I am keenly interested in understanding the convictions and lifestyle of the early church and translating that for the 21st century. I'm also way into body art, particularly tattoos and then piercings, and even brandings (I have two). I know this doesn't seem to fit, but I'm also way into antiques, especially colonial and Victorian stuff. I am interested in understanding the process of spiritual formation and character building, especially in young people. And I really like Milky Way candy bars.
I'd like to meet:
I'd like to meet everyone, though I am an introvert so not all at the same time. I'd like to meet the president of some country, even ours, and I'd like to meet the pope. It would be cool to meet Billy Graham too. I'd love to have an extended lunch with Drs. Cline and Fay (psychiatrists) and maybe breakfast with Peter Kreeft (apologist). I'd like to go with all of them to a U2 concert where we could meet with Bono backstage. Do the people I want to meet have to be alive? If not I would love to meet C.S. Lewis, I have never seen anyone take complex theological thought and put it into an understandable narrative like he can. Tolkien would be great to meet; I suppose I should name someone from the Bible. I won't say Jesus, cause that would be too easy, so I'll say the apostle Paul, and then probably James (brother of Jesus).
Music:
Just about anything that isn't stupid. I like harder rock music, usually with a country chaser. I enjoy old time hymns too. If I had to pick a favorite band I think it would be Third Day. I also really like The Clumsy Lovers, which my friend Jill first introduced me to when we watched a concert of theirs from the fourth level of a parking structure (couldn't afford tickets).
Movies:
I don't have time for movies anymore, which makes me sad because my wife's family is way into films and my father-in-law manages a theater (free movies). I like Braveheart, and the image of the poet warrior. I like Dead Poet's Society because they stood against the norm, and I loved The Passion of the Christ. Obviously I'm biased toward the material, but for all his faults Mel Gibson was really gutsy in making a film that showed it like it was.
Television:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer! I would have loved to have attended Sunnydale High. I think my high school may have employed a few vampires, but it's not the same. Besides, who would have guessed such good writing could come from a t.v. show with such a stupid name? In fact, I am a fan of everything Joss Whedon does, though his personal philosophies sometimes disturb me.
Books:
Well, I mentioned some of my favorite authors already, but I'll review it for you. I think the Narnia books were probably some of the greatest literature ever made. Seriously, they are amazing. My favorite book of the Bible is probably Romans. And Harry Potter. i tried to stay out of the whole phenomenon for a long time, but it didn't work. No, she didn't interview actual witches, there are no real spells (just Latin words) and Rowling is a Christian (Church of Scotland). I love the theme of her books: The boy who lived.
Heroes:
My wife is my hero for the way she has taken on the role of Mom so wonderfully. There are many people I admire, and still others that have at least something I admire about them................................................. ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... LORD,
Make me an instrument of thy peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
Seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.-Francis of Assisi
