I have a friend who is doing a research project for ABS. The following are statements that he is researching. It would be of great help if you would respond to any or all of them!

Biblical Authority?

The biblical text has authority when it makes lyrical connection with the rhythm, song, and dance of everyday life.

Biblical Authority comes from a communal reading and practice of the text

Special revelation and General revelation are equal in authority

my (individual and community) understanding of the text has as much authority as any other
the Bible is not the only sacred text

Bible Engagement?

I (individual and community) contribute to the text as much as the text contributes to my life

The text is now engaged from a nomadic/technomadic culture not primarily an agrarian culture

There are other sacred texts that are valuable and lead to a spiritual life and to the Christ

Narrative text has authority over propositional text. Propositional text is interpreted in the context of the narrative text.

I have just started reading Unchristian by David Kinnaman. It speaks of why people outside of the church do not have a desire to attend church. Words like judgmental, know-it-all, and cold are mentioned. What is it that keeps your friends from attending? How about doing an informal survey and share with us your findings?

Wow! It has been a long time since I have posted ... SORRY!

I just finished a book entitled "The Shack" by William Young. The day before I finished it, Chuck Colson sent an email verbalizing his discontent for the book. I have great respect for Colson but must admit that I cannot dismiss the book so easily. I am convinced the reason for the disagreement is due to the clash between the way postmoderns and moderns view God and how Christianity is to be practiced. Young's book oozes with grace, love and relationship. The problem with this for Colson is that it is done at the expense of God's holiness as understood by modern orthodox theology. God (the Father) is personified by a large African-American lady known throughout the story as Papa. She introduces the reader to a love relationship that seems, in all reality, to be the undercurrent of the whole of the Bible. But ... it screams in the face of orthodoxy.

Take time to read this book ... and then I would like for you to post what you think!

In an article in the Outreach Magazine entitled "What if I Stepped out of My Comfortable Life ...?", Mike Yankoski tells of his experience living with the homeless. In the article, Mike writes ... "First, I learned that the Church's purpose must be to love God and your neighbor. One day in San Fanscisco, Sam and I hadn't eaten the night before or that morning, so we walked to a nearby church hoping to get some help. The pastor there told us: "That's not what we do here. We're here to worship."
If you were to rate the church you attend in the area of reaching out to the lost community ... not only with the "Good News" but with good works ... how would the rate? Any specific suggestions?

Is the Heaven in which God now lives (but not restricted to) a permanent Heaven? Is it eternal or only temporary?