discern the times

we just finished the conversation series conference that was put on by booth college and saint benedict's table. the main speakers were a journalist for spin magazine by the name of andrew beaujon, and a singer-songwriter who writes from the world view of a christian, steve bell.

for me the most important thing that i brought away from the things that andrew said ove the three days was the concept of discernment and critique; particularly the critique of a culture from the perspective of our faith. it's way too easy to be critical and even cynical about what christianity has done in the world. it's too easy to use christianity as a punching bag, and frankly, it's kind of hip to be critical. what is unfortunate, said steve, is that this very easily turns into cynicism. this is unhealthy for us individually and for us as a broader community. steve shared how he has a tendancy to be cynical and has chosen to look for the gift in things...look for the beauty and the awe. i have a tendancy to look for the best in things but it is easy to be caught in the trap of cynicism in order to be hip or with it or cool.

andrew also encouraged us to blog as a way of journalling in a way that is more editted than a regular diary. i will make an effort to be more intentional in doing so.