St. Justin Martyr: First Apology: Chaps. 48-59

I tried to think of something spiritual and uplifting to say about my Lenten reading tonight. I really did. But, I have to agree with DebD that I am Plowing through the First Apology. There is a part of me that wonders, “Why?” I complained when I read the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus that Mathetes seemed more bent on offering intellectual encouragement than presenting the gospel so that Diognetus could understand and embrace salvation. I don’t feel Justin Martyr is doing this. Though he is clearly presenting an intellectual argument. He has also clearly presented the gospel. Anyone reading this letter would understand the whole of Christianity. Why am I not awed? Certainly Christ’s work, death and humiliation should stir something deep within me. These things are the basis of my understanding of God’s saving grace. I don’t know, but I am finding the style of writing dry and rather wordy. (Kind of like my blog!)

Anyway, I thought it was time to invite my readers to explore the Internet and meet some of my blog friends.

First, Following The Ancient Paths has moved. You can visit her in her in her new neighborhood and read Being A Fan in which she identifies herself as a fanatical fan of HaShem, the name.

Obviously, Lisa has not understood that she is not to exceed the spiritual level of her community by more than one standard deviation. Okay, this is a bit of dry humor for Christians who loves statistics and are probably classified as a little nerdy, but I was amused by the writing of Michael and Tantilizing if True on Proportional Discipleship. It also made me think. I wonder how many standard deviations away from the norm would God place my commitment to Him?

By the way, I found the link to the above blog entry at Everyday Liturgy’s Christian Carnival CLXIV.

Last, I will use my right as author of this blog to change the rule of my Soul Care entry. Instead of directing you to a blog, I am going to invite you to read a news article that appeared in USA Today. Cathy Lynn Grossman writes Americans get an ‘F’ in religion. I laughed when I learned that, “50% of high school seniors think Sodom and Gomorrah were married.” I challenge you to take the Religious Literacy test that appears in the sidelines. I refuse to post my score on the grounds that I didn’t do well enough to brag.

Hope you enjoy this tour of my neighbors ~