Kierkegaard and The View

Reading Søren Kierkegaard's Purity of Heart while The View is playing in the background can be a surreal experience. Everything in Purity of Heart calls us to turn to ourselves as individuals for self-reflection; nothing is to be more discouraged than directing our attention outwards at the behavior of others. This habit leads simultaneously to laxity in morals (because we make excuses for other's imperfections so as not to offend) and to severe, judgmental moralism (because once the boundaries for those excuses are set, our moral judgment of our neighbor is already completed). The View appears to be proof of this, and the fact that it so easily divides my attention away from Kierkegaard should be nothing but a sharp reminder of how seriously I need that Dane's medicine.

How to Celebrate American Independence Day

Every Fourth of July, reporters at NPR read the Declaration of Independence. I've always thought that is a great way to wake up on our nation's holiday, so I have added to that the practice of reading the U.S. Constitution as well. I'm finding that to be a fine addition to the practice of watching fireworks, and a reminder of what those bombs bursting in the air are supposed to protect. I invite you to join me in this practice. Read them out loud to your family before you fire up the grill. If you are a ham, make it a theatrical event.

If you want to go further, set aside other days to read from these important documents.

Nothing But Nets

I recently picked up a perscription for malaria prevention for my upcoming trip. In addition to the perscription, I have been instructed to wear mosquito repellant with 100% deet and to sleep under a bed net. Because this will be my first time out of the country, I have had my mind on this particular topic, so when the United Methodist Church began promoting a charitable organization called Nothing But Nets, I paid attention. Nets only cost $10 apiece, but they are extraordinarily effective in preventing malaria. According to the website above, in areas with the worst malaria problems, nets can reduce the spread of the disease by 90%. Of course, the percentage is lower where malaria is less of a problem. I have added a link to the side of this blog. Visit their site and search around.

Preparing for a trip to Sierra Leone

Very first blog entry: posting may be sparse for awhile, because I'm getting ready to leave the country. At that point, posting will likely come to a complete stop for about a month. I'll be going to Sierra Leone for a bit of a mission trip. I'll have more to write when I return.