For Christy--In Defense of E.E.

1) I agree that the effect of her book has sometimes been to establish a standard for relationships from her relationship with Jim, which is problematic because their relationship (especially some of his actions) is not perfect. However, I don't think she means to communicate this, and I don't think a careful reading of her book does communicate this. Rather, she is using her experience to illustrate the principles she talks about.

2) What she intends to communicate through her experience is not the perfections of her relationship, but rather the obedience to God that both she and Jim (imperfectly) showed. There is something of martyrdom about their experience, just as there is in all obedience. As Romans vi...those who are slaves to sin are free from the control of righteousness. This is a freedom that the elect do not share. To obey God is to choose not to obey self. It may mean a laying down of something dearly desired. This is one of E. Eliot's constant themes, that obedience is sacrifice, and that our desire for something does not make it our right. We must be willing to lay down what we desire for what God has called us to do.

That is probably the whiff of martyrdom about her book...the fact is, Jim and Elisabeth made real sacrifices in obedience to God. You can debate the wisdom of their decisions (especially Jim telling Elisabeth he wanted to marry her without any intention of actually doing so), but I would shy away of questioning what God was calling them to. Follow their example in following God with passion and self-sacrifice.

So maybe that would clear up some things. I mostly like her because she insists on submitting to Scriptures no matter how she feels. So must we.

Be Transformed By the Renewing of Your Minds

The long awaited endorsement from Steven Crawford for the 2008 Republican Primary...

John McCain

for the 2008 Democratic Primary...

Hilary Clinton

Question: Have you ever heard Jim Wallis talk? The guy hides his left-wing agenda in Christian language that would make Gdub blush. His exegesis is pretty questionable for the most part.

But still, that bumper sticker they got...God is not a Republican or a Democrat is pretty accurate. The idea, however, that Jesus would vote for anyone who advocates the killing of children, such as all the major Democratic candidates and several of the Republican candidates, is pretty questionable.

Russian is an interesting language. Studying for my summer trip there.

How many of you guys have read Elisabeth Eliot? I have been reading several of her books lately, and they are pretty amazing. She has this perspective on authority that is very Biblical, but that you don't hear very often.