Book Review for Coffehouse Theology by Ed Cyzewski

Coffeehouse Theology is not at all what it seemed to me at first. I expected a simple read on the emerging church. Instead, I received an academic book focusing on contextual theology. Once I changed my mindset and focused on the book itself, rather than my preconcieved notions, I enjoyed the read.

Ed Cyzewski's main premise is that there are several ways to study the Bible. The Church as a whole focuses on Biblical Theology, which organizes beliefs about God around the writers of Scripture (page 35), and Systematic Theology, which organizes beliefs about God according to contemporary categories (page 36). This book focuses on a third type of theology, which is often overlooked by Christians in our society, Contextual Theology.

Contextual Theology challenges us to look at local cultural context when studying the Word. It challenges us to acknowledge we look at the Bible through a certain lens, based on where we live and what our culture dictates. If we truly want to understand the Bible, we need to consider how other cultures and people see it. Cyzewski stresses this on page 43 when he says,"only when we appropriately measure our strengths and potential biases - misunderstandings that we bring to the process of forming theology - can we proceed to the second step of reflecting on God."

Cyzewski biggest challenge is to start talking about our theology, to look at things from others perspectives, to simply join the conversation. He says, "theology is the way we respond to God's revealing himself to us."

Rating: Initially is probably would have given is a 3 out of 5, but the further I went in "the conversation" the more I appreciated it. I give it a 4 out 5.

Book review for This is Your Brain On Joy

What if we could look at our brains and see our struggles, weaknesses, anxieties,etc? Would we want to? Would it scare us? Would we take the opportunity to better ourselves?

Dr. Earl Henslin says we can. By using a SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography), Dr. Henslin believes we can stabilize our moods, restore brain health, and nurture spiritual growth.

My first impression of this book was that it would be an academic read, focusing on the biology of the brain. I also anticipated a promotional book with a strong emphasis on the SPECT. I was pleasantly surprised. Although, it was as I expected, it was so much more. It was intriguing. I found myself reading it as if it were my favorite mystery, so engrossed I couldn't put it down. I caught myself explaining the brain and how it worked to anyone who would listen (sometimes even if they didn't want to listen).

Besides the SPECT, Dr. Henslin offered practical advice for healthy living. His focus is on helping people become healthier and happier individuals.

This book is a definite read. I would give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Boundaries...so here is a question for you...how can some people not have boundaries? I'm talking about the kind which stem from common courteousy, kindness, common sense for that matter. And, why is it looked down upon when you establish your boundaries. Most of you know me, so you know that I am a pretty basic, even keel person. I don't need a ton of boundaries with people, but there are some professional and courteousy boundaries that just should not be crossed. Am I right? When do you let things go and when do you stand up?

"if they aren't mocking you, you are probably average."

I read this quote recently. At the time I was reading an article and it didn't strike me as significant. In fact, I can't even tell you where I was or what I was reading, but they phrase just kept coming back to me. Why is it that we are so consumed with what people think of us that we dumb ourselves down, we don't celebrate our victories, and allow ourselves to be average? The only difference between the average person and the person doing extraordinary things are their choices. Right?? Every day we wake up and we choose what kind of day we are going to have. We choose what we are going to do, what we are going to accomplish.

What if we stopped worrying about what people are going to think, or what limits they are going to put on us and we just started living? What if we truly realized that we can do everything that God wants us to do? I bet there would be a lot less poverty, hurting children, sex trafficking, aids epidemics...! I bet we would have more coffee with people and our family dinners would extend to include, well everyone. I bet we would be less concerned with "our house being a mess" and more concerned with how many people we could invite over this week!

We'd stop be melancholy, lonely, afraid, depressed, selfish...depraved. And we would start being selfless, courageous, joyful, thoughtful...happy!!

By plucking her petals you do not gather the beauty of the flower.
*Rabindranath Tagore - "Stray Birds"

Too often, we try to find our beauty, our worth in other people. We measure ourselves based on biased eyes and opinions. We look through a veil that is filtered through jealousy, inadequacy, and selfishness. Our perceptions of others and ourselves can't be trusted. We don't see accurately.

"You've heard the adage 'the grass is greener on the other side?' The truth is, the grass is greener where it's watered...so start watering your own grass."
*Doug Fields



OK, decent point Mr. Fields. I get the analogy and it's brilliant, and I want my grass to be really green. I really, really do. My problem isn't with watering the grass, it's with finding the darn garden hose to do it.

I have the drive and the desire to pour into people, but it's the means that I'm lacking. It's the know how. It's the changing society. It's the transitioning from this to that with very little support or encouragement.

I could do without the support, I think, if I just knew what I was doing was the most effective thing.