The links have been piling up in my tabs like rush hour traffic in Chicago, so I hope you aren’t overwhelmed. Maybe read one or two and ask: How can my knowledge of God inform my obedience in a way that leads to actions full of love in reponse to these things?

I think there are probably too many prepositional phrases in that sentence, but it’s Friday and such things are allowed.

I am honestly intrigued by the way our culture simultaneously dismisses religion as a worldview and promotes an alternative that relies on metaphysical beliefs. As long as you keep “God” out of it, you can steal vocabulary, morals, and other concepts which seem to end up working pretty well for the people who practice them. This is a short post from Atlanta branding agency Matchstic (love their work!). The title should at least intrigue you, “Branding is Telling the Truth.”
_________________

This was such a beautiful post about a father showing his love for and pleasure in Christ by singing like he meant it in front of his kids. Dad’s, Sing Like You Mean it made me hope that I can make people wonder at the source of my joy – when it bursts out in all the wrong places. I pray they see Christ, like this young man saw in his dad.
_________________

Who hasn’t heard of Hunger Games? Another in a growing number of Young Adult fantasy books that has captured all audiences, this was the “it” series after Twilight (can’t say I minded the switch). I have yet to read them, but my sister zoomed through the books in a couple days, so I think I could finish them before the movie. I’m more interested in the books after reading this post at Redeemed Reader. Read “Hungry” for yourself and then watch the movie with your eyes wide open to what it says about our culture and worldview.

_________________

I guess I’ll add myself to the crazy number bloggers who have something to say about Kony 2012. Actually, I’d rather just point you to some others who have gathered helpful resources and let you decide for yourself.  Here are the straight up stats from Denny Burk, “Measuring ‘Kony 2012’ Viral Impact.” This video is the most viral of all time. There is definitely something to learn about our culture, communication, and what stirs our collective heart. Here’s a helpful response from Matt Papa on Kony, injustice and creativity. Here’s an opinion piece by Nicholas Kristof in the NYTimes, “Viral Video, Vicious Warlord” that gives both praise and constructive criticism. Lastly, here’s an article at Relevant by Rachel Held Evans, “Is Kony 2012 Good or Bad?”
_________________ 

Presuppositionalism is a big word, which is why I think we should all say it at least three times before this Friday gets any older.  “What is Presuppositionalism” by William Edgar, professor  at Westminster Theological Seminary, has got some theological jargon that tastes a little like three espresso shots (just so you’re prepared). More and more people are coming to the round table called “apologetics” and wanting to have a conversation. If you’re one of those people who would like to engage in intelligent discussion where you are ready to “give an answer to anyone who asks to give a reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15), then take a look. Here’s an excerpt:

An unbeliever knows God. Not just about him, but God himself in his many attributes. Certainly an unbeliever seeks to process that knowledge in a wrong direction, to his advantage (Rom. 1:18-23). But the knowledge is there, in the heart. Second, assuming this innate knowledge-cum-suppression, we move over onto the ground of our unbelieving friend. From there we attempt to show, on his own grounds, that there is a disconnect between the presuppositions and the claims. If this is God’s world, then we cannot succeed living in it if we deny him. Third, we invite our friend to “taste and see” how good the Lord is. As C. S. Lewis put it, “I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

_________________
Blue Like Jazz is a book that somehow became both a study guide for Bible studies and the religious road map for the seeker. Donald Miller‘s clever writing style refused to be pigeon-holed, but that meant a questionable rise to a position of authority on doctrinal issues. I liked the book, but I like the Bible better. Working with Steve Taylor (edgy Christian musician and now film producer), Miller hopes to bring religious questions into the mainstream. Read about how they hope to, “Blow up the Theatre Real Good.” Also this article from the Gospel Coalition, “Blue Like Jazz the Movie,” which shares my thoughts exactly on the whole phenomenon.

Left to ourselves, we are completely disinterested in coming to Jesus. —R.C. Sproul