Your daily chance to make a difference …
... with every dollar:
One of the most important things I learned while researching EMC was the incredible power and importance fair trade/ethical buying - in which Trade As One is a pioneer.
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Nadia Bolz-Weber gets it right on … Christians
I'm often around "conservatives" who can't stand "liberals" and "liberals" who can't stand "conservatives." And sometimes, I agree with both of them, sad to say! On my better days, I see the goodness and beauty in both ... and Nadia (the sarcastic Lutheran who wrote a hilarious and insightful book that you really should read - and then give away copies for Christmas) gets it right on the subject of our opinions about each other here.
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Q & R: Karl Barth and Universal Salvation
Here's the Q:
Hi Brian, I assume that you get tons of email so to be honest, I don't really expect a response. I am a total layman and my only formal education is in computers so I find it very hard to read the works of theologians. Over the last 3 or 4 months (I am 32) my desire to learn about my faith has grown more than any other time in my life. I credit your books with providing this desire. I grew up evangelical but would classify myself as a post-evangelical. I have been wrestling with the idea of universal salvation, as well as the theology of Karl Barth - more specifically the doctrine of election. I understand these two theology's potentially have the same outcome but the logic behind them is different. This topic could be controversial and you might not respond because of this. I would be very interested to know your thoughts on both topics. Universal salvation is something that I really hope is truth but I am having a difficult time finding enough evidence for it being truth. The same goes for Karl Barth's doctrine of election. It seems all other salvation theologies are not 100% grace based as there is action required such as receiving God's grace. Whether or not I get a response I want you to know I appreciate your insights and know God's love is being poured onto the needy because of your work.
Reply after the jump ...
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EMC and Capitalism …
If you've seen Michael Moore's movie, I hope you'll check out my book, and vice versa ... A reader writes ...
I am currently reading "Everything Must Change" and was particularly interested in Chapter 23 - Capitalism As God. On page 197, FBI consultant Dr. Robert Hare is quoted as he characterizes corporations and how they approach how and where to produce products. It has disappointed me for years that we have not been hearing more about this subject in the media and in Washington, DC. I was pleased to see the subject being addressed, ever so briefly, in this book.
During the past 20 years our society has gone from having companies with a social conscience to companies with no conscience at all. As we have embraced globalization more and more, we have encouraged corporations to just chase the cheapest labor they can find to compete. I call it the "Wal-mart" mentality, where lower cost is the only thing that matters.
More after the jump ...
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