So far in our journey through Herman Dooyeweerd’s book In the Twilight of Western Thought, we have explored key concepts related to the development of a distinctly Christian philosophy. But, because Dooyeweerd intends to develop a philosophy that is radically (literally, from the root) Christian, the question he comes to in chapters Read more…
We’re continuing our discussion of Herman Dooyeweerd’s little book, In the Twilight of Western Thought. In this month’s post, I’d like to do two things: 1) summarize Dooyeweerd’s explanation of the historical mode of human existence and 2) use his explanation to suggest some reflections for what’s going on currently in our Read more…
One of the fruitful ideas I keep returning to in my life and scholarship is how stories or narratives or dramas shape us. They form our imaginations and – even when we’re not conscious of it – they influence how we live. The Scottish philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre (1929- ) says Read more…
This is the second installment of my series of reflections on Herman Dooyeweerd’s little book, In the Twilight of Western Thought. If you’re following along in this series or you’re part of the Kirby Laing Centre’s Junior Scholars Hub, welcome back! This week I’m reflecting on chapter 2: “The Concentric Character Read more…
For some time I’ve been thinking a lot about how to reach sixth formers with the Christian faith. We are talking about 17 and 18 year olds who dislike ‘religion’. I am reflecting on what I learned when I taught Religious Education (RE) and Philosophy A level in a high Read more…
Sumo wrestling is a Japanese form of wrestling that challenges many aspects of Christian discipleship. Here are some of the reasons why I could never become a rikishi (sumo wrestler). Firstly I am not fat enough. Good friends tell me that I am potbellied but you have to be gargantuan Read more…
I am currently working on a course for RealityBites on how slavery and trafficking can help us in both evangelism and discipleship so I wanted to blog about ‘Tarzan’. In a debate with atheists I once met an American entrepreneur who told me that Tarzan is a rational guy who Read more…
If we are to engage in credible and intelligent mission we have to understand worldviews. Let’s examine the dandy mindset. Beau Brummel (1778-1840) was an English dandy who was obsessed with beauty, fashion and the cult of self-worship. He would spend five hours on his ‘toilette’ every day; he was Read more…
Trying to redeem the humble ‘tract’: saying something important in just 400 words. How do you Make Sense of Evil and Suffering? I’m sure you’ve noticed all the evil and suffering in the world. Ponder the wars, rapes and murders that we hear about on a daily basis. It’s probably Read more…
Delighted that the Baptist Times has published my article on Serving God in schools and on the streets. I am trying hard to get people thinking about a worldview-infused way of doing mission and discipleship. Please write to the Baptist Times and join the discussion.