Literature and Theology

What does a minister have to say to literature students in a C. S. Lewis seminar? Looks like I might have that opportunity next week. We could talk theology; we could talk about myth and literature. We could talk about how literary work forms and shapes faith. All of the above sounds good.

It makes me wonder how Lewis would respond to Mel Gibson's new movie? Can art imitate life so strongly that imagination has no place to go?

more books

Lee Camp's recent book, MERE DISCIPLESHIP, raises some particularly poignant ideas, especially in an election year. Folks who call themselves Christians can find themselves trapped into non-Christian practices very easily when a connection between the power of government and the role of the church are too narrowly construed.

The life and ministry of Jesus directly avoided any collusion with the powers of the day. Of course, realistically, it was the powers of the day that got him killed. That in itself should be a reminder. Governmental systems have a distinctive set of values that will be imposed--no matter what. Those values may sound high and lofty; but in the end, the exercise of power ultimately taints and corrupts those values.

For Christians and serious seekers of God, a path toward meaningful life will always be held in tension with popular politics.

Books Read

Finished up several books over the holidays (along with all that leftover candy). McCullough's John Adams, which deservedly picked up a Pulitzer Prize, was a great read. Yes, making history that interesting is worth noting. Though I must admit, I read it not so much for the reading as for the introduction to another human being who felt deeply enough about freedom, politics, and ideals to do something about it.

I don't know if I would have voted for John Adams, but I do know that his vision included a passion for ideas over party politics. I like that.

Been thinking about blogging for the past six months. . . . . so let it begin!