Darryl Dash's Blog, page 59
March 20, 2021
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Growing My Faith in the Face of Death
The less we attempt to make this world into a heaven, the more we are able to enjoy it.
Deconversion Is Not as Countercultural as You Think
In a post-Christian and rapidly secularizing culture, deconstructing isn’t a radical act. It’s just a normal thing that more and more people do.
Don’t Throw Away Encouragement
So, set up an encouragement file and fill it up with hope-infusions from the saints who ...
March 16, 2021
About Writing
Since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to write. Other more accomplished authors have lots to say about writing — these articles (one and two) by Jared C. Wilson are a good place to start — but, even with my limited experience, I do have some advice to offer.
If you feel the nudge to write, you probably have something to say. Barbara Ueland is right: “Everybody is talented, original and has something important to say” (If You Want to Write). Even if a topic has been covered before, you have a...
March 13, 2021
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Why Reformed Evangelicalism Has Splintered: Four Approaches to Race, Politics, and Gender
Why is it that by knowing what someone thinks about, say, mask wearing that you probably have a pretty good idea what they think about Christian Nationalism and systemic racism?
How to Be More Than a Gospel Spammer
Gospel spam isn’t much more effective than the other spam that we receive. How can you be more than a gospel spammer?
March 9, 2021
Being Nice Is Overrated, but Kindness Is Essential
I follow good people on Twitter, and I’m quick to unfollow to keep it that way. When I open my Twitter feed, it’s usually a pleasant experience, because I’m careful about who I follow.
I made the mistake the other day, though, of reading responses to a couple of good tweets. I was disappointed by what I read: accusations, assumptions about motive, and the least charitable reading of the original tweet possible. All of these were written by people who, from the context of their comments, c...
March 6, 2021
Saturday Links
Podcast: I enjoyed interviewing Nate Pickowicz about his new book How to Eat Your Bible on the Gospel for Life Podcast.
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Christian Freedom and the Sin of Silence
Tolerance is not enough anymore. Now, we must affirm someone else’s position and identity or be guilty of transgressing a social law code…
Surprisingly, however, Christians have begun to make similar arguments.
Joy will come in the morning.
And then a whol...
March 2, 2021
So Many Great Books
In the acknowledgments of A Habit Called Faith, Jen Pollock Michel writes, “This book was seeded by an inconspicuous Pascal reference in Kent Annan’s Slow Kingdom Coming. In the margin, I wrote, ‘Book idea?’ I tracked down the reference and tucked it away for several years.”
Books are like that. A book references a second book written centuries before. The idea from that earlier book lays dormant. Eventually, it becomes its own book. The idea contained in a book is like a seed: one is eno...
February 27, 2021
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Don’t Be Too Hasty in Your Take on the Post-Pandemic Church
Let’s do what it takes to consider our current cultural context and to adapt to this missionary moment. But don’t assume that all trends are inevitable or that ministry philosophies that focus on in-person gatherings will fade.
It’s Time to Remove Unrepentant Bullies from Church Leadership
An autocratic leader seeks to advance themself at the expense of others. A gospel leader seeks to...
February 23, 2021
How Many Acres Do You Have?
Wild Mountain Thyme isn’t likely to win any Academy Awards, but it’s a fun date movie about an Irish woman named Rosemary who longs to win the heart of her hapless neighbor, Anthony. It’s a fun and scenic movie to watch.
I wasn’t expecting to think much about any of the themes of the movie, but one theme did make me think. Anthony’s cousin Adam visits Ireland from America.
“How many acres do you have?” he asks Rosemary.
“I don’t know,” Rosemary replies.
“How do you not know how m...
February 20, 2021
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Pastors, we need people in our lives to whom we confess often.
Pastors and church leaders, whatever actions you take to fight for purity, it’s important to remember: women are not the problem.
Don’t Fill Every Open Moment with Content
I’m suggesting you should give up something to free up a bit more empty space in your life. Recognize that stillness is vital for your spiritual health...
February 16, 2021
The Problem Covering the Problem
I remember the first time I witnessed, from afar, the fall of a Christian leader I respected. One of the painful lessons I learned is that we’re all vulnerable. I appreciate what Ray Ortlund says: “Every one of us is always five minutes away from moral and ministry disaster.” It’s closer than we think.
We have a problem. 64% of Christian men admit to watching porn. 57% of pastors admit they have struggled with porn, either now or in the past. This is a problem we clearly must address. Boo...
