Mark Galli meditates on the significance of Good Friday and what it means to share in the life of Jesus.- Like the grieving women who first visited the empty tomb, Rebecca Stringer surprisingly finds Christ’s presence at the place of her pain.
- Mark Noll discusses the promises and pitfalls of The Gospel Coalition.
- Amy Black kindly reminds us why government is a necessary part of any discussion on seeking public justice and the common good.
- New York Times columnist David Brooks renders a provocative suggestion: ”Vague, uplifting, nondoctrinal religiosity doesn’t actually last. The religions that grow, succor and motivate people to perform heroic acts of service are usually theologically rigorous, arduous in practice and definite in their convictions about what is True and False.”
- Ellen Painter Dollar explains why she lets her 5-year-old son wear pink.
- Brett McCracken outlines the pros and cons of e-books.
- Sharon Hodde Miller offers some wise observations on “how to respond to an industry that uses morality as a marketing device.”
- Trevin Wax interviews CT’s Sarah Pulliam Bailey about the challenges of covering news stories about religion.
- David Koyzis examines the dilemma of American intervention in foreign conflicts such as Libya’s civil war.
- If you’re somehow not yet tired of hearing about Rob Bell’s controversial book, it’s worth reading what Lauren Winner and Jamie Smith have to say about it.
Loon’s linkage (April ’11)
April 30, 2011
Loon's linkage Leave a comment
Grief journal (5 months)
April 20, 2011
“Sorrow is no longer the islands but the sea.”
–Nicholas Wolterstorff, Lament for a Son
So this is it. Life without Vincent. Me no like. I still want him back. Everyday.
Next month is going to be especially difficult. Mother’s Day is May 8. Vincent’s birthday is May 10. My graduation is May 14. We fly out May 16 to visit Rebecca’s parents in the Philippines. Plenty of significant events in the month of May will remind us exactly how much our family shrunk on November 20, 2010. We’ll always be one Vincent short of a complete family. I’ll always be one Vincent short of being a happy daddy.
If the tears are supposed to be helping, I should already be fixed by now. Maybe this is as good as it gets. I suppose it could be worse. I have much to be thankful for compared with most others around the globe. On top of it all, some of my favorite people in this world are still alive. Just not Vincent. A lot will happen before I ever see him again. Too much, I fear.
If I could only catch a glimpse of how Vincent is doing up there in heaven. Even my atheist friends tell me that’s where he is. So it’s unanimous; Vincent is safe and healthy somewhere in heaven. But what exactly is he doing? Learning his ABCs? Riding in a golden stroller pushed an angel? I’d imagine the daycare staff in heaven must be top notch. The toys and snacks are probably phenomenal too. With all the children who have died around the world in recent months, Vincent probably has the most culturally-diverse peer group imaginable.
While Vincent is probably doing just fine these days in the celestial city, I’d still like a post card or a text message once in a while. I’m not expecting him to Skype me or anything ridiculous like that, just something to prove my little boy is alright.
You okay up there, son? What kind of music do they play? Did the angels give you enough blankets? I’m sure they did, but I had to ask since I’m still your dad and everything. Your mother and I miss you terribly. Your brother talks about you all the time. Say ‘hi’ to Grandpa for me. I’ll see you soon.
Why am I a Christian?
April 12, 2011
Something inspired me to write this after reading today’s post from Rachel Held Evans (and the ensuing discussion) on the reasons people become Christians.
Why am I a Christian?
Choice, chance Oceans, offspring Mentors, mystery Parents, prayer Laughter, lament Investigation, imagination Confession, community Anger, allure Tears, therapy Experience, example Desperation, delight — Freedom, fear Acceptance, affection Irony, incarnation Testimony, tradition History, heaven
