Check out Ben Witherington on the Death and Resurrection of the Messiah.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/world/middleeast/06stone.html?hp

 Pop Goes Christianity: The deep contradictions of Christian popular culture - Interesting article from Slate.com - an interesting take on the problem of Christians and culture - I think it lacks some obvious theological nuance - but perhaps nuance that most Christians miss out on. The problem that is articulates is the difficulty of living internationally - how do we represent Jesus? - I'm guessing that it's NOT by creating a separate popular culture. 

The new generation of Christians is likely to be a different kind of audience. Raised on iPods and downloadable music, they find it difficult truly to commit to the idea of a separate Christian pop culture. They might watch Jon Stewart or Pulp Fiction and also listen to the Christian band Jars of Clay, assuming the next album is any good. They are much more critical consumers and excellent spotters of schlock. The creators of Christian pop culture may just adapt and ease up on the Jesus-per-minute count, and artistic quality might show some improvement. But in my experience, where young souls are at stake, Christian creators tend to balk. It's always been a stretch to defend Christian pop culture as the path to eternal salvation. Now, they may have to face up to the fact that it's more like an eternal oxymoron.

I typically take Mondays off - while I should be cleaning my house, or doing.... (something?)  for wedding plans. I usually relax by reading...

CNN and the Faith Meme - Observations from Abnormal Interests about the dialogue about religion with Clinton and Obama

I watched the Rabbi Smuley Boteach vs Christopher Hitchens debate - from Ben Witherinton and Art Boulet - Very interesting... oddly I watched Dawkin being interviewed somewhere and was impressed by his confidence.

I've been reading my friend Nick's blog - Cancer in College - pray for this guy.

Heard Tony's C. S. Lewis Post - good stuff....

Always enjoy keeping up with the adventures of the Karls.

Stuff Christians Like - Obviously following the Christian trend of taking a popular idea and attaching Jesus to it, but some of these are hilarious.

Prayer for Preachers - From Between Two Worlds - a good way to start a ministry week.

From Phil Ryken