The Warren & the World is Story Warren’s weekly newsletter, providing a round-up of our favorite things from around the web as well as a review of what was on our site over the past week. We’re glad you’re here!
Around the Web:
When Hope and History Rhyme
Tim Keller looks at the patterns of history in a post at The Gospel Coalition. Noting the issues with a “progressive” perspective of history, he examines the Christian answer to the prevailing perspectives of secular culture.
- The ancients saw history as repetitious and endless. Their image of time was a wheel, in that the ages of the world repeated themselves in great cycles. The Hindu Vedas, for example, taught that the universe goes through great arcs of creation, rise, decline, destruction, and then rebirth, each of which last millions of years, and which go on forever without any resolution. Christianity, however, understands history to be under the control of God, who is moving it purposefully toward a great and irreversible climax.
What sport should my kid play?
Clint Archer writes over at the Cripplegate about a father who asked him for advice in what sport the man should encourage his son to pursue. Archer’s advice examines the question through three doctrinal principles, reminding parents that parenting is a great way to put to work what we actually believe.
- Parenting provides an ever ready laboratory for experimenting with theology’s application to real life.Doctrine is designed to seep deeply into the substance of life. If truth isn’t changing your workaday decisions about everything from toothpaste (why do you want whiter teeth?) to diet (for whom are you losing weight?) to what you order on Netflix (do you need a rating to tell you nakedness isn’t entertainment?), then you are in danger of being a subtle type of hypocrite.Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their attention to gnat-sized detail when it came to the law of Moses, while simultaneously ingesting camel-sized indulgence when it came to caring for the people the law was meant to protect and the God the law was meant to honor. Likewise, some Christians can dot the “I” in TULIP with great dexterity, but they struggle to apply the doctrine of irresistible grace to say, their attitude toward their recalcitrant teenager.
Raising Strong, Christian Boys
Kim Harms looks at five ways she’s helping her sons build character at Today’s Christian Woman.
- Uncomfortable is a common state of being for me. I had newlywed dreams of rearing happy, calm little kids. They would play with blocks, color pictures, and maybe jump on the bed now and then. But they wouldn’t do things that made me wince.Then I had boys. Three of them. I don’t think I deserve a trophy for birthing three male children, but I do think those of us moms who have successfully held our tongues while watching our daring man-children dangle precariously from tree branches have at least earned a box of chocolates.
8 Reflections on the Nature of a Child
Danny Reed shares eight reflections on the nature of a child that remind us of the capacity and value of our children, as well as our responsibility toward them.
- The nature of a child and education come together, either to mar the child or to help the child flourish. When a child is not taught according to his or her nature, it is like cutting against the grain, dulling the knife and marring the wood. Yet when a child’s instruction aligns with his or her nature, the process is beautiful and the child thrives.
Around the Warren:
The Golden Path of Perfect Parenting
Helena Sorensen shares absolutely no parenting advice whatsoever.
- I’m sitting on my couch, staring at a blank screen. I hope you’re not looking for any parenting wisdom, because I have none to offer. I’m tired. Yesterday, my kids succeeded in shattering two glasses, covering themselves with pureed blueberry glop, and ruining a few new items of clothing all in one fell swoop. I closed them in their room and said, “I don’t want to see your faces or hear your voices for a long, long time.”
“Stories are light…”
Excellent words from Kate DiCamillo. Paul Boekell’s lovely graphic.
An Afternoon for Song of the Sea
Laura Peterson recommends Song of the Sea. She recommends it in all caps. So we know it’s got to be good.
- A few weeks ago I headed to out with a few friends in the middle of a Sunday afternoon to catch one of the few showings that my local movie theater was airing of the animated film Song of the Sea. It’s true that I don’t usually zip to the theater for animated films unless they carry the Pixar label; I tend just wait for the DVD. But I’m so glad I made an exception for this one! Tomm Moore and the Cartoon Saloon folks have crafted a BEAUTIFUL story. (It’s necessary to convey that in all capital letters.)
Old Ironsides
Liz Cottrill reminds us of the romance inherent in Oliver Wendell Holmes’ poem “Old Ironsides,” a tribute to America’s first naval ship
Something to Do with Your Kids:
Growing up in Michigan, Memorial Day was typically the first picnic of the year. We sometimes had to make it into a picnic indoors, because the temperature invariably dropped that weekend. But if you’re headed out to a Memorial Day parade or picnic next week, maybe your kids want to tackle one of these crafts or activities focused on honoring our fallen soldiers.
And Something to Watch
Nate Ball of the PBS Design Squad has found a way to create self-powered LEDs that light up as his baby son bounces in a seat. And it’s really cool. Electromagnetics, people. Maybe one of your kids has a younger sibling they could entertain with something like this. Or maybe they’ve got an even better idea!
Thank you for reading. We’re on your side.
You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.
- The Warren & The World Vol 12, Issue 43 - December 5, 2024
- The Warren & The World Vol 12, Issue 42 - November 30, 2024
- The Warren & The World Vol 12, Issue 41 - November 23, 2024
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