We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and evening of conversation with some new friends last night. We were invited over to their home to eat. They live in a rustic old home tucked away in the gorgeous part of Virginia called Bent Mountain.
As we gathered to eat, we encircled the table and held hands for prayer. Between our four kids and their four kids, we made a huge circle. Before praying, Mr. Webb looked at each of us with a warm expression, and said "May the Lord be with you." To which all the members of his family replied in union, "And also with you."
Continue reading "Liturgy And Family Tradition" »
Steven L. Taylor, Ph.D. an Associate Professor of Political Science runs an interesting poliblog.
Professor Taylor says,
"Over the last several weeks I have heard a number of individuals make the argument that the filibuster is somehow part of the checks and balances systems of the United States Constitution or that somehow debate is being squelched by the majority party."
Taylor then does a nice smack down of those specious arguments. By reading his blog, I learned a lot about filibusters, the constitutional perspective on the judicial nomination process, and how nominess are moved from committee to the floor for votes. I also learned some history about Senator Byrd and his enthusiasm for changing Senate rules when he was in the majority. Tradition? Pish posh. Seems there is enough hypocrisy to go around this issue, eh?
Continue reading "Useful Background On Filibusters" »
Joe Carter of EO made a cogent point in the April 25th Outtakes when he said,
"One of the saddest ironies in the blogosphere is that so many talented pundits waste their skills on national politics. While writing about local government and media probably won’t get you linked by Glenn Reynolds, it could lead to a ten-fold increase in readership. A low-traffic blog, for example, may have trouble finding ten people who care to hear their opinion on federal matters yet could have a hundred neighbors willing to tune into their daily musings on the local school board. "
Very good point.
Continue reading "Want To Influence Thinking Through Your Blogging? Then Think Local." »
Should we make it official and start capitalizing the "s" in secularism? David Klinghoffer thinks so. His article That Other Church with the subtitle Let's face it: Secularism is a religion. Let's treat it as such appeared in Christianiaty Today in January, 2005.
Continue reading "The Religion of Secularism" »
Catez Stevens has some interesting posts and comment threads here and here. The topic is Christian involvement in politics. She asserts that some Christians opt-out of engaging culture in favor of political activism. I agree that political activism is not a proxy for engaging culture.
Continue reading "Christians and Politics" »
I called Mr. Warner's office and expressed my opinion on the outrageous practice of filibustering judges. Warner has yet to express support for ending the use the filibusters to prevent judges from making it to the floor of the Senate for a nomination vote.
I will continue to call his office.
Midlothian
Norfolk
Abingdon
Roanoke
Washington, D.C.
Continue reading "Calling Mr. Warner" »
I was reminded of that old quote that the main problem with Christianity are the Christians. I apologized to Joe on behalf of the yelling, fire and brimstone preacher. I believe the preacher was well intentioned and spot on about eternity. Nonetheless, I believe we are called to deliver truth with love and with words seasoned with grace. Our manner counts.
Joe softened. “You don’t need to apologize”, he said. But I felt like I did.
Continue reading "Hotdogs For The Homeless (conclusion)" »
David Brooks hits it out. of. the . park.
Our country took a decisive turn in the road in 1973. What is taking place in our senate finds its roots in that fateful decision. Blackmun and friends snatched away an important debate that needed to happen. The result is what we have today.
Continue reading "David Brooks On Why The Senate Is Melting Down" »