Although I have approximately zero regular readers (give or take a few) I thought it would be good to post an update, since a lot has changed with me in the last couple years. Here's a quick snapshot:
1) I spent the vast majority of my commute time listening to the sermons/lectures of D.A. Carson. I've really enjoyed his frank, no BS approach to studying the Bible, and his theology has really resonated with me. In particular, I'm attracted by his refusal to draw conclusions where there is insufficient biblical data. Most teachers seem to strive to draw conclusions that support their overall theological system, even from texts that have zero relevance or even contradict that system. Other than at a few points, I've found his teaching to be quite convincing, and this has led to a general quieting of the doubts and related issues that have fed this blog in the last two years. (Hence the reason for the inactivity in this blog)
Some of Carson's stuff that I've found particularly interesting and useful are:
The God Who Is There - This is actually an evangelistic series intended for biblically illiterate college students, but I found it to be extremely good, if you can get past the coddling at the beginning.
1 John - This is a verse-by-verse exposition of the book of 1st John.
2) I moved. I have lived the past decade in a city in upstate New York, and have recently moved back to my home state of Michigan. My new job just happens to be in Holland, MI, just 30 minutes or so from my hometown. One of the many reasons this is significant, is that Holland (like me) is very Dutch, and (less like me) very Reformed. This move leads to the next big change:
3) I'm looking for a church. The move means that I had to leave the church that I love, and now must find someplace new. The upside in this is that I have a lot to choose from; Holland is the historical home of the Dutch Reformed Church, and it is still one of the most conservative areas in the country. There are literally two churches on every corner (sometimes three) but by my count, 3/4 to 4/5 of them are either CRC or RCA.
A (hypothetical) regular reader of mine would recall that I've asked a lot of questions regarding Calvinism in the past, and often wondered if my former church (a Baptist, John Piper-esque Calvinistic church) is the best place for me. This is one of the reasons for the next item:
4) I'm reading about Calvinism. This one I'll cover in my next post. :)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
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2 comments:
Just wanted you to know I found your blog about a month ago and have been reading through the whole thing; I also told a friend about it and she's been reading it as well. We are glad to see you're back!
I found you because I was wanting a website that was honest about the more troubling questions and issues surrounding belief...this was the first thing I clicked on in the google search. Funny how it was just what I wanted. :)
SJ,
I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad you've found my blog to be "honest". If there was a word I'd like to describe it, that would be it. No sense in fooling ourselves, is there? I've found a general lack of these kinds of conversations in typical church circles, so it's been good (and challenging, interesting...) to have this here... Welcome!
-Joe
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