Friday, July 02, 2004
Witnessing (extremely local) history
This morning as I walked to my office on the Biola campus, I noticed Dr. Pike, the dean of the Rosemead School of Psychology, carrying boxed to their new facility in the old Library building. Now this may not seem historic to some--maybe most--but it is. Rosemead--the school producing the bulk of Biola's Ph.D.s--has been dwelling in trailers since they arrived at Biola in 1981. That's 23 years in temporary housing! On the off chance that any Rosemead students, faculty or alums read this, Congratulations...finally! By the way, the place looks good!
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
pop-psych diversion...
I'm working on the Podles summary and response and am in need of a diversion, so...
You are a Ragdoll! You are known for your laid
back attitude. You are the ultimate in
low-maintenance. You'd rather hang out around
the house all day than seek adventure.
What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are a Ragdoll! You are known for your laid
back attitude. You are the ultimate in
low-maintenance. You'd rather hang out around
the house all day than seek adventure.
What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Monday, June 28, 2004
ADDICTED TO MEDIOCRITY summary on What I'm Reading
ADDICTED TO MEDIOCRITY: contemporary Christians and the arts (revised edition)
by Franky Schaeffer
pub. Crossway Books, (C) 1985 (original 1981), 127 pages
Comments: Here's some of his points:
Creativity and communication need no justification. p. 20
Christian art and culture is addicted to mediocrity. p. 23
mediocrity posterboy: Thomas Kinkade (sorry to those who think his work is good art)
Spiritual vs. secular is a false dichotomy. The true dichotomy is NOT sin vs. sin. p. 27
Darwinism brought utilitarianism to the forefront, and so, worth has come to be measured by usefulness. p. 29
The most repeated phrase in the Genesis 1 creation account is “it was good.” People and things have inherent worth and utilitarianism degrades that inherent worth. p. 36
Responses (p. 40-51)
1)Be free from slavery to usefulness
2)Be free from boxed in spirituality that focuses on false dichotomies
3)Resist junk creativity and search out creativity that has integrity.
4)Demand higher standards.
5)Encourage the arts in your midst.
6)Support the arts.
Real spirituality is involved in real life. p. 57
The creative expressions of your “self” praise God. p. 59
If you are a real Christian then it will show in your work. p. 63
Fight evil, yes, but we must also affirm life and goodness. p. 65
Addicted to Mediocrity may be a bit severe, but the message is still all too applicable. Very sad.
by Franky Schaeffer
pub. Crossway Books, (C) 1985 (original 1981), 127 pages
Comments: Here's some of his points:
Creativity and communication need no justification. p. 20
Christian art and culture is addicted to mediocrity. p. 23
mediocrity posterboy: Thomas Kinkade (sorry to those who think his work is good art)
Spiritual vs. secular is a false dichotomy. The true dichotomy is NOT sin vs. sin. p. 27
Darwinism brought utilitarianism to the forefront, and so, worth has come to be measured by usefulness. p. 29
The most repeated phrase in the Genesis 1 creation account is “it was good.” People and things have inherent worth and utilitarianism degrades that inherent worth. p. 36
Responses (p. 40-51)
1)Be free from slavery to usefulness
2)Be free from boxed in spirituality that focuses on false dichotomies
3)Resist junk creativity and search out creativity that has integrity.
4)Demand higher standards.
5)Encourage the arts in your midst.
6)Support the arts.
Real spirituality is involved in real life. p. 57
The creative expressions of your “self” praise God. p. 59
If you are a real Christian then it will show in your work. p. 63
Fight evil, yes, but we must also affirm life and goodness. p. 65
Addicted to Mediocrity may be a bit severe, but the message is still all too applicable. Very sad.
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