Intellectual Defenestration 2's May 2007 Archives

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May 26, 2007

The Incarnation and Love

An interesting feature of 1 John is the intertwining of the themes of the incarnation and the need for love. John doesn't speak first of the reality of Christ taking on human flesh, neatly tie it up, and then move on to a treatise on the need for believers to love God and each other. This may be how the two subjects are dealt with in our theology, but it is not how John handles it.

This intertwining suggests that the two themes are strongly related to each other. But how? What about Christ being fully human and fully God relates to the need for us to love each other?

A first answer is that the incarnation is the greatest act of love. God came down, became one of us, suffered, died, and then rose again so that we may have life. It is difficult to point to any greater act of love in human history.

A second possible relationship between the two is that the incarnation demonstrates that such love is truly possible and it provides that which is needed for love to exist. If God worked in history to send his son, then he can also work in history to give the grace needed for us to love him and each other.

One implication of this relationship is that to abstract Christianity to a series of good teachings about love is to miss the point. Christianity is about love only so far as it is about Christ. Once it loses focus of Christ, love loses its greatest example and its primary enabler.

Another implication is to note once again that to speak about the gospel without demonstrating love is to deny the gospel. It has been discouraging this week online to see members of my own denomination bitterly argue over the gospel and repeatedly accuse each other of denying it, all the while demonstrating a lack of love. John (and Paul) would probably say that it is entirely possible to correctly work out all the logical implications of the doctrines of grace, but to still deny the gospel by virtue of a lack of love.

Posted by maphet at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)

May 21, 2007

On Geekdom

I have been out of town for most of the last two weeks for various work related activities. Because of the nature of my work, this means I have been immersed in geek-relating activities, particularly at vslive. The fun part of this was watching the types of geeks. While there is a predominant stereotype of what a geek is, the reality is that there are several different types. Over the years, these are some of the different types (with all of the usual fluidity that comes from grouping people).

The gung-ho geek - is surprisingly enthusiastic about his work and technology in general. Will use terms like "b*in'" and "f*in' Awesome!" to describe kernel performance without a trace if irony. If you are OK talking tech for long periods of time, this person can be fun to hang out with, given his/her general enthusiasm.

The snob geek - this person knows that he is much smarter than you and has no time for such trivial pursuits as modesty, humility, or, well, social skills. Enough said.

The hardcore geek - the closest to the hollywood stereotype. Is more at home doing esoteric hardware or software activities that no one else can understand than talking to people.

The cool geek - the geek who somehow successfully rises above all negative stereotypes of geekdom and manages to be the alpha male/female in any immediate social context, tech or not. Usually, these people go on to be project managers or business analysts. More common now than 10 years ago, it seems.

The reluctant geek - has the technical ability to work in the industry and does enjoy geeky stuff. At the same time, has enough social awareness to be slightly insecure about being a geek. Attempts to compensate, but doesn't manage to rise to the level of cool geek.

No word now on where I place myself.

Posted by maphet at 04:56 PM | Comments (1)

May 18, 2007

Screwtape on Internet Theology

All too accurate.

Posted by maphet at 09:32 AM | Comments (0)

May 04, 2007

Litle Man Walking

Litle Man Walking
Originally uploaded by maphet.

Our youngest turns one in a day. He took his first steps a couple of months ago, then progressed to dragging people along by the hand. This last week he started to walk independently.

He is quite happy with his new ability.

Posted by maphet at 09:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 03, 2007

Links for the day 05-03-2007

At Lonely Iraq Outpost, GIs Stay as Hope Fades. Depressing article on fights in Iraq.

Thought crimes? Think again. I am truly sorry for this woman's loss. This is one of the bizarre articles I have come across, however. I hoped for a reasoned defense of the hate crimes legislation, but this just does not make sense. Almost all of her defense of the legislation consists of calling its opponents hateful, manipulative liars, which seems even more incongruous in context.

And what does this mean: "Let each of us be mindful that the only crime of thought we can commit this week would be to let these divisive politics get in the way of what is right and what is just. It’s time for all Americans to be able to live their lives free from hate violence."? Is she suggesting that all opponents to her point of view are guilty of thought crimes? Does she think that hate violence (is there any other kind?) will ever be removed? Is she aware of how fascist this sounds?

The overblown charms of Spider-Man 3. Fun review of SP3.

John Franke and the Character of Theology. Paul Helms on John Franke's attempt at non-foundational theology.

Posted by maphet at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)