parables of a prodigal world

This week in the blogosphere (or that little slice of it on which I keep an eye): BW3 lists some actual examples of analogies and metaphors found in high school essays . Some are hilarious. Some are brilliant. Some are so intentionally bad that they are hilarious and brilliant (see #16). Real Live Preacher speaks of wrestling with Scripture , in a "real live" way. It's a funny and wonderful example of what Peter Rollins is talking about here . Mark Sayers is humble and insightful in listing 5 thing the Emerging Missional Church has gotten wrong . He's talking about the Australian version, not the American, "which I think is a very different creature." Maybe, but we'd be impoverishing ourselves if we didn't listen. iMonk's birthday post was nothing short of a modern ecumenical parable. A wife's denominational change forces a husband to love more, or love better. Think about it. Speaking of Roman Catholicism, Scot McKnight assesses the Vatican...

A little background first. In the Spring of 2003, Vintage21 , a self-described "community of God seekers, God followers and God doubters who are learning to follow and worship Christ," had a four week series on Jesus Christ, taking a deep look at what He actually said and did. Pretty good idea for a series. "It was difficult at times to get past our preconceived notions that had been developed by staunch, starched Sunday School classes of old. This is a satirical look at what some people think Jesus is like. Thank goodness He's not." Get it? Satire . Look it up . So here they are. The four funniest (non-)Jesus videos you might ever see: Grace and Peace, Raffi

Several towns accross the U.S. have passed laws prohibiting "sagging" which, for all those who are not as "down" as me, is a manner of wearing pants, usually jeans, below the waist, revealing some or all of the sagger's underwear. I'm all for it. Lock 'em up. While we're at it, though, how about criminalizing some other fashion trends, and this time, let's look to the other end of the socio-economic spectrum. Here are some fashion laws that would be on the books, and their associated penalties, in Parableland : * Loafers with no socks: $500 or 30 days. * Cufflinks: $750 or 30 days. * Those damn purses to carry around your cute little puppy: Mandatory 15-day minimum. * Matching designer luggage: $1,000 and 30-day minimum if 2-piece set or less; 3-piece set or more, confiscation and mandatory 60-day minimum. * Polo shirts with the collar up: 30-day minimum + 18 months community service. * Loafers with no socks and polo shirt with the collar up: ...

I ain't no C.S. Lewis. So here goes nothin'. My Dearest Wormwood, Jr. I have nothing but the fondest memories of your father. He was a delicious dedicated young tempter, and I was proud to serve as his advisor, as I am of serving as your's. I recall being especially saddened when I learned of his failure, but I expect far more pleasant outcomes with you. I sense your concern about failing with your patient as your father failed with his. Though fear is a never-ending state of being in our realm, you have reason to be optimistic. Your father's task was far more difficult than your's. His patient, you see, was just beginning to see the light of the Enemy's kingdom. Such a subject is difficult to handle. Your's, on the other hand, has a far shorter path to us. I will explain. I understand your patient is a recent convert to what is being called the "Emerging Church." A dangerous starting point, in one sense, but it also has some wonderfully promisin...