Casting about

Wednesday, December 13 2006 | Thoughts toward recasting this project and blog

So I've tentatively changed the motto (the "fine type" under the Xnmp masthead) from "Developing Christian worldview through analysis of the news, entertainment, and their media" to "Developing Christian worldview through analytical thinking, in community."

Too "high concept"? Too "low"? Too pretentious? Too vague? Something else? Let's hear it.

See Xnmp for December 13 for link to original article, comments, and background.

A Voice from the Martyrs

Friday, December 1 2006 | Story of Romanian late pastor George Calciu, jailed for his faith, still inspires

Thanks to Frederica Mathewes-Green for sending the link to this article.

See Xnmp for December 1 for link to original article, comments, and background.

'Tis the season...

Wednesday, November 29 2006 | A Jewish writer urges Christians to stand up against efforts to secularize Christmas

...But when political and commercial institutions announce changes of policy to avoid offending minorities ("political correctness" at its most blatant) I agree with both of these writers that we should demand equal, or even proportional, recognition along with all the non-Christian observances our society (graciously, and correctly) goes out of its way to celebrate.

See Xnmp for November 29 for link to original article, comments, and background.

Those Christians

Sunday, November 26 2006 | New Episcopal presiding bishop shows the paucity of Christianity in the 'Christian left'

And thanks to a wise Jewish columnist for seeing what many Christians fail to see, or look for.

See Xnmp for November 26 for link to original article, comments, and background.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 23 2006 | Reduced coverage next four months

Because of a book project, I'm in a reduced coverage mode from early November until some time in March (Lord willing). Your prayers for a timely and inspiring finish are greatly appreciated.

On a roll: I'm in Chapter 4 of the Everything C. S. Lewis and Narnia Book. Thanks for the prayers.

Click here for Xnmp November for links to original articles, comments, and background.

Mass marketing

Monday, November 20 2006 | Challenge to Catholic pastors: compete with megachurches offering free Starbucks' coffee and Krispy Kreme

Is it the calling, or is it proper, for churches on any side of the denominational divides to be "marketing" themselves and their "spiritual wares"? And what tolls are such practices going to collect?

See Xnmp for November 20 for link to original article, comments, and background.

Brave New World...?

Sunday, November 19 2006 | Elton John 'represents a growing trend in the western world'

I doubt that he nails it for people like those, who think that if Elton John doesn't change their thinking it doesn't matter, but they can't claim they haven't been warned. Indeed there is a brave new world upon us. Even as we speak.

"Problem is, he speaks for and represents a growing trend in the western world. In a culture where pop stars and afternoon television presenters shape opinion, good old Elton has a great deal of influence."

See Xnmp for November 19 for link to original article, comments, and background.