Sunday, July 31st, 2005
It looks as though the Baptist World Alliance congress is having a challenging time this week in Birmingham, England.
Wednesday
The Baptist Women Leadership Conference reports back.
“As Baptist women, we covenant to support and uphold a Biblical vision of God and the world which enables us to see beyond the practices of our various cultures that condone the exploitation of our sisters through injustices, violence, and oppression.”
Thursday
Tony Campolo challenges Baptists worldwide on the mission statement of Jesus.
“Being a Christian is not having the right theology. It�s having your heart broken by the things that break Jesus� heart.”
Friday
The convention is challenged to make dealing with AIDS a priority. Rick Warren says Baptists should be able to “celebrate our diversity and celebrate our unity”. He’s disappointed about the withdrawal of the Southern Baptists from the rest of the Congress.
Saturday
Jimmy Carter receives two standing ovations at a luncheon in his honour. He hits the international news with his comments about being embarrassed at the detention of accused terrorists in Guantanamo Bay without access to lawyers or information about charges. Carter’s comments have hit the blogosphere - stimulating the response of right wing Americans incensed at his insults. Well, good on him, I say!
See also Tall Skinny Kiwi’s post:
Highlights of BWA World Congress
Tags: AIDS, Baptist, Jimmy Carter, Politics, Rick Warren, Social Justice, Tall Skinny Kiwi, Tony Campolo, World Events
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Thursday, June 2nd, 2005
On Wednesday June 2, 2004, I started the Driving With Purpose blog, dedicated to responding to reading of Rick Warren’s book, Purpose Driven Life. Pacific Parks Uniting was going through the book in five weeks in small groups. A few of us found ourselves asking questions and challenging assumptions, especially around Day 2. So we joined up to start expressing our thoughts. Over time I’m the one who’s kept it up. But I’m only up to Day 28! I’m happy to post something every week or so.
Appropriately Day 28 is entitled, “It takes time”. Rick talks about the reality of slow growth toward maturity - a journey with more authenticity than the sprint towards instant holiness.
Occasionally Rick says something that’s obviously coming from a different place to where I’m at. Sometimes I’m irked by the drivenness of the material, and the ‘five easy-to-remember-and-apply’ steps, and the assertion that Rick’s point of view summarises the Biblical way. Despite those misgivings, I’m grateful for the regular back-to-basics reality checks Rick provides me with. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to interweave my own stories and experiences with the inisights of others.
Tags: Blogging, Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, Spirituality
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Sunday, May 1st, 2005
After a few weeks off, I’ve posted a new day at Driving with Purpose. It’s Day 27: Defeating Temptation in Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. Rick provides a list of what he calls Biblical keys: refocusing attention, developing accountability with others, resisting the Devil through memorizing and reciting scripture, and realizing our vulnerability.
Interesting that Rick continually describes his material as Biblical. I guess some people won’t pay any attention unless they think it comes from the Bible. Only thing is, Rick and all of us are coloured by the environment we live in. Much of his advice is grounded in sound psychological research but he’s not likely to quote any psychologists in the book!
Tags: Purpose Driven Life, Reading, Rick Warren, Spirituality
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