Welcome to my new series, “The Sunday Seven.” Here, you will find a rather motley collection of articles, blogs and other various musings that have captured my attention over the past seven days. No promises as to what you may find on a week to week basis. But like Baskin Robbins on a hot summer night, there’s a little something for everyone here, so why not make your way up to the counter to see if you can’t find a flavor that suits your fancy.
Newly discovered blog that has captured my attention …
How to Talk Evangelical: An Annotated Glossary. Take The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce and add to it the writings of Kathleen Norris. Now place these in a blender and hit “puree. ” Equal parts humorous and painful, definitely a blog to watch.
Newly discovered blog that makes me want to vomit …
Pastorfashion.com. That’s right: pastorfashion.com, the place “where faith and fashion intersect.” Does your pastor have a bit of a “muffin top?” Does his tie not look quite right? Then maybe he needs a little help from Pastor Ed or maybe he just needs a new set of spanx. Whatever the case, you know where to send him.
From the Files of the Unexpected …
Atheist Insists that Society Needs Guidance from Religion. When a well-known atheist picks a fight with an even more well-known atheist, things get interesting. When the fight has to do with building an atheist temple, well … you’ll just have to read it yourself.
From the Files of the Inevitable …
J.K. Rowling to pen a new novel. It’ll be interesting to see what the author of Harry Potter can do outside the realm of Hogwarts and Muggles. Even more interesting … a novel aimed at adults.
A Voice in the Wilderness …
Give Up the Gimmicks Youth Pastors. This link will take you to an excerpt from a promising new book by Brian Cosby. From all reports, this is a clarion call to re-centering youth ministry on the Gospel of Jesus the Christ.
From my friend, the Pagan/Wiccan …
Bait and Switch Afflicts Contemporary Christian Society. I’m not going to tell you anything about this one. Just read it with an open mind and consider what Beck is trying to say. I think you’ll find it worth your time.
And finally, a little wisdom from the “Philosoraptor” …
doneinlove
February 26, 2012 at 8:05 am
I don’t know how much I can about the first six, but you have certainly gained my respect with Philosoraptor. Brilliance, sir, brilliance.
Scott William Bryant
February 26, 2012 at 9:47 am
Nothing to say about PastorFashion.com?! For shame.
Josh The Younger
February 26, 2012 at 2:29 pm
I gotta agree with doneinlove… the rest is interesting, but the philosoraptor is simply awesome.
Scott William Bryant
February 26, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Gotta love the philosoraptor! But still … no love for Pastor Fashion?!
Josh The Younger
February 26, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Eh… honestly I’m not terribly surprised that the site exists. There’s so much randomness on the Internet these days that it barely scratches the weird category anymore. The philosoraptor on the other hand!….
Addie Zierman
February 27, 2012 at 8:04 am
Thanks for the shout-out and the kind description of my blog. And I, for one, laughed out loud at Pastor Fashion. The post title “From the runway to the pulpit” — just so many things I could say.
Scott William Bryant
February 27, 2012 at 9:17 am
You are more than welcome, Addie. I think my favorite definition was your piece on the word “just.” All too true.
Rebecca Littauer
March 1, 2012 at 8:30 am
“Pastor fashion?” Wow…like JH and RB, it didn’t neccessarily surprise me, but found it stupid/humorous. Sure we should care how the pastor dresses (i mean, come on, we don’t want to see the pastor walk in with a t-shirt and spandex), but I would assume pastors know the proper way to approach the congregation appearance wise.
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Number 1 and the “philosoraptor” were also pretty funny!