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A La Carte (7/16)
- 07/16/09
- 5
A Tech Bill of Rights
“Where is the line when it comes to appropriate cell phone behavior? Is it ok to talk in a crowded restaurant? An elevator? How about interrupting an actual, you know, face-to-face conversation to answer a call? Then there’s non-voice communications: Is it acceptable to walk while emailing, bumping into people on the sidewalk en route? Texting at the urinal: It’s potentially messy and definitely gross, but is it acceptable? Is it rude to keep reaching into your pocket whenever your BlackBerry buzzes?” There are some interesting stats here about how many of us feel others are being rude with their cell phone behavior but how few of us think we are being rude ourselves…
The Tribune on Christian Novels
The Chicago Tribune went to IRCS and has a story about Christian fiction. “The undisputed industry leader is so-called Amish fiction — typically, romances and family sagas set in contemporary Amish communities. They’re a surprise hit with evangelical women attracted by a simpler time, curiosity about cloistered communities and admiration for the strong, traditional faith of the Amish.”
Blessed Are the Green of Heart
Writing for First Things, Alan Jacobs has a review of The Green Bible.
God’s Will and Your Marriage
Over at the Ligonier Ministries blog we’re posting a series by R.C. Sproul on “God’s Will and Your Marriage.”
Deal of the Day: Assured by God
Reformation Heritage Books (on their brand new web site) are offering this book, edited by Burk Parsons, for just $10. Contributors include Joel R. Beeke, Jerry Bridges, John MacArthur, R. Albert Mohler Jr., and R. C. Sproul.
“Where is the line when it comes to appropriate cell phone behavior? Is it ok to talk in a crowded restaurant? An elevator? How about interrupting an actual, you know, face-to-face conversation to answer a call? Then there’s non-voice communications: Is it acceptable to walk while emailing, bumping into people on the sidewalk en route? Texting at the urinal: It’s potentially messy and definitely gross, but is it acceptable? Is it rude to keep reaching into your pocket whenever your BlackBerry buzzes?” There are some interesting stats here about how many of us feel others are being rude with their cell phone behavior but how few of us think we are being rude ourselves…
The Tribune on Christian Novels
The Chicago Tribune went to IRCS and has a story about Christian fiction. “The undisputed industry leader is so-called Amish fiction — typically, romances and family sagas set in contemporary Amish communities. They’re a surprise hit with evangelical women attracted by a simpler time, curiosity about cloistered communities and admiration for the strong, traditional faith of the Amish.”
Blessed Are the Green of Heart
Writing for First Things, Alan Jacobs has a review of The Green Bible.
God’s Will and Your Marriage
Over at the Ligonier Ministries blog we’re posting a series by R.C. Sproul on “God’s Will and Your Marriage.”
Deal of the Day: Assured by God
Reformation Heritage Books (on their brand new web site) are offering this book, edited by Burk Parsons, for just $10. Contributors include Joel R. Beeke, Jerry Bridges, John MacArthur, R. Albert Mohler Jr., and R. C. Sproul.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (5)
I was in a movie theatre when a lady answered her ringing telephone and proceeded to have a lengthy conversation while the movie played. To her accompanying children’s chagrin, she was told several times by several people to shut it up and eventually asked to leave.
I was on a highway, driving 70 miles an hour, when I saw a car in front of me swerving in and out of its lane. To avoid an accident, I sped up and out of the way, and as I passed, I saw a young man behind the wheel texting.
I was in a medical clinic, waiting to be called, when a lady across from me had a loud and lengthy cell phone discussion about her dreaded disease and the unfortunate symptoms.
Portable technology is not the culprit for bad manners - merely the catalyst that reveals just how self-centered and ill-mannered people can be.
“Portable technology is not the culprit for bad manners - merely the catalyst that reveals just how self-centered and ill-mannered people can be. ” Amen Renee!
A big part of the problem is that most people simply don’t respect the actual danger involved with road travel. After riding in cars and trucks for a protracted amount of time, we all get somewhat inured to the very real hazards that are flying at us and surrounding us as we travel along the highway. Many drivers simply don’t fathom nor respect the potential carnage that exists in these situations. Even at neighborhood speeds 25 MPH/40 KPH, an encounter with an opposing vehicle in two-way traffic is similar to hitting a wall at 50 MPH/75 KPH. And if you talk about side impacts, even 25 MPH can kill. O.K. I’ll turn off my professional rant and get back to the issue.
If you appreciate the danger and really think it’s O.K. to be even a little distracted while driving think about it this way. Imagine that you’re at a circus that has a chainsaw juggler. This guy can loft and manage 3 saws simultaneously in the air with each running at full throttle. This would be impressive right? Now imagine that he decides to send a text during this spectacle. Ignoring the fact that he might do this to add excitement to his act; most of us would think to ourselves: “Does that text message have to be sent right now?” I contend that those who text while driving at 50 MPH are in even more danger than the chainsaw juggler. And, unlike the juggler, who is risking only himself, drivers who are distracted are endangering others on the road nearby. So much for an end to my rant! ;-)
Doing anything while driving other than having a conversation with another person, whether in person, or using a speaker phone (yes, a speaker phone does make a difference) is obscenely self-centered and dangerous. As far as a Tech Bill of Rights is concerned; I would propose that everyone sharing the road should have the right to NOT be endangered by a distracted driver!
Dan…
Typo: “If you appreciate the danger ” should read “If you don’t appreciate the danger “ Sorry…
Tim, This post was (again) an attempt to do a preview that posted intead. Has this happened to anyone else?
Dan…
As always, your “Al La Carte” is much appreciated. Good thoughts—especially “A Tech Bill of Rights.” Thanks!
Have any of you pastors forgotten to turn YOUR cell phone off before the service??