Every Wednesday I post a handful of articles, blog posts, videos, columns, books or anything I find interesting and worth your time. Ranging from thought-provoking to funny to ridiculous, most are things I stumbled upon in the past week. Hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading along!
"Short Read" = 10 Minutes or less. "Long Read" = 10 Minutes or longer.
#1 - The Activist's Guide to Contemplation - Richard Rohr - sojo.net (Short Read)
Focusing on the importance for the connection between work and self-transformation, Richard Rohr reflects on the necessity of contemplation. Rohr argues that all leaders of social change (conservatives and liberals) need to connect their action and power with deep contemplation. "If we are going to have truly prophetic people," writes Rohr, "who go beyond the categories of liberal and conservative, we have to teach them some way to integrate their needed activism with a truly contemplative mind and heart." Ultimately, it is through the work of contemplation (or meditation, or prayer) that we are able to cultivate a new consciousness and a fresh vision to see the world.
#2 - Uncommon Decency - Richard Mouw - (Book)
Maybe the greatest opportunity the church has during this election season is how to interact in the public square with civility. Unfortunately, the words civil and church do not come to mind recently. Mouw's book offers a challenge to the believers toward civility in an uncivil time. As the church loses its' voice as the dominant culture, we must learn to engage others in civil discourse. The balance of civility and conviction is the central thread throughout the book, as Mouw challenges to temper our public voice in love, humility, and gentleness.
#3 - How Paper Shaped Civilization - Reid Mitenbuler - The Atlantic (Short Read)
Reviewing Mark Kurlansky's new book, Paper: Paging Through history (which I have not read) Reid Mitenbuler offers a brief look at the impact on history the invention of paper had on civilization. Speaking of Kurlansky, he writes, "His question: how do humans absorb and disseminate information? His answer helps reveal the evolution, both politically and economically, of how the world has come to be organized." Beyond simply the impact of paper, the article focuses on how new innovations in technology push the world forward through change and resistance to change.
#4 - The Light Phone
Our relationship with technology seems to constantly be changing and shaping us. More and more I find myself trying to find ways to break habits of always being tethered to my phone. The Light Phone demonstrates our mixed relationship with technology. "Light is a slim, credit card-sized phone that works with your existing phone. Light enables simple contact without unwanted rings, dings, and pings." The concept behind Light Phone is to free us from the constant pull toward our phones. Fascinating product and something Lindsey and I are considering for our Sabbath days.
#5 - 17 Bob Dylan Covers - Relevant Magazine
From Marcus Mumford to Sufjan Stevens to The Lumineers to Adele, all covering some of Bob Dylan's greatest hits: a hipsters dream! Today (May 24th) marks Dylan's 75th birthday, and Dylan's legacy continues to endure. Even a casual Dylan fan will enjoy this playlist.