underlying problem he is addressing is closely related to the three philosophical assumptions I addressed in "The Gospel and the Paradox of Glory."

1 comment:

George Weis said...

That was a GREAT article. I cannot agree with Him enough!

In a sense, God gave humanity all of these wonderful gifts to be enjoyed and to be used. They ought to be done/enjoyed with hearts that are in love with the creator. We can live with thankfulness in our hearts, and give God the glory due in all things.

People ought to relax a little more. Beauty should be enjoyed. Creation soaked in. Relationships grown. Music played with excellence and art created with masterful skill. God is glorified when we do what he made us to do and enjoy doing it, and recalling that He gave it to us.

I used to be in that same camp, but I realize now, that the things that I enjoy (within the framework of holiness) are meant to be enjoyed.

I see that in Catholicism. Man, I wish I could be Catholic sometimes :D

Love you Brian... may God bless you in all you do!

In the peace of Christ,
-g-