deliberate musings

On the mighty Pere Marquette on a beautiful day in early April:

A number of social commentators have documented the excessive individualism of contemporary U.S. culture and its negative implication for this society (Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan, Swidler, & Tipton, 1991; Putnam, 1995).The consequences of this cultural climate include a growing sense that Americans are not responsible for or accountable to each other; a decline in civility, mutual respect, and tolerance; and the pre-eminence of self-interest and individual preference over concern for the common good. Goals of personal advancement and gratification too often take precedence over social, moral, or spiritual meaning. Although this emphasis on individual success has some social benefits, it can also entail high social costs by promoting a worldview in which there is no basis for enduring commitment beyond the self .

Colby, A., Ehrlich, T., Beaumont, E., & Stephens, J. (2003). Educating citizens: Preparing america’s undergraduates for live of moral and civic responsibility. (p. 7).

The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.
- C.S. Lewis

Justice is just love in action, it’s bringing shalom. And justice is something the Bible says that we owe our neighbor.

- Tim Keller

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

- Proverbs 20:3

This is for real:

This video introduces the instructor of the course (Glenn Stutzky) and provides a basic description of its content. This fully online course will be offered at Michigan State University in the Summer A term, as Social Work (SW)290, Section 731. The course will begin July 2, 2012. I worked with Mr. Stutzky in developing the course.

The question at the center of this course is, “How do humans behave in catastrophic times?” Does their behavior change in the midst of trying to survive and the decisions they face? We will examine major catastrophic events from the past, look to potential future events, and consider a concept for increasing our chances of survival.

Accountability Software (x3Watch.com)

Stare at Jesus, Not Porn: 9 Ways to Fight Lust

7 Surprising (and Negative) Effects of Porn

40 Positive Reasons to Avoid Porn

Sean McDowell: The Hidden Price Tag of Porn

6 Problems with Porn

Is Pornography Adultery?

Video via The Elephant Room: When Does Viewing Porn Disqualify for Ministry?

1 Thessalonians 4

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body a in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. e The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

- The New International Version. 2011 (1 Th 4:3–8). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Watch Sharecropping as Slavery on PBS. See more from Slavery by Another Name.

Live every week like it’s Shark Week.

- Tracy Morgan, as Tracy Jordan on 30 Rock

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 17:28