When it comes to traditions, Christians sometimes have mixed views. On the one hand we can be suspicious of them. Fair enough. Over time people can elevate man-made traditions and give them an authority they should not have. In fact, Jesus warns against this in Mark 7:8: “You have let go of the commands of … Continue reading An upside of tradition
individualism
Extreme individualism is on the rise
“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). Something we could call “extreme individualism” is on the rise. Here’s how I would define it: “We are our own ultimate authority—not God, community, government, family, etc. Each person has their own truth, which isn’t necessarily connected to any source outside … Continue reading Extreme individualism is on the rise
Being true to who?
In his book The Closing of the American Mind, Allan Bloom describes an outlook on the world which has become very popular. Montreal philosophy professor Charles Taylor summarizes: “relativism was itself an offshoot of a form of individualism, whose principle is something like this: everyone has a right to develop their own form of life, … Continue reading Being true to who?
God the errand boy?
Some people think that God exists for them, and not the other way around. In effect, their brain says, “I refuse to acknowledge and serve God, but I insist that he acknowledge and serve me.” I remember talking to someone who didn’t believe in God, learn about God, or follow God. But when something bad … Continue reading God the errand boy?
The privatization of free time
Harvard professor Robert Putnam has researched how communities are changing. One of the significant shifts is something he refers to as the privatization of free time. In previous decades, people would generally come home from work or school and spend their free time with other people as a part of their wider community. For example, … Continue reading The privatization of free time
You’re not starting at ground zero
In North America depression is on the rise. But why? It’s a complicated topic, but psychologist Martin Seligman says we have replaced church, faith, and community with a tiny little unit that cannot bear the weight of meaning—and that tiny little unit is “the self.” What I think he means is that when people used … Continue reading You’re not starting at ground zero
Uffgevva
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how individualistic our society has become. Basically, “individualism” is a way of thinking. It’s living like your own immediate needs and wants are more important than the needs of the wider community. It’s a Me-Myself-and-I way of life. I’m not saying your own needs aren’t important. But they’re … Continue reading Uffgevva
