Monthly Archives: April 2009

God and the compression of time

Posted on April 11, 2009 by Rick

This evening I attended Vespers (with a chrismation) at St Matthew the Apostle Orthodox Church. Fr Mark greeted me and then we had a brief exchange about how today is both Holy Saturday (for me – Western calendar) and Palm … Continue reading →

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Why such a hard time over a bow?

Posted on April 11, 2009 by Rick

The video footage clearly shows President Obama bowing to the Saudi king. Efforts by the White House and other spinmeisters to explain this away are risible. (Now this is the only part of this story I find significant – if … Continue reading →

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The (un)changing nature of Christian tradition (or) the difference between emerging and emergent is heresy

Posted on April 10, 2009 by Rick

In light of the recent discussion of “emergent” Christianity the following quote from The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware seems appropriate: Tradition, while inwardly changless (for God does not change), is constantly assuming new forms, which supplement the old without … Continue reading →

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I may have to repent of my regard for certain "emergent" writers like Brian McLaren

Posted on April 8, 2009 by Rick

I am losing my regard for certain “emergent” writers such as Brian McLaren. Sorry. When I first read his book a generous orthodoxy I agreed and resonated with 90+% of it. I thought “this is what I have believed for … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion, Rhetoric, Society and Culture, Theology | 2 Comments

"Space is disease and danger wrapped in…"

Posted on April 8, 2009 by Rick

I thought this was hysterical. Oh and “Rohan has no king”.

Posted in Movies and film, Science Fiction | Comments Off

Franken versus Coleman, Christopher Hitchens versus theism (and/or) It is not enough to be right

Posted on April 8, 2009 by Rick

A disturbing truth is becoming increasingly apparent. To whit – it is not enough to be right. What do I mean? That just because you hold better theological convictions or your political views are more correct does not mean your … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, Politics, Religion, Rhetoric | 1 Comment

Apologizing for the "sins" of others is not humility

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Rick

“I think the president showed real humility”. So said a political commentator recently on National Public Radio – refering to President Obama and his rhetoric about how “there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even … Continue reading →

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Martin Sheen and the all-too-common fallacy of rhetorical solipsism

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Rick

Was watching Fox News Channel last night. (I never paid much attention to Fox until just this year. Thank the presidential election of 2008. I will never trust the mainstream media again.) Turns out three actors from “The Left Wing” … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Politics, Propaganda, Rhetoric | Comments Off