Curious Christian

Exploring life, art, spirituality, and the way of Jesus

Sacred Art, Sacred Story

Published by

Matt Stone

on

2012-03-10

Of the seven dimensions of religion (narrative, ritual, experience, legal, philosophical, institutional, and material) the narrative dimension is preeminent within Christianity so we often see sacred story informing sacred art. This is a good example. If you look closely at this nativity you’ll see allusions to the angelic announcement to the…
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How do you interpret Philemon 1:6?

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Matt Stone

on

2012-03-07

This evening I my attention was drawn to Philemon 1:6 where Paul writes, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” I thought, how interesting! It seems to be implying we can’t…
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Do what thou wilt shalt be the law of the psychopath

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Matt Stone

on

2012-03-07

Is freedom always good? We often assume it is. But is it? Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting oppression is preferable. I was just wondering: what do we mean when we talk of freedom? Do we always mean the same thing by the word “freedom”? I mean, I…
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Can we be Consistently Pro-Life?

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Matt Stone

on

2012-03-04

It’s frequently said we live in a fragmented culture, but are we ready to admit we have fragmented ethics even within many of our churches? Consider these life sized contradictions The anti-abortion crusader who attacks medical centres kills abortionists in the name of defending life. Or somewhat less extreme, anti-abortion voters…
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Is Killing Newborns Morally Justified? Some Philosophers Are Arguing The Case

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Matt Stone

on

2012-03-02

Australian philosophers have unleashed a firestorm of criticism over their claim that the killing newborns is morally the same as abortion and should be permissible if the mother wishes it. They claim this ”after-birth abortion” is moral as long as it is painless, because the baby is not harmed by missing out…
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Who is stranger than God?

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Matt Stone

on

2012-02-29

We worship the unknown God, YHWH, who’s wisdom is mistaken for foolishness and who’s strength is mistaken for weakness. Who confounds our expectations and transcends our understanding. He offers us hope too good to be true – world transformation, bodily resurrection – through a life too tragic to comprehend, that…
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Checking out popular Christian blogs

Published by

Matt Stone

on

2012-02-29

This week, I’ve been browsing through various blog ranking sites to see who’s new in the zoo this year. I’ve been especially on the lookout for new theology blogs, hoping to stumble across some stimulating reads and engagin conversations. You might notice I’ve updated my blogroll a bit as a…
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Pacifist Prophecies in the Old Testament (Part 3)

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Matt Stone

on

2012-02-27

Another messianic prophecy with pacifist overtones: Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and…
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Of elephants, blind men and religions

Published by

Matt Stone

on

2012-02-27

Do you believe different religions are like fingers pointing at the moon, different reflections of the same reality? Would you describe yourself as “spiritual but not religious”? If you said yes, then chances are you’ve come across the parable of the elephant and the blind men at some point in…
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Pacifist Prophecies in the Old Testament (Part 2)

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Matt Stone

on

2012-02-26

The pacifist prophesies continue: Zechariah 9:9-10 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and…
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