Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Recession = Depression?

Call me naive, but I find the idea of an economic downturn vaguely exciting.

I say this hesitantly and with deep sympathy toward anyone who has recently lost a job or a house--I know the recession's consequences can be tragic and undeserved.

But on a national and personal level, I think this season of "tightening our belts" is a wholesome thing.

Maybe it's the increased sense of community that only comes from shared hardship.
Making sacrifices that ultimately strengthen us.
Rediscovering the role of work--to provide material needs, not to validate our existence.

During college, I unconsciously relied on my grades as proof that I was "worth something." Out in the real world, however, that proof is usually linked to a job--a salary--a corporate title. When you don't have one, it's easy to feel like a loser.

But just like a good GPA isn't a guarantee of happiness or success, neither is a prestigious job.

And in this economic climate, that's a good lesson to learn.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Shack Factor

About a month ago I read The Shack, the controversial bestseller by William P. Young. I'm not going into a detailed analysis here, or trying to make a call on the book's theological validity (which would certainly be arrogant and probably erroneous).

But as someone pursuing a career in Christian publishing, several things fascinate me.

First of all, I'm just going to say it--the book is poorly written. Think 8th grade creative writing class. A cliché every other paragraph and characters about two inches deep. (I didn't know until today that the book was originally self-published. See this article for more.)

So here's a book that breaks just about every rule of good writing, but shoots to the bestseller list and impacts millions of lives. People who love this book, love this book. It seems to most deeply touch those dealing with grief--I originally read it because a friend told me how much it had helped in the healing process.

This is exactly why I want to work in publishing--to bring people closer to God through words. And also why The Shack fascinates me. What makes it successful on this most important of levels? Or is it successful at all?

Some suspect that the God presented in the story is not the God of the Bible, but a dangerous piece of mystic universalism. I understand both sides, and though I didn't find the book spiritually misleading, I'm not handing out copies after church either.

But if this book is bringing people closer to God, I want to know why. And the bigger question--can Christian bestsellers retain any credibility in the crush of consumerism? Or will The Shack go the way of The Purpose Driven Life--complete with wall-hangings and embroidered pillowcases?

Friday, February 13, 2009

God-state

Like a lot of people these days, I've been paying more attention to the news. I catch bits of talk radio or see the headlines about the stimulus plan or Obama's latest press conference.

The last two weeks I've also visited my parents' small group, where they've been discussing the role of the state. One of the points went like this:

-When we view human nature as essentially good, we turn to socioeconomics as an explanation for evil
-Thus, the role of "saving" humanity falls into the hands of the state, which is supposed to improve social circumstances, income, healthcare, etc.
-Ultimately the state becomes a surrogate God

Now I get this. What bothers me more is that Christians buy into this idea in a different way. We turn to the state to legislate morality (and get piping mad if it doesn't), rather than focusing on how we are living and influencing others.

I'm not saying Christians shouldn't lobby to overturn Roe vs. Wade or oppose gay marriage. But I think there's a problem when we invest more energy in changing a law rather than changing lives.

This is a controversial one--I welcome debate.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

It's a big, bad world out there

Actual reports from the Police blotter of our local newspaper:

Burglary: Victims, their numbers and genders a police mystery, reported their residence burglarized of items not disclosed, resulting in some amount of loss, equally unknown.

Theft: Two dudes, one white, the other black, stole a plasma television from Walmart. They left in a red van but were not located.

Well at least they knew the gender that time.

--

Right now I am standing with my laptop at the kitchen counter, hoping the pork roast I have in the oven doesn’t dry out. The cookbook suggested serving it with hot applesauce, which reminds me of Sunday dinner at Grove City.

Update on grad school: On Monday Oxford Brookes University emailed me to schedule (the British pronounce it “shhedule”) a phone interview. That proved slightly difficult, since out here on the west coast we are 8 hours behind the UK.

I am almost hoping that a) I will not be accepted, or b) it will be way too expensive to go.

Ugh. Someone pinch me.