Language is dynamic. Take any linguistics course, and the ever-changing nature of language is one of the first things you learn. Over time, words morph and change into completely new animals. This is why Charles Spurgeon frequently referred to God as awful in his sermons. It is why Michael Jackson sang a whole song about…
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Off Topic: The Facebook Foul
Missionaries are taught to be culturally sensitive. We read books about it. We take classes in it. And, before we leave the country, we have to sit through an orientation on some compound out in the middle of the woods learning about it. For, the task of a missionary is to learn the language and…
Off Topic: Prayer Positions
This past weekend I saw something I have not seen in a while. It was Prayer Hands. As you well know, Prayer Hands are the officially adopted prayer position of the western church. For time and memorial they have been emblazoned upon countless pieces of Jesus paraphernalia. As a child, this is the first of…
Off Topic: Spiritual Surfing
Why is church camp always at the beach? When I was a kid, every time I would head off to some church camp for the summer, I was stuck off in the middle of the woods. It was usually some camp with a goofy, fake Indian name like Camp Wannahockaloogi, or something to that effect.…
Off Topic: I’m Feeling Lucky.
So, I have decided to write a commentary on the Revelation of John. There are several reasons behind this. For starters, everyone knows writing a commentary is how you make it into the “big leagues” in the realm of theology. It is also a well known fact that approximately 83% of evangelical commentaries say basically…
Off Topic: Christians say the darndest things.
Words can be contagious. Few things seem to harbor the power of transmittal as words, and with them ideals. Take for instance the words "change" and "hope". When wielded in a certain way, they have the power to win a presidency. I experienced a similar situation here in the last couple of months, howbeit not…
Continue reading ➞ Off Topic: Christians say the darndest things.
Off Topic: The Fishbowl Effect
I once owned a goldfish. His name was Cochise. Cochise was the result of an unfortunate series of events that ended with 30-50 small goldfish in my bathtub one evening. My only explanation is that I was a college minister prior to coming to Africa. Being the tenderhearted, animal-lover I am, I sought to rescue…
Off Topic: Are Christians closet pyromaniacs?
I like to set things on fire. I blame my father. When I was a little kid, we were always lighting things on fire... and then he taught me how how to make homemade fireworks. But that is another story. I may enjoy the warm glow and soft crackle of a fire, but I am…
Continue reading ➞ Off Topic: Are Christians closet pyromaniacs?
Off topic: What did you do this summer?
I have a confession. I have become a Facebook stalker. It all started out innocent enough I guess. Occasionally glancing at photo albums from friends trips, until one day, I caught myself purposely seeking out the Info tab of some friends to see if anything new was happening. I blame my distance. The world, friends…
