Category: Gospel and Culture

A Quest for More: Tripp

Posted on October 31, 2007

“Have you ever wanted to invest yourself in something worthwhile? Have you ever wondered why your life seems to lack meaning or purpose? … If so, this book is for you. This book is about having a life that counts for something. It is about living to make a difference. Admit it. You’re a glory junkie. That’s why you like the 360o, between-the-legs, slam dunk, or that amazing hand-beaded formal gown, or the seven layer triple-chocolate mousse cake. You were hardwired by your Creator for a glory orientation. It is inescapable.

It’s in our genes. We’ll flock to a museum to see the Salvador Dali masterworks. We’ll wait in a ninety-minute line or a ride on the ultimate roller coaster. We’ll dream for days about the glory of the upcoming Thanksgiving feast. And we’ll work like crazy to achieve one glory moment in some area of our lives. We were simply made for glory, but not just the shadow glories of the created world. We were made for the one glory that is transcendent—the glory of God. When you rasp this, your life begins to make a difference.” – excerpt from A Quest for More, Paul David Tripp

“Arguably Tripp’s best work yet!”– Jeremy Lelek, President, Association of Biblical Counselors

Read chapter 1.

Burma Update and History

Posted on October 31, 2007

This Christian website provides a good summary of the recent events and their consequences in Burma. They provide hard numbers on tortures, refugees, village destruction, etc. However, they also present hopeful solutions to various social and spiritual ills in Burma.

Stanley Fish, Red Sox and Personal Heroes

Posted on October 29, 2007

In today’s NY Times blog, Stanley Fish (renown Postmodern scholar) reflects on his childhood and adulthood heroes: Ted Williams and Frank Sinatra. In addition to offering interesting anecdotes, Fish comments on why Ted Williams and Frank Sinatra (at time quite unheroic in their treatment of women and violent acts) are exemplary–both were zealously committed to their art.

The science of hitting and the singing of songs by these heroes have impressed Fish and countless others. Dismissing their personal vices and virtues, he glories in their excellent craftsmanship. To be sure, Sinatra and Williams are legends of their crafts, but should we so easily dismiss character from craftsmanship?

It is arguable that both Sinatra and Williams lacked in character because they were so committed so music and baseball. In their zeal for excellence and fame, friends and family suffered. Nothing could trump the craft. Character took a backseat to vocational glory. Often, it is precisely because we are so committed to a thing, to a vocation, that our character crumbles.

Perhaps we should not follow the Fish on this one…