- I have tried to gain greater control over the foods I eat, and have slowly transitioned to a vegan lifestyle. The journey has opened me, personally, to many physical and spiritual blessings. It has also opened my eyes to ethical and social issues at play with farming and food production in this country. Before this journey began, I rarely considered this discipline as related to our Christian faith and witness.
- I have examined how my family and I handle financial resources. My wife and I wrestle over what constitute "necessities" and "luxuries" in our budget, and how we can live more consistently within our means. I have enjoyed teachings by Dave Ramsey, and others, in this regard.
- I am conducting mini-experiments/feasibility studies, just for giggles. For instance, I investigated becoming a one-car family, and how this would affect us logistically as a family of six. I explored trading in our gas-guzzling '99 Suburban for a hybrid or even a high-mileage scooter, but succumbed to the realities of (in)convenience and the increased monthly car-note payments that would come with purchasing an environmental-friendly car.
- I am researching macro-economics, micro-economics, sustainable living, sexuality, substance abuse, feasting/fasting, and a variety of Christian doctrines (humanity, creation, sin) and theological themes (docetism, ascetism, to name a few).
- The end goal in all of this?
- To develop a healthy, personal spirituality that can hold in check the powerful consumer forces that vie for my deepest affections.
- To create a model that congregations can use to keep consumer forces in check, and bear faithful witness in the midst of this consumer culture.
- To graduate with my doctor of ministry degree by May 2013!
Peace in Christ! (Romans 12:1-2)
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