Works of Love By Søren Kierkegaard My rating: 4 of 5 stars Works of Love is a searching exploration of the distinctive and demanding character of Christian love. It is not a “feel good” book but one that might leave you wondering whether you really have loved at all, or loved well. Kierkegaard begins with the paradox of love's character as both hidden and yet bearing fruit in works of love. He then explores the great command to love neighbor as oneself. He plumbs the challenges of loving a neighbor in all … [Read more...] about Book Review: Works of Love
Love
Speaking the Truth in Love (Scholar’s Compass)
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around. - Attributed to Frank A. Clark Reflection As Christians and as scholars, we value truth, but when we encounter what we believe to be untruth, how should we respond? It is wise to remember that very few positions, whether in our field or in religion, are totally bereft of … [Read more...] about Speaking the Truth in Love (Scholar’s Compass)
Scholar’s Compass Navigating Beginnings: Learning Scholarly Virtues from the Iliad
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” – Matthew 25:35 (ESV) … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass Navigating Beginnings: Learning Scholarly Virtues from the Iliad
Transcendent Love (Scholar’s Compass)
But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -- Romans 5:8 (NET) Reflection "God created man in his own image. And man, being a gentleman, returned the favor." It's such a great quote that everyone wants to attribute it to their favorite wit. Depending on the alleged source, it is either a withering revelation of the fabricated nature of religion, or a wry observation on why so few find the narrow path to the true God. Either way, it has a ring of truth; when we … [Read more...] about Transcendent Love (Scholar’s Compass)
James K.A. Smith on “Liturgical Discipleship”
Discipleship, becoming Christ-like, empowered by the Spirit to image God to the world is not magic. Nor is it merely intellectual. It's a matter of re-forming our loves, re-narrativing our identities, re-habituating our virtue. And that is centered in the practices of the people of God gathered by the Spirit around Christ's Word and the table. Love takes practice. Worship is our gymnasium. . . . -- Conclusion to James K.A. Smith's presentation Liturgical Discipleship: Worship as the Center of Spiritual … [Read more...] about James K.A. Smith on “Liturgical Discipleship”