I like to read.
Besides books, I also subscribe to lots of blog pages. For the next couple months, I'm going to try an experiment and put the links to five of the top articles I've read in the past week. "Top" doesn't mean I agree with or even like the article. It means I think it is noteworthy and makes me think. Maybe they'll do the same for you, too. Most of them will have something to do with Faith & Life, but I make no guarantees!
If you have a comment about a Friday 5 article, I'd love to read it! That's what blogs like this are all about.
So here it is: my inaugural "Friday 5".
The Strange Tension
Sometimes it seems like the Fundamentalist/Modernist debate of the early 20th century is still going. I guess in some people's minds, it still is. To hear some people "talk" ("shouting" might be more accurate), there is a war going on between the Bible and Science. There really isn't. That is why I appreciate articles like this one from Michael Gersons in the Washington Post.
Should Jesus Inform Our Christianity?
Rachel Held Evans is a terrific writer; thoughtful, insightful and generous. She asks hard questions and is willing to follow wherever the answers take her. This aricle is a great example. Stay with it till the end, you'll see what I mean.
Can You Doubt To Much?
We've used several of John's books over the years for our LIFE groups to discuss and as a resource for some sermon series. This is a brief interview to help launch a new book (that he didn't write) for youth. Anyone who has worked with youth knows how important- no, critical it is for youth to be able to ask anything and question everything if they are going to end up with an adult faith. Turns out, John's wisdom applies to adults, too!
What People Experience in Church 
Most Americans have first-hand experiences in churches or parishes. What happens, if anything, in the hearts and minds of those who attend? That's the question the Barna Group set out to answer with one of their many polls. You may be surprised by the results. It is at least worth a discussion. How about you? What do you experience in church?
Connecting Mission Partnership
If you hang around New Hope for awhile, you know we are involved in Zimbabwe. So are others. We are invloved with 12 other churches in our Presbytery to make a difference in one portion of the country. Other churches in our presbytery formed another partnership to help with some of the other schools in Zimbabwe. That is what this Facebook page is all about. I found it heartening. This is one of the reasons I love being a Presbyterian- and especially in the Denver Presbytery. Our presbytery encourages churches to get together to increase and deepen our ministry efforts and effectiveness. The entire Denver Presbytery is also in partnership with the entire Presbytery of Zimbabwe. Like I said, we're involved!
OK, that's it for the the first week!
Russ,
Thank you for sharing these thought-provoking articles with us.
The Strange Tension: I enjoyed reading this article which helps reconcile the Big Bang Theory of creation and God's Creation according to Genesis. The notion that time is relative helps me wrap my head around the different age given to Earth by scientists and Creationists.
Should Jesus Inform Our Christianity?
I believe so! This reminded me of the bracelets WWJD that help us stay focused on Jesus's teachings.
And a Bible passage that helps to guide my views on the sanctity of life is:
Psalm 139
13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
Posted by: Martha | May 14, 2014 at 10:47 PM