I connect so much with the means of grace illustrations. For such a long time I was part of the typical American evangelicalism of “open your bibles” and “if you’re taking notes” vernacular. I still run with some of these folks, and it’s driven by this enlightenment individualism, even though they acknowledge a supreme sovereign creator.
There is a Presbyterian theologian I follow named James Jordan, who said that the blessing of the printing press was that the Bible was printed, but the curse of the printing press was that the Bible was printed. The bigger point he was trying to make was that reading had created so much autonomy, that we have forgotten how to read submissively
I haven't read James Jordan, although a lot of people in my circles follow him. That is a really good point - we tend to use instead of receive the Bible, which creates untold damage. I am grateful that we live in an age when we can read the Bible, however!
“Through New Eyes” is a good gateway book to get into Jordan. Main premise is to read the Bible imaginatively, not through flat lenses. I would never read the Bible the same way after going through that, ended up being a gateway for me to dive into literature. Also lead me to admire the work you put out, you make similar connection he does in the things you cover.
I connect so much with the means of grace illustrations. For such a long time I was part of the typical American evangelicalism of “open your bibles” and “if you’re taking notes” vernacular. I still run with some of these folks, and it’s driven by this enlightenment individualism, even though they acknowledge a supreme sovereign creator.
There is a Presbyterian theologian I follow named James Jordan, who said that the blessing of the printing press was that the Bible was printed, but the curse of the printing press was that the Bible was printed. The bigger point he was trying to make was that reading had created so much autonomy, that we have forgotten how to read submissively
I haven't read James Jordan, although a lot of people in my circles follow him. That is a really good point - we tend to use instead of receive the Bible, which creates untold damage. I am grateful that we live in an age when we can read the Bible, however!
“Through New Eyes” is a good gateway book to get into Jordan. Main premise is to read the Bible imaginatively, not through flat lenses. I would never read the Bible the same way after going through that, ended up being a gateway for me to dive into literature. Also lead me to admire the work you put out, you make similar connection he does in the things you cover.
Wow, I didn't realize that. Sounds like I'd better read that book! I will move it to the top of the list!