Internet Monk has written some insightful comments on giving to the poor in reference to Christ’s commandment to “Give to him who asks,” (Matt. 5:42). I am especially grateful that he has wisely incorporated some often neglected, yet key scriptures into his social ethic, especially 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. We must appropriate the entirety of the New Testament in determining whom we should give our limited resources to. Thus, if anyone will not work, let him [her] not eat.

Read the rest at “Question: Should I give money to people on the street who ask for it?”

(HT: Between Two Worlds)

Humility: True Greatness – C.J. Mahaney
I can understand now after reading Mahaney’s deeply reflective yet surprisingly practical book why it is so popular among today’s readers. While he in no way shies away from the weighty theological matters surrounding this virtue, he is able to explain these concepts in a simplistic manner to his audience without sacrificing content, which normally happens when the “cookies on the bottom shelf” mentality is appropriated. But even better than this, he shows how theology is connected and necessary for living a good, God-glorifying Christian life. In point of fact, this short volume demonstrates the impossibility of truly living a life of worship devoid of faith seeking understanding – loving the Lord with all our minds (Matt. 22:37). Over and over again, Mahaney demonstrates why humility is essential based on other theological truths, such as the majesty of God, the doctrine of creation, etc.
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Repenting of Religion: Turning from Judgment to the Love of God - Greg Boyd

I’ve been reading this book since November…I’m glad to be finished. However, some mentors of mine suggested that I take my time and read it slowly…I’m glad I did. By meditating on what I read, I found that God truly guided my thoughts such that, much of what I initially agreed with I later found problematic, while at the same time, much of what I initially rejected I came around to accept. Furthermore, my heart has been changed as to how we, the Church, should interact with certain groups that we have historically ostracized and rejected.

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Treatise on the Virtues - Thomas Aquinas
Unless you are really interested in Thomistic studies, or are just an ethics buff, there is no need to bother reading the extended version of my review of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s “Treatise on the Virtues.” Suffice it to say that he came close to a good synthesis of the 4 cardinal virtues from Aristotle (justice, wisdom, courage, and self control) with the three theological virtues of Augustine (faith, hope, and love). But, like I said, he comes close. In the end, because his system depends ultimately on works and not grace, it fails as a Christian ethical system.

But, if you love ethics, or if you’re interested in Roman Catholic theology, you can read the whole thing. Or, just maybe I’ve peeked your interest in how secular virtues fit together with theological virtues. If so, take a look at the extended article: An Analysis of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s: TREATISE ON THE VIRTUES.

So, it seems like it’s been forever since I’ve posted anything on this blog. In addition to a mid-term exam, Chinese language learning, and a paper due, my family went to Vietnam on a team retreat with the rest of the people here in China who work with our company. While the retreat was awesome, due to some difficulty obtaining proper visas, we were forced to travel to Hanoi to visit the Chinese embassy and renew our visas – usually not a big deal. However, for us, it turned a short vacation into a nightmare of a trip. Let’s just say that 14 hours on a bus traveling too fast around sharp turns into oncoming traffic on mountain roads wasn’t the only thing that made the trip bad. Some of you may have an idea of what I’m talking about. The Vietnamese people are in desperate need of Jesus to rescue them from their own depravity and the grip Satan has on them and their culture.

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