the end of Theology

Paul L. Holmer, The Grammar of Faith (San Francisco, 1978), 17-23. “If theology is like a grammar, and certainly it is, then it follows that learning theology is not an end in itself . . . be it the creeds, the words of scripture, the words of Jesus, we most note that like grammar and logic, their aim is not that we repeat the words. Theology must be absorbed, and when it is, the hearer is supposed to be godly.”

death (& life)

'The life of a Christian man is nothing but a readiness to die and a remembrance of death' - Latimer

comfort - the Lord's a shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff
- they comfort me....
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 NRSV

leaving . . .

Lao Tzu, archivist at the imperial library in China, wrote that ‘the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’

Listening to the preacher

Erasmus: “I see how simple people, who hang open-mouthed on the lips of the preacher, yearn for food for the soul, eager to learn how they can go home better people” – just like today!

Shame

Brene Brown speaks of shame as 'the fear of disconnection'. It's certainly there at its core. She speaks, further, of blame as 'a way to discharge pain and discomfort'. Interesting!

Rain and suffering

Andy Percey's new book, When Rain Falls Like Lead, is being launched this weekend. It's a very moving account of suffering and knowing the presence of Jesus. For those who suffer it is reassurance of the love of a gracious God; for those who are not presently suffering it's a reminder to keep away from trite and pretentious sentiments! Well worth a read!