This is, to my mind, one of the most far-reaching books that is uncannily relevant to our culture, and also artistically a masterpiece. It's one of my favorites.
Read moreAlbert Camus and the Philosophy of the Absurd
Albert Camus is one those philosophers who is close to my heart because he helped me see myself more clearly and thereby helped me get out of a very dark place.
Read moreAlbert Camus
I usually don’t read multiple biographies about one person in preparation for these blog posts, but with Albert Camus, I did.
Read moreJob 17, Exegetical Notes from Abner Chou
Job continues his defense, appealing to a downpayment that he doesn't have, wishing for a way to legitimately prove his innocence before God and man.
Read moreThe Sovereignty of God on Display in Deuteronomy
Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal, the place where Moses preached the book of Deuteronomy (Source).
In Deuteronomy God is center-stage...The purpose of the book is to put God on a pedestal to be examined next to every other ancient near-eastern god, and so in Deuteronomy we find some of the most powerful theologies about God and His sovereignty.
Read moreWhat Does it Mean to Be Human?
I think it’s ironic that God made King Nebuchadnezzar an animal for a while to teach him how to be a better human (read: how to be able to control the distinctly human gifts of consciousness and free will), and yet many in society today just want to become like animals...
Read moreJob 16, Exegetical Notes from Abner Chou
Job responds to Eliphaz’s second speech (Job 15) where Eliphaz said, "Let me give you the historical definition of a wicked man—he looks just like you, Job." Job replies, "The reason I look guilty is because I was framed."
Read moreThe Teddy Bear Called Lyle
The gate agent took his ticket and scanned it, so he thanked her and stowed it in his coat pocket, along with the other twelve....
Read moreWhat It Means to Be Educated
So-called safe-speech, microagressions, and trigger-warnings are ruining education, and if we lose education, we lose the battle for our humanity. God wants you to be educated, and this is what I think that means.
Read moreAn Introduction to the Philosophy of Art, Or, Aesthetics
Art gets a bad rap, and it's truly misunderstood in our generation, but losing Art is like losing our souls. We need it more than you may think.
Read moreJob 15, Exegetical Notes from Abner Chou
Eliphaz begins the second round of debate, the set of arguments based on the modernist worldview. The irony is getting even thicker and his arguments even weaker.
Read moreTotal Truth by Nancy Pearcey
Pearcey takes my favorite book (How Should We Then Live?) and builds on it, taking Francis Schaeffer's discoveries and applying them to postmodernism and the more unique task of rescuing the American church from its mindlessness and cultural antipathy.
Read moreKing David Wasn't Who You Think He Was
The books of Samuel tell a disastrous story about two kings of Israel (Saul and David) whose struggles define the trajectory of a nation. I think David is less the hero we think he is and more of a broken man, struggling to find his place in relation to the Sovereignty of God. Something we can all identify with, no doubt.
Read moreStrategies for Rescuing Your Mind from The Google
I have OCD about my messy notes and I also struggle remembering things. I've found a way out but it's really hard work. Excited? I bet. Read more.
Read moreThat Song With The Extra Beat
We’ve been singing that song the wrong way for over 20 years, for as long as I’ve been there anyway, which is longer than most, but even I can remember the way it’s supposed to sound. ...
Read moreStop Taking Yourself So Seriously
My feeble attempt to add some healthy, earthy balance to my recent posts, the spiritual reflections on suffering. I don't have it all together, and that's ok too. I hope this encourages you.
Read moreWhat Am I Supposed to DO With This Pain?
Pain has a purpose for God's children, but often we lose sight of it--or at least, I do. And Romans 8:28 is usually used to encourage passivity. But what do we DO when we are in pain? How should we ACT?
Read moreJob 14, Exegetical Notes from Abner Chou
Job finishes his rebuttal by focusing on two things: 1) Why his friends are wrong--they don’t understand his pain or the world, and 2) How could God prove Himself to be right, given the unconquerable enemy--death?
Read moreI Have Lyme Disease, and That's OK
It's popular for chronically ill people to lash out at happy people for being so, well, happy. I've been guilty of that in the past, but now I just try to help others see what they don't see. If there's anything good from pain it's perspective. So here, I give some of mine. Maybe you'll benefit.
Read moreJob 13, Exegetical Notes from Abner Chou
Job continues his rebuttal of his three friends by telling them what they should do: stop bragging, stop lying, and just shut up--for they have no wisdom. This chapter has great insight into counseling as we see Job reprimand his friends for twisting God and Truth to fit their worldviews.
Read more