Rambling

I'm reading, quite furiously I might add, through Niebuhr's book, Christ & Culture, for a paper due Thursday. I believe it is the first time in my life (since starting here at DS) I've read strong, lengthy books in two days. Not just read, but read for comprehension. One plus of grad school is it has stretched me to see that I can do things I would not have realized before.

I think this is a 'must read' for every Christian. Written in the late 40's (at least that's when the lectures were given), published in the early 50's, it is as true today as it was when it was written. In fact it could have been written 2,000 years ago and still be relevant. It addresses how Christians engage (or disengage) culture and why they do so. It does not moralize one view point over another as much as set up types that identify so they can be observed. It makes the argument, incidentally, for unity. The closing chapter is going to be copied and mailed to a few people I know. Maybe. We'll see if I remember to do that because when this paper is done I have a final paper and three final tests two final exams to prepare for. Maybe I'll scan them and email them. It's easier and free.

He argues as a definition for Christ along the vein of love. Lots to what he said, I'll just sum up. Love was the defining characteristic of Jesus' character/kerygma/calling. There are other facets to Jesus, but not that define Him. As I was thinking about this it influenced a topic for my final paper for my hermeneutics class. Philippians 2 (The Kenosis Passage) is to be my text and the topic is humility & love exemplified in the Person of Jesus Christ. I'm very much looking forward to diving into the work this week. I'll post some gleanings after I finish the paper.

Now go buy the book. Christ & Culture by H. Richard Niebuhr.