Logocentric (adj).Regarding words and language as a fundamental expression of an external reality (especially applied as a negative term to traditional Western thought by postmodernist critics).
Sometimes I just write whatever I feel like. Other times I respond to prompts, many taken from the following places:
I have always enjoyed the longer distance running and skiing. The Marathon in Summer Olympics and the 50km Mass Start in the Winter. My wife can't understand how I can watch the same race for several hours. But they are fascinating to me. I like the Downhill Slalom, Bobsled and Luge sports. Attending a Winter Olympics remains on my bucket list.
My favorite sporting events in the Winter Olympics are the Luge, Bobsled, Figure Skating and curling. Initially, I thought I would be bored with curling but I'm not. It's fascinating how they determine each glide's angle and potential score.
When my children were younger we built them a luge course, they loved it. We were lucky that winter to have lots of snow to build up the walls and with some help with pallets that we covered with snow, it kept them and the neighborhood kids busy until it warmed up and melted. I was a lot more at ease with the luge course than I was when they decided to try arial jumps off our house roof. Never a dull moment when you live in Maine.
I am reading ESV through the Bible this time. Like you, I've explored a bunch of translations. My church uses NIV but my women's Bible study group (part of the same church) varies based on what Bible study we're doing.
Hope you enjoy the Olympics! I agree that the every four year thing makes them feel more special.
I read the New American Bible, which is a Catholic Bible. (NABRE) They include Tobit, Judith, 1 & 2 Maccabees, which generally aren't included in other versions of the Bible. I would be curious to read an orthodox bible or the Ethiopian Bible as I hear they have differences as well.
As for the Olympics, I love the Winter Olympics. I'm just crossing my fingers I have time to watch!
In terms of the original texts the NASB has the best reputation among conservative scholars. It looks at more translations, has a sensible hierarchy of text selection and the best principles for approaching the translation task. It favors original texts when possible. The ESV and NKJV are on a similar level. The Net Bible gives the best overview of the discussions in its commentary. The NIV renders the original text to make it more readable. It is a more functional text which is why many churches use it but it is also less precise. Greek or Russian orthodox are more Septuagint orientated and there is a considerable amount of ethical or emotional rendering to the text.The disadvantage of the NASB is that it loses much of the Hebrew poetical style in its effort to be precise as this does not translate into the English
I'm very fortunate to have met some practicing and humble Christians. Truly humble people seek to serve, not attain power and influence. The actions of many Christians make me run the opposite way... as fast as I can.
In his book, Sit, Walk, Stand, Watchman Nee states: "Nothing has done greater damage to our Christian testimony than our trying to be right and demanding right of others. We become preoccupied with what is and what is not right. We ask ourselves,' Have we been justly or unjustly treated?' and we think thus to vindicate our actions. But that is not our standard. The whole question for us is one of crossbearing".
Jeff, this is an excellent book. Perhaps one for your reading list?
Find a local news story that makes you feel something. Share the story along with your opinion on it in your blog.
I'm counting this article/news story as "local" because I live in Los Angeles and the Westworld television series is primarily shot and produced here. Also, consider this fair spoiler alert warning... if you're not caught up on Westworld and care about such things, you may want to skip this entry. I'll try to keep it fairly nonspecific.
I've spent the past couple of weeks getting caught up on Season 2 and Season 3 of Westworld, in advance of this past Sunday's season finale. It's the first time in I-don't-know-how-long that I insisted on watching something as soon as it aired. This has easily become one of my favorite shows on television, and this season and its finale certainly didn't disappoint. I love the way the show really delves into the potential and consequences of artificial intelligence, and in the complex nature of the human race.
At the end of every episode, there's been a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, with the show creators talking about their vision and what they were hoping to accomplish. This article has the same type of conversation, where they discuss (as much as possible without spoiling future plans) their ideas about what their intent was with the season and this finale episode, as well as the questions raised by the cliffhanger that could potentially be addressed next season.
It's been a long time since I've watched a show that has completely engrossed me. And I'm talking, like, put the phone down, not doing anything else but focusing on the show level of engrossed. It's also the kind of show that I want to write someday. It's just so smart and thoughtful and well made that it's a pleasure to watch, and a pleasure to read about. Finishing Season 3 of Westworld has definitely been one of the highlights of my week so far, and I can't wait to see where they take the show in Season 4.
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