I really don't have much to blog about today -- another group of job interviews and some more fun with the ever-growing family took up much of the day. However, I did find some interesting articles that I ran across while catching up on my reading today (both at home and on the metro back and forth from D.C.), and I thought them worthwhile enough to commend to you.
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The first is an article written by Dr. Peter Lillback, the author of the recently-released George Washington's Sacred Fire, a thorough and highly-detailed exploration of whether the first president was a deist (as has been the prevalent conclusion among historians during the past several decades) or was in fact a Christian (which is the conclusion Lillback sets forth in his book). I was privileged to hear him preach at my church last night and was quick to purchase a copy of his book at the reception which followed. This article is a great summary of his thesis and what he discovered during the course of his research.
"Why Have Scholars Underplayed George Washington's Faith?"
http://hnn.us/articles/34925.html
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I ran across this second article in a recent edition of The Christian Science Monitor. It's an interesting exploration of how iPods, computers, and the internet have significantly reduced the number of books Americans have been reading. I come from a family of voracious readers, so this thankfully will not be a problem for my children; however, it makes you think.....
"Where have all the readers gone?"
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0208/p18s04-hfes.html
6 comments:
I unfortunately believe it, firsthand.
Ooh, that's scary, whenever a person says "that won't be a problem for my kids" based on the assumption that they will naturally pick up on the parent's preferences, characteristics and personal attributes. I know you are a relatively inexperienced parent, Matt, but be careful about making those predictions! :o)
Thanks for the links too. The Washington article seems persuasive enough, but I've never really studied the issue closely enough to form my own opinion.
Book-reading is definitely in trouble these days - electronic devices are very seductive and fun. I still carry a book around with me most everywhere I go (in my car at least) but it takes me longer to finish them because I have so many other media sources to attend to each day - iPods, computer, cable TV, DVDs, video games. I rarely play CDs any more even though I have a whole bunch of them and still pick up new ones fairly often. They mainly serve as "backups for my iPod" - so it's not just the printed page that is a medium in peril!
I'll take #2. Whatever technological progress/revolution we're into, nothing can beat books. Thanks for sharing. :)
Interesting link, thanks. I came over here from Carrie's blog. Just wondered where you go in DC...my dd is completely sold on her Episcopal church there!
Dave, you are exactly right; I should have worded it as "I hope that won't be a problem for my kids."
Paula, thanks for visiting. My family and I attend Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia -- a very historic church, and one that is extremely alive with ministries (both within the church and in the surrounding community), classes, and fellowship.
Very depressing article, but I still believe nothing competes with a great book!
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