Comments on: Why More Is Less #3

By: planners tremaine xxx anderson

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By: qb

qb — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 03:35:08 +0000

Measured by what really matters, Dobson has done awfully well as an ally in the war against spiritual darknesses that threaten the family and, by extension, the family of God. One could be forgiven for overlooking his political activism and focusing on the good he does in teaching men to love their wives and children, teaching moms and dads to raise godly children, etc., etc.

By: Martin F.

Martin F. — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 13:38:45 +0000

What is it that makes us happy? I’m convinced that nothing makes us happy for long. New things, marijuana, a good beer buzz, sex, religion, new books, etc. can make us happy for a while, but that wears off. It seems that we have built in to us (or has evolved with us) this instinct that doesn’t allow most of us to be satisfied; we do always look for something better, and is that so bad? Do we really want the pioneer, pilgrim, doctor, biologist, historian, astronaut, medical researcher, intellectual, poet, novelist, business person, mail-carrier, preacher really to be happy and content with what they know and have? “Ok,” says the pioneer, “this is as far as I’m going. I am now content.” I think we want them–us–to ultimately be dissatisfied and strive for progress. But we can’t have that on the one hand and on the other hand expect people to be happy with one pair of jeans. Yes, we all feel bad for people in poor countries, but they would trade with us any day. I’ve been to S. American and Africa; I’ve had them begging me to help them get here where, thank goodness, most of us have not settled.

By: paul

paul — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 13:27:02 +0000

Blessings to you. That feeling is love still strong in the heart.

By: carolyn dycus

carolyn dycus — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:16:30 +0000

Blessings to our Cope family. We well remember 12 years ago this Fall.
Looking forward to the reunion…peace.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 03:07:56 +0000

Mike,
If the up-flight fall is graceful all else will probably go well also. For once in my life I promise to be short-winded. LOL

Seriously, thanks for the encouragement!!

By: Tina

Tina — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 23:49:07 +0000

Someday I hope to have a long conversation with Megan. That is, if I can get her away from you all long enough . . .

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 23:10:50 +0000

Kathy - I can’t wait to hear your communion thoughts on Sunday. Blessings, friend. Mike

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 23:01:59 +0000

Mike, Diane and boys,

I’ve had your family in prayer for several days now. I too am one that did not have the joy of knowing Megan personally, but through your conversations about her and blog references to her I feel as though I did.

May God’s loving arms embrace you all, especially this day.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 22:12:47 +0000

My bad.

Upon a second, closer reading, and after reviewing Mike’s comment, I think I see Brooks’ point now: if you’re reading something that attempts to portray American Christians solely on the basis of what these three guys have to say, you may as well put it down right now, because you can be sure they are missing the picture.

I agree with that.

Consider my prior remarks on the Brooks quote to be officially retracted. In fact, I’m heading out to locate some sackcloth and ashes right now.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 21:37:56 +0000

Matt - Good words. I think I’m reading Brooks quote differently, though. Perhaps I didn’t give enough context. He’s not saying that Falwell, Dobson, and LaHaye are writing in ignorance and bad faith. He’s saying that anyone who attacks mainstream Evangelicalism by making it sound like Falwell/Dobson/LaHaye represent that mainstream is either ignorant or acting in bad faith. Case at point: Kevin Phillips’ AMERICAN THEOCRACY. Probably a good thing for everyone to read and come to terms with. But he does not give a fair shake to many/most Christians. When the NY Times’s Kristof describes American Evangelicals as the new crusaders of compassion because of, e.g., their passion for people with AIDS and victims of war in Darfur, he’s recognizing that we can’t be reduced to the political agendas of people like Falwell/Dobson/LaHaye. Brooks’ objection isn’t to these three Christian leaders (at least not directly — though it’s clear he doesn’t agree with their agenda) but to outsiders taking potshots that aren’t fair or accurate.

And . . . happy anniversary, my friend.

By: steve

steve — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:57:32 +0000

Good book, Mike. I’m starting it today. Also, thanks Richard for your suggestions. Fits with my preaching direction just now and will enrich the process of preparation.

Peace.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:15:28 +0000

Other than Dobson’s political rhetoric, I wouldn’t lump in with Falwell or the authors of the fictional Left Behind series.

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:03:04 +0000

God bless your family today.

I appreciate your series on this Schwartz material. As always your blog challenges me and gives me good things to ponder on throughout the day. Have a good Thanksgiving.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 17:59:10 +0000

On choice: I think I am a little of both. I will maximize technology decisions endlessly (in the middle of trying to buy a new notebook for work, so I’m actually feeling its effects quite keenly today…) But when it comes to clothes and (quite often) even food and transportation, I’m a content-as-can-be satisficer.

I love RB’s observations about how all this works in the consumer church culture. And I’d love to hear from him this summer.

On the Brooks quote: I’m neither a Falwellian, nor a Dobsinian, nor a Left Behind guy. Far from it. I not in line with them on a lot of issues. But I can think of things that have come from all three of those sources that also seem true to the gospel. I prefer not to paint people with such broad brush strokes, assuming that everything they say is either ignorant or in “bad faith.” I may not like the way they are doing it, and they may sometimes be misguided, but I’m going to assume that they are pursuing God in the best ways they know how.

Again, I would not hold any of these sources up as experts on (or as prime examples of my hope for) the future of Christianity, but they deserve more than Brooks gives them.

On November 21: This is also my anniversary. Every year on this day I am reminded about the strange, powerful ways that joy and sadness mingle together intimately in a faith community. I grieve again with you even as I reflect on the 19 great years I’ve shared with Sheila. And I’m thankful for the One who is Lord within and throughout it all.