Teaching a Calvinist to Dance!

Here's a thought-provoking article from a guy who I quite like to read, James K. A. Smith. In it, he affirms the goodness of embodiment, something which I'm quite keen on. Viewing the Christian person as a whole person who is saved. Breaking down those sneaky platonic dualisms between body and soul, by remembering the goodness of creation and it's implications. This is where Smith's pentecostal views (mind you, Smith uses the terms charismatic and pentecostal interchangably to refer to the pentecostal 'flavour', rather than any official position -b/g on the article here) meet the Reformed position.

I found this article something which raises questions, affirms important things such as the goodness of embodiment, and challenges me generally to think about how I think about practise within a church gathering. I'd be keen to hear what you make of it!

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/may/25.42.html?start=1

Are Meerkats Altruistic?

These little critters are my favourite animals. They're quite amazing creatures.

So when I saw an article on HowStuffWorks.com entitled "Are Meerkats Altruistic?" I thought I might share it with the world.

Just a snippet:

"For centuries, there's been a debate over whether true altruism exists among humans. In philosophical terms, an altruistic act is one that a person performs for the benefit of others, but to his or her own detriment. Eighteenth-century Prussian philosopher Immanuel Kant suggested that there's no such thing as altruism -- in every instance, the giver gets something in return for his or her generosity. This benefit can be as small as a sense of well-being for having helped someone else....

Meerkats have one of the most cooperative societies in the animal kingdom. These African desert dwellers are perfect subjects for an investigation into altruism...."

Here's the whole article: http://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/meerkats-helpers.htm

For your enjoyment, here's a great video link to these fantastic critters!http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1213900614/bctid1379245042

I think they're altruistic!