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A La Carte (3/15)

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Scandalous – Over at Discerning Reader we’ve got a review of D.A. Carson’s new book Scandalous. John Bird says, “In his inimitable style, Carson returns us to where we must forever dwell theologically: Christ’s cross and resurrection.”

Forgiveness – Near to home a police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. I was moved to read of his wife (both the officer and his wife are believers) and her fight as she seeks to find the ability to forgive the murderer. ‘God has freely offered us forgiveness,’ she said at the packed sports arena where her husband coached their three sons in hockey. ‘To the best of my human ability, with God’s help, I will offer it as well. My hope and my prayer is that all of you will do the same. I know it’s what Vu would have wanted.”

Last Words – The Freakonomics blog writes about some analysis of the last words of criminals about to be executed. For example, “in 36 percent of the last statements, the inmate admits responsibility, and in 32 percent of the statements, the inmate expresses sorrow or seeks forgiveness from the victim’s family. In contrast, only 10 percent of the last statements were coded as criticizing the legitimacy of the death penalty.”

The iPad Paradox: Less is More – This article takes an interesting perspective on the limitations of the iPad. “For most users, having more features degrades experience. People suffer information overload and its ugly cousin, runaway gadget complexity. They’re harassed and annoyed, not by limitations, but by features they can’t find or figure out, and by problems they don’t understand. They feel a thrill when gadgets perform basic tasks without fail or hassle.”


  • Airport

    Do You Board First or Last?

    There are some travelers who like to board an airplane at the earliest possible moment. There are others who prefer to board at the last. Some rush the gate the very second the gate agents announce that boarding has commenced, while some linger until they have sounded the final call.

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    A La Carte (February 18)

    A La Carte: Caring for other people’s children / Resisting the lure of Catholicism and Orthodoxy / Grace in the exhaustion of motherhood / Deal with sin in the church / Can AI preach my sermon? / Kindle deals / and more.

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    A La Carte (February 17)

    A La Carte: Abstaining from communion / Get married young / When the world shifts under your feet / Eliminating envy / Messiah complex / Making temptation flee / Kindle deals / and more.

  • How to Evangelize and Disciple in a “Live Your Truth” World

    Our culture lacks any coherent, unifying worldview. We’ve moved on from post-truth postmodernism to “Live your truth” metamodernism, where good vibes matter more than consistent ideas. In this world, few see the conflict between “trans-affirming” and “pro-woman.” And the same person using mushrooms to aid spiritual “connection” tells us to “trust the science” about human…

  • AI

    A Simple Way To Ensure You Use AI Well (And Not Poorly) 

    Every new technology introduces both benefits and drawbacks to its users and to the wider culture. The world being what it is, there are always plusses and minuses, so that even as a new tech gives with one hand, it takes away with the other. We are quickly learning that Artificial Intelligence is no exception…

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    A La Carte (February 16)

    A La Carte: God is glad to forgive you / Gen Z needs this doctrine / The draw of Eastern Orthodoxy / Rest for the restless / Finding love after loss / Kindle and book deals / and more.