Curious Christian

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

Neil Postman: Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change

Published by

Matt Stone

on

2012-02-04

If you’re interested in how computer technologies shape our world, I’d really recommend an insightful article by Neil Postman called “Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change.” He outlines five key ideas that offer a thought-provoking framework for understanding the cultural impact of technology. I’ve found them to…
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Witnessing without the Word

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Matt Stone

on

2012-01-13

This image, from the book “China’s Millions” (1892), shows open air preaching in China using “The Wordless Book“. The Wordless Book consists of several blocks of pure color that, in sequence, represent a nonverbal introduction to basic Christian teachings about sin (black), Christ’s death (red), justification by faith (white) and…
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Hererodoxy in Colour

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Matt Stone

on

2012-01-11

What do you notice that’s unusual about this image? How about the midwives! Prior to Christmas I made reference to Ninian Smart’s seven dimensions of religion, noting that the narrative dimension typically trumps the material dimension in Christianity. This may be contrasted with, say, Tarot based spirituality, where the symbols are considered…
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Chinese Christian Art: The Nativity

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Matt Stone

on

2012-01-09

Like this? I found this Chinese Christian Nativity scene via Adam Williams. I have no idea who the artist is unfortunately. It’s an interesting blend of Eastern and Western styles.
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New book by Clifford and Johnson

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Matt Stone

on

2011-12-29

I just got home this evening to find a copy of “The Cross is Not Enough – Living as a Witness to the Resurrection” waiting on my doorstep. This was a nice surprise, I’ve been looking forward to this book. Having had the opportunity to discuss it with Ross and…
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What are the seven dimensions of religion?

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Matt Stone

on

2011-12-24

Is Buddhism a religion? Can we understand Hinduism by analysing its scriptures? Is Christianity compromised by its sampling of Pagan rituals and symbols at Christmas? Can someone be a Wiccan and a Christian at the same time? Why do you say the Gnostic gospels aren’t Christian? I am beginning to…
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Karma, Sin and Suffering

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Matt Stone

on

2011-12-23

Sin is a much misunderstood word. Even the experts can miss the mark. The other day I was reading a comparison of Christianity and Buddhism in which the author opinioned that Christianity is more concerned with sin whereas Buddhism is more concerned with suffering. This, however, is a category confusion.…
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Loving the Stranger: How Jesus Redefines Hospitality

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Matt Stone

on

2011-12-21

Hospitality is often seen as a warm welcome, sharing meals, or providing shelter. But if it’s only reserved for people we know well, for family and friends, then what truly makes it remarkable or virtuous? After all, it’s quite natural to show love and care to people we feel close…
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Mary with Pregnancy Test

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Matt Stone

on

2011-12-17

Unsurprisingly, this New Zealand billboard featuring Mary with a pregnancy test sparked some Christmas controversy.
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Heavenly Hitchens? Oh Please!

Published by

Matt Stone

on

2011-12-16

I’ve been bamboozled by the Christian commentary I’m seeing this evening on New Atheist author Christopher Hitchens. Having heard of his long anticipated death Christians leaders are falling over themselves trying to explain how he’s now, or just might be, in heaven. Just to show how nice and non-judgemental we…
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