Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Be Intolerant

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Stumbled across this book and just had to read it. “Be Intolerant Because Some Things Are Just Stupid” by Ryan Dobson is an older book (Multnomah, 2003) that can be read in one sitting, but the premise is worth a lifetime of consideration.

It’s up to you.

This is actually a simple definition of moral relativism, a worldview that, when taken to its logical conclusion, is actually quite illogical and self-defeating. Moral relativism mixes well with nothing. Many don’t like to use the term “moral relativism” but can be heard to refer to “tolerance,” which is “the virtue of those who believe nothing.” (p. 36).

The first chapter identifies the problem raging at epidemic proportions, making the point that “tolerance” is a TUMOR and should be addressed, even removed as if with radical surgery. The TUMOR looks like this: we live in a culture where good feelings rule, so do what you want as long as nobody gets hurt; however, whatever you do, be untraditional even if it means someone gets offended. You are the victim and you are not the problem nor are you part of the problem (just leave the smallest footprint on Mother Earth before you leave). Do what feels right and you will be rewarded.

The second chapter identifies five areas of the TUMOR, suggesting ways to remove the problem, starting by demonstrating how “moral relativism does not work. It’s a broken system, a bankrupt philosophy, a worldview at war with itself” (p. 35). Chapter 3 seeks to answer the question, “Why do people believe it?”

Chapters 4 and 5 present the logical alternative to the black, goopy, quivering gelatinous mass of moral relativism, now that is lies exposed. Dobson makes the case for Biblical Christianity starting from the viewpoint of tolerance practitioners then a brief discussion of three absolute truths. Chapter 5 lays out the singular strategy of the necessity of practicing the kind of  intolerance that takes people seriously.

This easy, quick read is excellent for followers of Christ about to enter College. Dobson’s book should also be required reading for anyone with the desire to impact culture or desiring to have more evangelism tools.

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