Blogspotting

Blogging is an interactive affair. Not only does it invite comments from readers but it also invites discussion on other blogs. An article posted at one site can generate discussion at many others. It's a unique and valuable benefit of blogging! I used to expend a bit of effort in drawing the attention of my readers to places where discussion that began here has continued elsewhere but, for some reason (which is probably simple complacency) I stopped doing that. I think it will be valuable to resurrect the habit, so today I'm going to do some blogspotting. This list is far from exhaustive but does point to some of the highlights--places where you can hopefully do some good reading.

At the New City Presbyterian Church blog Tullian Tchividjian mentioned my list of tips to read more and to read better. He follows up with a small list of good books. The list is solid gold!

At Against Heresies Martin interacts with the post on Brian McLaren and the two gospels he contrasts in his new book. Martin says, "The implied contrast between these old and new gospels reminded me of some words penned by Gresham Machen in the 1920s. They give weight to the concern that McLaren's theology bears more than a passing resemblance to the old liberal gospel." Machen fought a similar battle almost a century ago and his words ring true today.

TentPeg also reacts to the post and, like Martin, sees that this is essentially liberal theology. "I sometimes wonder if McClaren is aware of the fact that this gospel isn't really that new or emergent. It's basically repackaged liberal theology. Jesus came to save us by giving us truth. He shows us what grace, truth, and hope really are. Through his work on this earth and the work God does through it, we can change the world and make it a better place. "The world God dreams of..."? The problem isn't that the second version is blatantly wrong. It's just so vague as to be almost meaningless."

Responding to the article I wrote about the Shorter Catechism, Joe at Emeth Aletheia discussed his family's catechism practice. "I don't post this as some legalistic form that everyone should follow. It is something we have been doing and enjoying as a family. If others find it valuable and helpful - fantastic."

I'd also commend to you the discussion based on this article that happened right here at my blog. You'll read how other families teach their children the catechism and lead them to a knowledge of Christian doctrine. You can read it here.

Ally at Carpe Diem is another person who is sometimes frozen by the amount of choices she faces.

At Boundless Line Motte Brown talks about the unknowable providence of God. Tom Neven follows Motte's post with one of his own: Taking God's Name in Vain. He shares some good insights.

Comments (1)

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Anonymous's picture

Hey Tim,I agree that Tchividjian's list was full of wonderful books, but do you really think this is a good list for a "new believer" who is just beginning to read good books? For example, Bounds' Power Through Prayer is a great encouragement to an accomplished pray-er (and is directed mainly toward pastors), but there are parts of it that would be extremely discouraging to a new believer, trying to work toward 20 or 30 minutes of engaged praying, but hearing Bounds suggest that 4 to 6 hours a day is what we're aiming for.

Would you be concerned that a new believer trying to read The Pleasures of God would find it overwhelming (in a bad way) and would be turned off to substantive Christian reading by too early tackling something so deep? I understand encouraging people to read things that are over their head to stretch them and help them become better readers, but I would not give Pleasures to someone until they have quite a bit of more brief, entry-level reading under their belt.

I give Mahaney's Living the Cross Centered Life to every young believer I can, and there are other good things on this list for young believers, but I'm concerned about putting rookies into the big game too soon. What are your thoughts on this?