Now I’m serious…
About this whole sci-fi thing.
I’ll prove it.
I read Dune – “considered by some to be the greatest science fiction novel of all time.”
Was it?
Sure… I don’t think reading one (or a handful) of sci-fi books really makes me qualified to judge though. I like this science fiction genre – speculations on the future based on actuality (to put it simply). It helps to compare it to fantasy which is not based on reality or any relation to it. So here we have an entire genre devoted to exploring an imaginary yet probable vision of the future. Who could resist the curiosity it induces?
Mere curiosity?
Of course not – my real motivation is always design based. I want to know what could be – and study fantastic and elaborate interpretations of the future in hopes of expanding my limited perspective of the now.
Take Dune for example – I LOVED the stillsuits – a technological innovation of the sand dwellers that enabled them to reclaim their body moisture. From the moment they were first introduced I can’t get them out of my head – I’ve spent several random distracted moments thinking about them and how it would actually work. Could we use these now? What about developing countries with limited or no access to water?
Always wondering…
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Bible as Human Literature
KV and I have been discussing this on and off for the last few years - especially since he went to seminary and learned more about the authors of this ancient text. One of leaders he respects recently wrote a blog post about this subject. It was so thought provoking I had to pass it along. What do you think?
"The Bible is only human literature.
Breathe.
I have a question I want to consider, and I have asked this question at the end of this post. But let’s begin with this lesser question:
Why does embracing the Bible as human literature disorient some of us?
Perhaps it is because many of us are so used to being told that the Bible is a book written by God — The Bible is God’s word. But the Bible is not written by God. It is written by humans.
Having said that, does claiming that the Bible is only human literature mean the Bible is false? Of course not.
The New York Times is also produced by humans. Does that mean it is false? Of course not.
The Bible is only human literature, but it is based on true stories. Yes, the stories are so unbelievable in parts that it is up to each reader to sort out what lies behind it all. That’s where the danger lies. The danger is not that each reader must determine for herself what lies behind it. The danger is what lies behind it. In a sense the Bible is like the shadow of the invisible. Enter the shadow at your own risk."
Click HERE to see the full article written by Alex McManus.
"The Bible is only human literature.
Breathe.
I have a question I want to consider, and I have asked this question at the end of this post. But let’s begin with this lesser question:
Why does embracing the Bible as human literature disorient some of us?
Perhaps it is because many of us are so used to being told that the Bible is a book written by God — The Bible is God’s word. But the Bible is not written by God. It is written by humans.
Having said that, does claiming that the Bible is only human literature mean the Bible is false? Of course not.
The New York Times is also produced by humans. Does that mean it is false? Of course not.
The Bible is only human literature, but it is based on true stories. Yes, the stories are so unbelievable in parts that it is up to each reader to sort out what lies behind it all. That’s where the danger lies. The danger is not that each reader must determine for herself what lies behind it. The danger is what lies behind it. In a sense the Bible is like the shadow of the invisible. Enter the shadow at your own risk."
Click HERE to see the full article written by Alex McManus.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Food, Inc.
Probably one of the best "social justice/cause specific" documentaries I've seen in its clarity and thoughtfulness.
Some specific highlights:
- a closer, more personal, look at the relationship between corporations and individuals
- highlighted the importance of consumer choice (motivating large corporations like Walmart to change) and how we vote at least three times a day with what we choose to eat, buy, etc.
- approached deeper issues such as motivation and purpose behind the development of food
- challenged the idea of cost in a holistic way
- covered multiple issues surrounding the industrialization of food including world hunger, labor, etc.
Great movie - I'd definitely see it again or host a screening!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Goodness Gracious...
Great balls of fire. Holy Fire that is. I recently finished my first novel by Bruce Sterling - a science fiction author known for his futuristic visions. This book had genetically and electrically altered dogs that served as animal companions as well as machine servants. It is set in the 2090s - to a place where science and biology have progressed into mind boggling (but not altogether surprising) ways. Life extension treatments are available to those that can afford them - treatments that "rejuvenate" blood cells, organs... that extend life well into the triple digits. Most people eat scientifically composed food like substances that deliver just the exact amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients required - animals and plants only consumed by those less fortunate or far less educated. Buildings have lighting systems that imitate the sun. People can build virtual palaces to store their memories, experiences and wealth. Translators in the form of earrings and necklaces allows people to speak their native tongue to all and understand any language...
Though the book had impressive and believable technological innovations (it was written in 1996) - the plot failed to impress me. It had so much potential - an elderly lady undergoing a life extension treatment that gives her a second chance to re-live the youth she never dreamed of... yet I found it's actuality to be surprisingly underdeveloped and shallow. I forced myself to finish reading it - my curiosity unrelenting even as it approached unavoidable disappointment.
I am hoping his latest book, The Caryatids, is far more developed. One of my favorite blogs, Worldchanging, says "The Caryatids is my favorite of Bruce's novels since Holy Fire, and frankly one of the best science fiction books I've read in years. It's a book redolent with not only the future, but the concerns of a particular kind of future that is very much of interest to those of us engaged with worldchanging work."
Hum... We'll see. I am trying to add some futuristic sci-fi into my non-fiction mix before grad school completely takes over my brain. Any suggestions??
Though the book had impressive and believable technological innovations (it was written in 1996) - the plot failed to impress me. It had so much potential - an elderly lady undergoing a life extension treatment that gives her a second chance to re-live the youth she never dreamed of... yet I found it's actuality to be surprisingly underdeveloped and shallow. I forced myself to finish reading it - my curiosity unrelenting even as it approached unavoidable disappointment.
I am hoping his latest book, The Caryatids, is far more developed. One of my favorite blogs, Worldchanging, says "The Caryatids is my favorite of Bruce's novels since Holy Fire, and frankly one of the best science fiction books I've read in years. It's a book redolent with not only the future, but the concerns of a particular kind of future that is very much of interest to those of us engaged with worldchanging work."
Hum... We'll see. I am trying to add some futuristic sci-fi into my non-fiction mix before grad school completely takes over my brain. Any suggestions??
Sunday, June 07, 2009
June Garden Lessons
My favorite part of the garden so far... snow peas.
So exciting to see things actually growing! I can't believe it - they are still alive! (Snow peas and bell pepper shown below.)
Broccoli - what a waste! A massive plant for a tiny bit of broccoli. I decided to uproot them to give the other more productive plants more room to grow.
The whole garden - those tomatoes are growing so tall! The cauliflower is growing on the left - we have yet to see what will happen with these. Hopefully they will be more successful than broccoli!
So exciting to see things actually growing! I can't believe it - they are still alive! (Snow peas and bell pepper shown below.)
Broccoli - what a waste! A massive plant for a tiny bit of broccoli. I decided to uproot them to give the other more productive plants more room to grow.
The whole garden - those tomatoes are growing so tall! The cauliflower is growing on the left - we have yet to see what will happen with these. Hopefully they will be more successful than broccoli!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
This is what I've been talking about...
...or at least trying to. Missional small groups. How do mission and community work together? This short 16 minute video by Matt Carter from Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas gives a much better explanation than I've been able to communicate.
Mosaic just relaunched Freeform (aka. small groups) with a general outline/goal of what we hope they look like. The primary purpose, of course, is to build community while on mission. We encouraged Freeform groups to meet once a week - and dedicate at least one week a month to "serving others creatively". Unfortunately, we launched in June - during the summer, when attendance tends to be low and fickle. We just couldn't wait though - and hope this sets the foundation for an even stronger launch in the fall.
Listen to Matt and be inspired and encouraged - what we are trying to achieve can be difficult to visualize but is well worth our effort and pursuit... all for the sake of Berkeley!
Mosaic just relaunched Freeform (aka. small groups) with a general outline/goal of what we hope they look like. The primary purpose, of course, is to build community while on mission. We encouraged Freeform groups to meet once a week - and dedicate at least one week a month to "serving others creatively". Unfortunately, we launched in June - during the summer, when attendance tends to be low and fickle. We just couldn't wait though - and hope this sets the foundation for an even stronger launch in the fall.
Listen to Matt and be inspired and encouraged - what we are trying to achieve can be difficult to visualize but is well worth our effort and pursuit... all for the sake of Berkeley!
THE SHOW - for May 19, 2009 - Guest Matt Carter from Todd Rhoades on Vimeo.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Why do you care?
Why do you care about other people?
I want to investigate what really motivates people to give their lives away to others (aside from any other religious training/explanation). I was reflecting over my life - trying to remember the first time I really cared about somebody outside of myself (or my immediate family) and my thoughts kept returning to the day we first welcomed my brother Josh into our home.
I was 8 years old and it was 3:00 in the afternoon. School had just let out and I was searching the playground for my mother. I finally saw her, walking up the hill, with a bundle of blankets in her arms. I was too young then to really realize what that meant or why... but the little baby she carried in her arms would forever change my life and the way I experienced and gave love. That day I become Josh's oldest sister - not because I had to, but because I choose to.
Though the Colorado court system would officially recognize Josh as part of the Williams family three years later, I was his sister from the moment I saw him - a small and strange little baby needing a home. The amount of love I experienced for someone I had never met before shocked me. I realized I had the capacity to care for others in ways I never imagined or dreamed of before.
I care because Josh showed me I could. Before that, it was just an idea - something my parents and Sunday school teachers talked about endlessly. I have spent the last 18 years (since the day I met Josh) following this love - searching for it, longing for it, hoping for it. This love, that I now call Jesus, is what motivates and drives me. Though I can't always (and often don't) embody it - He is with me.
This is a much better answer than the one I gave to the person who asked me last week!
I want to investigate what really motivates people to give their lives away to others (aside from any other religious training/explanation). I was reflecting over my life - trying to remember the first time I really cared about somebody outside of myself (or my immediate family) and my thoughts kept returning to the day we first welcomed my brother Josh into our home.
I was 8 years old and it was 3:00 in the afternoon. School had just let out and I was searching the playground for my mother. I finally saw her, walking up the hill, with a bundle of blankets in her arms. I was too young then to really realize what that meant or why... but the little baby she carried in her arms would forever change my life and the way I experienced and gave love. That day I become Josh's oldest sister - not because I had to, but because I choose to.
Though the Colorado court system would officially recognize Josh as part of the Williams family three years later, I was his sister from the moment I saw him - a small and strange little baby needing a home. The amount of love I experienced for someone I had never met before shocked me. I realized I had the capacity to care for others in ways I never imagined or dreamed of before.
I care because Josh showed me I could. Before that, it was just an idea - something my parents and Sunday school teachers talked about endlessly. I have spent the last 18 years (since the day I met Josh) following this love - searching for it, longing for it, hoping for it. This love, that I now call Jesus, is what motivates and drives me. Though I can't always (and often don't) embody it - He is with me.
This is a much better answer than the one I gave to the person who asked me last week!
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