Eric’s Comments (group member since Jan 28, 2018)

Eric’s comments from the The "Intentional" Christian Reading Challenge group.

I have not studied the arts from a Biblical perspective, but I can honestly say few things are as inspiring and moving as art, music and structures that draw my attention to the ultimate Creator! I can walk into an empty cathedral properly appointed and furnished and be drawn to reverence and even tears.
One can often sense the artists sincere reverence by his work. If I am inclined, what is a good primer?

I have Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler in my queue, but could change course. I know there were some other titles you mentioned that I would be interested in. Please keep me in the loop as you move forward. I enjoyed sharing the Earthen Vessels experience more that I enjoyed reading Earthen Vessels. Thanks, Hope, you were a great reading partner. And thanks, Renee, for the prompting. I'll look forward to seeing something develop here.

Thanks to you also Hope. I've enjoyed the book, and I've enjoyed getting to know you a little bit. I love Lewis, and like you, I haven't read him in years. I'll check that out. All my best in the mean time.

Great. I can finish. I just didn't want to push you.
I too thought 9 was by far the best so far. He could have broken it comfortably into five chapters. I believe he should have. I also liked the way he addressed cremation, though I disagree. To him the "body" is sacred. To me, it's an instrument or vehicle. Old cars and old bodies decay... ashes to ashes and dust to dust. The whole world is going to "burn up". Having shared you know where I'm coming from. Looking forward to wrapping it up with you and doing something again later. I truly thank you.

I finished six on Friday and was waiting to post. Anderson actually bent my bias against tattooing. His point on cosmetic surgery hit me sharply. I have a friend who had his nose straightened when he had his nasal passage cleared from a broken nose when he was a child. Why should I care? I can actually say I am enjoying the book more because I know someone is sharing it. Thanks. See you Sunday with chapters 7-9. Should be a good reading week. Enjoy!

Thanks Renee. We figured it out. We'll chat soon. Hope you're catching up and doing much better.

Sorry to hear, but not surprised. I think I would have difficultly "listening" rather than reading. Renee had a point when she said it reminded her of a technical writing.
I actually enjoyed the third chapter, but I'm an odd duck. I have always been one of those who viewed the physical body as "ohel", a tent in Hebrew, where God's Spirit comes to dwell. He did a good job expressing that every fiber of the body is the tent and every cell is somehow connected to the "life system" (nervous, circulatory, ambulatory) the governs and employs it.
Three chapters in a week works for me, and if you ever want to stop please don't feel obligated on my account. There are other books we can share later. I have enjoyed and appreciate gaining a "friend" on Goodreads. Thanks.

I had a sense of wandering through the entire second chapter, as though Anderson wanted to prove he was a deep philosophical thinker without making a particular point. I even sensed Renee was looking over my shoulder saying, "told you so."
But he did a good job wrapping it up in Trinitarian theology at the end. I won't spoil it with my take until you finish. I'm not aware of the pope's book, but got the gist of it from my reading. While in this chapter it struck me that the lure of this topic for me is where the secular body and an indwelling spirit can be separately investigated. My father was Killed in Action in the Korean War and his remains were indistinguishable. I have always had a difficulty with what the body is from a spiritual perspective, particularly in a resurrected form. I hope this work addresses that.

Hilarious. I may jump on here once in a while just to know someone is thinking of me and knows I exist. Take care Renee.

Better idea!

Thanks Alina. I figured it out. I set up a new topic under the letter E for a joint reading discussion of Earthen Vessels.

We'll get out of your way now Renee. That is, until we get into Explicit Gospel. Talk with you then. Hope things are clearing up for you.

Hope and Eric commenced reading this book together on 2/26/18.

Sounds good. We'll touch base again Sunday and hold each other accountable. Have a great week.

I sent her a note and I'm starting Chapter 2. We don't have to cover Chapter 2 until you're ready. I really don't know how something like this works. I can adjust to your speed.

Good enough, Hope. I'll read on and we can mutually offer our insights at the end of each chapter or section. I'm moving into Chapter 2. Where are you? Should we reach out to Renee again? She has been gracious to me, and I don't want to press her.

If it's through a library I assume it's free. If you want to pick up the first installment we can touch base every couple of days to see how we progress. It will either gain traction or stall on the highway. I'm game if you're inclined, but there's absolutely no expectation or demand on my part. Your call.

All dozen chapters appear to be 15-20 pages packed in small print; equivalent to 25 pages of normal reading. Renee indicated it might get pretty academic or employ excessive references, so I don't know how that fares in. I only read the first chapter and the premise seems to be the body is the vehicle God provides for a journey through this life. "Ohel", for body, means tent in Hebrew, so I like that.
I'll read further and let you know what I think. I don't mind setting goals. It will help us advance and share. Ordinarily this book would last me about two to four weeks depending on whether I pressed or slacked. I'm also reading a Hebrew word study as a devotional, and writing a new book dealing with complex legal issues pertaining to the Bible. Please look the book over briefly and share your thoughts. I've never done this before. Thanks.

I got Earthen Vessels and put it aside to pick up some "light" reading that frankly wasn't good. Perhaps, it's because I had such a low expectation based on our prior discussion, or maybe it's because I just finished two dull books, but I picked up Earthen Vessels and thought the first chapter was fine.
Are you interested in trying again, Renee? And have you started yet, Hope? If not I'll trudge on and report back when I finish, or throw in the towel with you when I get bogged down. Let me know. I'd prefer to have someone to share the experience with and discuss the book along the way.

Hope wrote: "Hi Eric, I've been thinking about the Earthen Vessels book. Would you be able to return yours if we start it and find it's not what we expected?"

Not sure. It should be here Tuesday. I'll check on Monday and see what I can do. It not, I'll eat it. Who knows, it might be a keeper for me. Though I doubt it after Renee's experience. We'll see. Thanks for checking. And sincere thanks to both of you for the concern.

Our 2018 reading list has an option for a book of 100 pages or less. This is a quick easy read with a punch. The author posits that self-forgetfulness allows us to relax and free ourselves of image consciousness. The object of life is not to please others or satisfy our longings, but to engage in what God brings into our lives each day. If you feel pressed to read books in order to keep up with others or tick off your list, you should pick this up and mellow out.