Wisdom For Your Weekend: your weekly installment of things we’ve been reading around the web.
Video of the Week
“New Calvinism” and the SBC, Justin Taylor (from PBS Religion & Ethics Newsweekly). It’s hard to avoid the cynical tone of this entire piece—toward Calvinism and Southern Baptists. Nevertheless, this is an intriguing look at the enduring debate over Calvinism.
Articles of the Week
The State of the Bible in 2014, Barna Research Group. This is an insightful little summary of Barna’s study on the view and use of the Bible in the United States. Among the interesting findings: (1) the percentage of people engaged with the Bible is now identical to those who are skeptical of it, (2) while 56% of Americans think the Bible is the literal word of God without any error, only 19% actually read it, and (3) Millenials (those born between 1984 & 2002—[barely] including me!) are the age group most likely to go to the Bible for answers to specific life problems.
What the Happiest People Know about Work, Lisa Evans. “Hard work and skills will only get you so far. The most successful people also find joy in working life. It’s not as difficult as it may seem. Here are the top habits for people who are happy at work.” Certainly not exhaustive, but this is a good start. I might add, “Start every day with a Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ dance party.”
Beware: The Internet Is Stealing Your Faith, MIT Technology Review. Even after reading this article, I find myself more than a little skeptical. But here is a legitimate scientist and a legitimate news source making the claim: “Internet use decreases the chance of religious affiliation.” It is just too odd not to share.
7 Tips for a Happy Christian Marriage, Don Verduin. This may not be the most shocking article you read this week, but it just may be the most helpful. Listen to the wisdom of a man who has been married for more than twice as long as I’ve been alive.
On The Lighter Side
“Brian, what’s the ‘i before e’ rule?” “Um…i before e…always.” School can be hard sometimes.
