Yesterday I realized that I had not upgraded to the newest release of Mozilla Firefox. On the upgrade page, I found a video that everyone should see (whether or not you ever have used or will use this browser). It is, without qualification, the best video I have seen in 2012. So What? Imagine if the idea captured within this video were to be applied to your local congregation. I transcribed the video, then gave the words a makeover for a new audience. I Read More …
Within 24 Hours (#0598)
It has been several years since I made a resolution to begin a new year. This year, however, I opted to make a few resolutions. One resolution is to reply to e-mail within 24 hours. While I have generally done so, I have not always sought to provide feedback to all people within that time horizon. So What? Because I currently have multiple employers (and in boxes) and a varied schedule, e-mail is often the easiest way to reach me. Rather than use different rules to guide Read More …
Better Off Than Our Parents (#0597)
While the economy has struggled the last few years, most Americans feel that financially things now are better than they were in our country a generation ago. More specifically, according to Gallup's latest research 69% of Americans believe they "are better off financially than their parents were when they were the same age." So What? While the majority of those polled in all age groups and at all income levels believed they are better off than their parents, the percentage holding Read More …
Progressive – The Best Word? (#0596)
The Pew Research Center for People & the Press released the results of their recent poll of American's views of political terms. The term with the most favorable view is progressive. Interestingly, it rates about 33% higher than the term liberal. So What? Many people characterize mainline churches as theologically liberal. Do you think congregations and denominations should move beyond that label and claim the more culturally valued term progressive to describe themselves? Read More …
Review of Divinity of Doubt (#0595)
Meet the Author Vincent Bugliosi started his legal career in the L.A. County District Attorney's office, where he successfully prosecuted 105 out of 106 felony jury trials, including receiving 21 of 21 murder convictions. In that capacity he is best known for the Charles Manson case. That experience enabled him to write Helter Skelter (1974), which remains the biggest selling true-crime book in publishing history. Since then, Bugliosi has continued Read More …
Top 11 Books Published in 2011 (#0594)
For the second year (last year's list is available here) I offer my list of the "top 10 books published this year." Since this is 2011, I have expanded the list to include eleven titles. Aboujaoude, Elias Virtually You: The Dangerous Powers of the E-Personality Borg, Marcus Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power – And How They Can Be Restored Chaves, Mark American Religion: Contemporary Trends Chittister, Joan Happiness Kinnaman, David You Lost Read More …
Review of More (#0593)
Meet the Author Ronald Bishop is professor of communication at Drexel University. Prior to his career in academia, he was a journalist and newspaper editor. Bishop's books include More: The Vanishing of Scale in an Over-The-Top Nation (2011), When Play Was Play: Why Pick-Up Games Matter (2009), and Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance: The News Media and Michael Newdow's Constitutional Challenge (2007). Book Basics The message of More is so powerful and different Read More …
A Unique Top 10 News Stories of 2011 (#0592)
Christianity Today published its list of the "Top 10 News Stories of 2011," which includes the following explanation: "The events, people, and debates of the past year that have shaped or will significantly shape, evangelical life, thought and mission." The list is available online (here as a quick loading web page or here as a pdf including the graphics printed on p.9 of the January 2012 edition of the magazine). The list includes two pastors and one decision regarding Read More …
Catholic Men Earn More (#0591)
Harvard Business Review's daily stat for December 27 shows that Catholic men make more than non-Catholic men. More specifically: 6.7% more in Australia (among those aged 25-54) 7.1% more in the USA (among those aged 26-34) So What? The brief article mentions that the research suggests that the difference may be accounted for by "a Catholic upbringing (that) instills attitudes and work habits that employers value." What other factors do you believe could account for or Read More …
Review of Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World (#0590)
Meet the Author John Shelby Spong was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2000. Since that time he has taught at Harvard University, the University of the Pacific, and Drew University. Additionally, he delivers more than 200 public lectures each year as a visiting lecturer at churches and universities. Bishop Spong's books have sold over one million copies, including Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World (2011), Eternal Read More …