Comments for Stranger in a Strange Land

Comment on Customize Disqus Wordpress plugin with CSS by Katherine Wagner

Katherine Wagner — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:53:36 +0000

Disqus Comments is my commenting application of choice. I have just added here and love the ease of integration and the way it looks.

Comment on Helping our friends beat foreclosure – update by jdblundell

jdblundell — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:01:45 +0000

thanks for checking. we raised over $4100 for the family and that went right to the bank. as I understand it, they're still not officially in the clear with the bank. they've paid all the bank has requested of them and are waiting for a refinance of their mortgage. however they've received a number of different messages/letters from the bank recently so they're not completely sure where they stand.

Comment on Helping our friends beat foreclosure – update by Jeanne

Jeanne — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:33:22 +0000

Is there an update to this effort? House gone or retained?

Comment on I am an atheist… by jdblundell

jdblundell — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:42:05 +0000

Interesting observation.
I didn't see the hypocrisy there.
I personally (not wanting to speak for the song's author) don't think he's referring to “believers” or “non-believers.”
I think he's referring more towards those who have taken it upon themselves to judge others based on their perceived rules/righteousness/higher spirituality.
i.e. Me judging others for thinking they have to wear a suit to church. Or me judging others because I don't think they're welcoming enough. Or me judging others because I they __(fill in the blank)__.
Believing instead in a people who live, breathe and act out love and grace.

Comment on I am an atheist… by jdblundell

jdblundell — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:33:15 +0000

It seems to me, that in a focused effort towards evangelism, artists are often hoping to reach the most people possible with their lyrics and/or art. While this may be good on some levels, it unfortunately doesn't cover the broad spectrum that is Christianity.
And I'm not sure that would be possible on either end of the spectrum.
I love Brian McLaren's analogy of the Christian faith as a rainbow. There are sooooo many different “levels” or places we find ourselves in the journey.
There are those who have just become disciples of Jesus. There are those who have been disciples for many years but have not grown much in their faith. There are those who have grown tremendously and are counseling, helping, training many others who aren't as far along on their journey.
Each person represents a band of color in the rainbow. None are better or worse than the others and all are vital to seeing the full beauty of the rainbow.
I think we should all work towards creating art that not only challenges our own faith, but the faith of others and helps bring us all closer to Jesus.

Comment on I am an atheist… by Marvin

Marvin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:37:42 +0000

Interesting contrast in the lyrics. However, one line contradicts the contrast between those who believe and I believe.

I am an atheist when it comes to view of the chosen few, who
judge and condemn all who differ them.

Eliminate this line and the exposed differences would be meaningful. With this line the contrast is hypocrisy. A judgement has been made between those who believe and I believe.

Comment on I am an atheist… by Fred

Fred — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:01:17 +0000

Do I Identify With the Lyrics and Music?

Could it be that we are playing to the wrong audience or preaching to the choir? Paul was a master communicator, whether to Christians or non-Christians. Could it be that we are trying to reach immature Christians with milk and Christians are going hungry for meat? Are we trying to reach non-Christians with a watered-down gospel that does not challenge to repentance and surrender to Christ? Are we trying to reach Christians and encourage them to be a martyr, a living witness for our Savior in every area of life?

Worst of all, could it be we, the listeners, have lost our first love for our Lord and Savior? Is it not true that the first time we experience something wonderful is often the best? Repeat experiences fondly remind us of that first experience? My favorite experiences are those I have when I am growing in my faith. Those are usually times of trusting God in my trials. Those songs that express those experiences at those times have become my favorites, whether “great hymns of the faith,” “Almighty God,” or “I Am an Atheist.” I relive those triumphs in trial as I hear the words or the melody. My faith, mind and soul are challenged, assured, and renewed.

Do I think it could be God's message to me or is it just His message to the person sitting behind me?
Am I actually listening for God's message to me?

Comment on I am an atheist… by jdblundell

jdblundell — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:06:08 +0000

Yes! Why do you think “contemporary Christian music” avoids challenging our faith, mind, and soul? Do you think we're afraid of the questions? Or are we too worried about reaching the many that we dumb everything down?

Comment on I am an atheist… by Fred

Fred — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:04:06 +0000

I especially like the use of the words that make up the good message.
I like the melody. I am glad the lyrics were printed for reading because my ears are not sharp enough to understand them in the song.
I did not hear it as what I would view as the usual contemporary Christian music. It makes one think and then it draws a person into the message, instead of repeating the message over and over and over in a few words–sometimes boring my mind more than blessing my soul or the Lord.

Comment on Chipotle responds by the encounter » Blog Archive » Help end modern day slavery

the encounter » Blog Archive » Help end modern day slavery — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:38:03 +0000

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