Category Archives: Culture

An Observation on Secularization Theory

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

At least as fat back as August Comte, secularization theory has claimed that the rise of reason would compel the decline of religion. The more society progressed in knowledge, understanding and technology, the more secularized society would become. We take … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Secularization | Leave a comment

The Problem with Control

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

I like being in control. I like knowing what’s coming next in life. I like knowing that I have all the resources I’ll need to do whatever I want. This level of control is what our culture teaches, isn’t it? … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Discipleship | Leave a comment

Civil?

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

I’ve seen this claim several times, as part of an apologetic for same-sex marriage. Marriage is a civil ceremony. Because it is a civil ceremony, it is a civil right. I don’t get it. The hidden premise, “All civil ceremonies … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Current events, Marriage, Politics | Leave a comment

Cultural Dissonance

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

At least since the 1960s, being counter-cultural has been in. Paradoxically, we might go so far as to say that refusing to be counter-cultural is currently counter-cultural. Being at odds with our culture has become a virtue, not just in … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, United Methodism, Will Willimon | 2 Comments

Original Sin

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

Though ostensibly a theological doctrine, original sin has been secularized at least since the time of Thomas Hobbes. (David Brook’s recent column is not too far afield.) Hobbes described the original and natural state of humans as the “war of … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Politics, Sin | Leave a comment

Try Harder

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Richard Heyduck

I looked at Martin Heidegger a few times over the years and never got much out of him. Most of what I found there seemed like gibberish. Then I found the podcast of Hubert Dreyfus on Heidegger I thought I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Ecclesiology, Max Weber, Nihilism | 1 Comment

Gil Rendle – Journey in the Wilderness

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Richard Heyduck

We will be reading Gil Rendle’s book Journey in the Wilderness: New Life for Mainline Churches here in the North District next month. It is well worth reading for all of us in the United Methodist Church who desire to … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, church growth, Culture, United Methodism | Leave a comment

Join the Conspiracy

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Richard Heyduck

In his book The Divine Conspiracy Dallas Willard says that when people are connected with Jesus through faith, “their union with Jesus allows them now to be a part of his conspiracy to undermine the structures of evil, which continue … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Who is Easter for?

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Richard Heyduck

I’ve had some people tell me Easter is a family holiday. All the relatives come to visit – or go to visit. There are gifts & treats for the kids. I get that. Family is a great thing. Doing things … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Jesus | 1 Comment

Corporate Social Responsibility

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Richard Heyduck

Apparently President Obama recently made some comments about corporate social responsibility. “Businesses have a responsibility, too,” said Obama in his weekly address on Saturday. “If we make America the best place to do business, businesses should make their mark in … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Economics | 3 Comments