I knew that my recent sabbatical would offer a welcome opportunity
to explore different ideas and maybe encounter God in unexpected ways.
However, I sometimes choose to
stay within some fairly narrow grooves in what I read and watch.
So I decided
to place some of the choices beyond my immediate control.
I emailed a
number of friends and colleagues:
“I am writing to small
number of friends, seeking your suggestion of something to help me in this. In
many cases this might be something to read, since I enjoy reading a great deal
and this is probably my main way of acquiring knowledge and challenging my
thinking. But different kinds of cultural texts would also be welcome:
film, music, art, poetry, drama, places and new people to meet.
“And none of these need to
be explicitly Christian, although I hope that in some way they would help
deepen my discipleship and appreciation of the breadth of life, seeing God in
the whole of his creation not just in the usual places.
“So I would be very glad if
you felt able to recommend something to read, watch, listen to, visit, meet or
experience. “
And (I’m
really glad to say!) friends responded with some amazing suggestions. I managed to tackle quite a few – with some others to carry forward into the summer and autumn.
Over the
next few days and weeks, I’ll be sharing some of those that I found really helpful –
and also exploring the journeys of thinking they took me on. I probably won’t
name those who first suggested each item: in this way the focus remains on the
material not personalities. But I want
each person who so kindly helped shaped my thinking in new ways to know: I
really appreciate your contribution.
Here are
three really good TED talks. TED is a non-profit devoted to spreading ideas,
usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). You
can browse the full list here.
For
Christians or people of other faiths, they offer opportunities to sharpen your
thinking outside the usual ruts. I invite you to look at some examples now. Agree or
disagree; like them or not: each of these challenges is worth watching and
thinking through.
So enjoy them. Don't rush. And if
you have a response to these three talks, why not add your comments below?
- To explore what living ‘incarnationally’ might mean, watch this naked German woman here
- Look here to begin to understand the role of the OT prophet in embodying a different reality (maybe like the Kingdom of God?)
- And here is a way to begin thinking about hope and transformation
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