Disqus - Latest Comments for Darrell Grizzle

Re: Coffee As A Means Of Grace

Darrell Grizzle — Wed, 16 Mar 2005 21:14:53 -0000

Coffee does have a theological history. Originally discovered by Sufis (Muslim mystics) who noticed the goats would dance when they nibbled coffee berries, coffee was originally denounced by the church as "the devil's brew" because of its association with "infidels." It was finally Christianized by Pope Clement VIII, who said, "This Satan's drink is so delicious, we shall cheat Satan by baptizing it." And, of course, we can thank the Capuchin (Franciscan) monks for giving us cappuccino.

Darrell
[coffee geek]

Re: Chick-Fil-A

Darrell Grizzle — Fri, 25 Mar 2005 04:08:38 -0000

Why is it assumed that if cows could write, they would misspell? This seems to be insulting to our bovine brethren and sistren...

Re: Unitarian Jihad

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 17:45:57 -0000

I've never been so gently terrorized...

BTW, what do you get when you cross a Jehovah's Witness with a Unitarian Universalist? --Someone who knocks at your door but isn't exactly sure why.

Re: Goodbye, Jon Stewart

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 10:43:28 -0000

I think the hardest one for me to give up would be Turner Classic Movies...

Re: Sermonizing

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 28 May 2005 12:32:26 -0000

I would love to read your sermon, John. Would you consider posting it here?

Re: Bloglet update

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 28 May 2005 12:35:01 -0000

I have the same problem with Bloglet and my own blog. From time to time I do a spot check to make sure it says "The site is working properly."

Re: Frampton comes alive? That’s the fact, JACK

Darrell Grizzle — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 09:42:12 -0000

I always wondered why Top 40 was 40 and not some other number. Thanks!

Here in Atlanta the station with this format is called "Dave FM." Their motto is "Rock Without Rules," but you're right, I'm sure there are some corporate rules behind the playlist. It makes for a good radio station, though.

My favorite radio station is one I can't pick up in Atlanta (except over the internet). I got to listen to it recently when I spent 5 days in Asheville: WNCW, a college station that plays jam music (the Dead, String Cheese Incident), "newgrass," Americana, and singer/songwriter music (including Amy Ray's new solo CD, which I haven't heard on any station here in her hometown) -- with a little jazz and gospel thrown in too. The perfect mix, in my mind. When I was in Asheville it was Bob Dylan's birthday and they celebrated by playing his music throughout the day, as well as covers of his music by other artists. No commerical radio station would do that, not even "Rock Without Rules."

Re: Surviving the tsunami

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 19:14:33 -0000

A great sermon, John. Both global and personal. God is indeed present in the stillness of our hearts

Re: The living word

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 18:14:48 -0000

Thanks for helping me see paraphrases in a new light, John. For such a liberal guy, I can be remarkably conservative when it comes to Bible translations!

I especially like the newest translation. the English Standard Version, translated by some very conservative scholars who were, I believe, very faithful to the original texts. My church (Episcopal) uses the NRSV, which I like, but I believe it veers into paraphrase territory occasionally. Is the NRSV used in the UMC?

Re: Redesign

Darrell Grizzle — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 14:49:29 -0000

Congratulations on your 20th anniversary, John. Have we really been out of college that long? Are really that old???

:o)

Re: Good news, bad news dept.

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 21:44:36 -0000

I got a mortar and pestle from one of those high-end yuppie kitchen shops, the kind that sell pasta makers and coffee grinders. I looked around Atlanta for quite a while before I could find a store that sells them.

Re: TeeVee - The Power of Persuasion

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 08:58:25 -0000

Actually, that VW commerical is one of my favorites. I've even visited the VW website just to play it. http://www.vw.com/vwlife/commercial.html

I love driving a pickup truck but if I ever did a car, I'd probably get one of the new VW Beetles -- not because of the commercial but because of the bud vase.

Re: A tale of two tragedies

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 10 Sep 2005 23:05:31 -0000

You wrote, "Passionate people from all parts of the political spectrum are patriots when they work constructively to make their views known and to convince others of what to do next. They lose their patriotism when they engage in mean-spirited personal attacks or seek power under the theory that the end justifies the means."

Amen! It's amazing that you crafted such a well-written article in only 15 minutes.

Re: Code-breaker

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:27:12 -0000

"Americans today want the warm fuzzies of religion but without having to answer to any higher power (or each other, for that matter)."

I think the "each other" part is a great observation. Many, many people have been wounded by other people in the name of religion, so a "do-it-yourself" Gnosticism has a huge appeal.

The Da Vinci Code was an enjoyable novel, an action-packed "thriller" on the same level as Robin Cook's medical mysteries. As history or theology, though, it's hard to take seriously. Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene??? Whatever. I don't think it's worth the time or trouble to refute.

I once had a priest (recently retired) who was hugely helpful to me, a true spiritual guide, but others in my church saw him as "distant." I think it was because he wasn't a "feel-good" minister: he spoke the truth, which wasn't always what people wanted to hear.

Darrell
part-time Gnostic

Re: The confessional

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:04:10 -0000

It's a good book. The writing is very fresh and honest -- perhaps too honest for some who are looking for "pat answers." The author is kinda like an evangelical Annie Dillard, simply writing about his personal journey of faith, warts and all. I recommend it.

Re: The Man of Tarnish

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 01 Oct 2005 09:39:29 -0000

Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor? That alone would be enough to redeem an otherwise questionable movie...

Re: Your TV friend

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 10:56:42 -0000

I've run into Alton Brown several times at Harry's Farmers Market (which is run by Whole Foods Market) near my home in Marietta, GA. Each time he was filming a segment for his show, and each time he was incredibly friendly to the fans who wanted to talk to him between takes.

I think if I were famous I'd have a web-based email address for the fans and a "real" email address for close friends. I'd pay a secretary to wade through and delete all the â€œvulgar, nasty, frightening messages and images.â€

Re: Your TV friend

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 09:37:22 -0000

I'm not sure if "99% of this world is made up of total morons," but whatever their percentage might be, they are louder than the rest of us!

Re: I weep for our culture

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 09:44:22 -0000

One alternative, which is currently out of vogue, is the Vatican II approach to world religions, which affirms the universality of God's love (and the truth to be found in other religions) and also affirms the particularity of Christian faith (the redemptive work of Jesus Christ). I see that view, which I happen to subscribe to, as less "namby-pamby" than an unquestioning, "feel good" universalism.

Re: Serpentine

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 11:58:11 -0000

I feel guilty too sometimes about my lack of knowledge concerning cars. But I don't think God, who has given us so much, wants us to denigrate ourselves and continue to feel bad. Each time I have an experience like the one you've described here, I learn a little bit more about cars, and I'm grateful for the lesson. God gives each of us different talents and interests: the guys who know everything about cars can't write a series of deeply moving articles about Kenya or a hilarious satire for The Door. I bet they don't feel guilty about that. Envious, maybe, but not guilty.

Re: It ain’t Oprah ’til it’s Oprah

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 10:02:49 -0000

I can see why Colbert's question would not be offensive but Letterman's statement would. Colbert's question is a funny joke in itself; the way it's worded, it could be taken as a satire not on Tim Robbins but on people who assume liberals hate America. Letterman's statement, though, is more than a little passive-aggressive, not to mention crude.

Re: Holiday Inn

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 09:35:02 -0000

I agree, John! I used to love AMC, before they redefined "American Movie Classics" to include Smokey and the Bandit 1, 2, and 3.

Re: Passion and tolerance

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 21:29:54 -0000

John, I'm a universalist, so I don't agree with everything you've said here. I agree with much of it, though, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness and honesty you put into explaining your beliefs. I would definitely be a regular reader of your new blog, if you decide to start a new one. Or you could just incorporate these themes into Lake Neuron, as you've done with this entry.

Re: Relics of racism

Darrell Grizzle — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 09:48:20 -0000

I love old Fred Astaire movies, too. If it's any consolation, that one performance in Swing Time is the only time he did blackface, and he did it as a tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Back then (1936) it was received as a genuine tribute to a black performer, although today we can clearly see the racism in it.

Re: Universalism meets Sheilaism

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 11:42:28 -0000

I'm looking forward to the conversation here, John. I'm a universalist, but not a Unitarian Universalist since I believe in the Trinity. I guess the closest thing to a Trinitarian Universalist church would be a liberal Episcopal church like the one I belong to.

As a former ORU student, I would be fascinated to know what you think of Carlton Pearson's "Gospel of Inclusion" -- a Pentecostal form of universalism that got him kicked off the Board of Directors at ORU.

Re: Universalism meets Sheilaism

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 11:43:42 -0000

Concerning Sheilaism: I guess my own belief system could be called Darrellism. If I had followers, would they be Darrellicts? :)

Re: The lion and the stuffed tiger

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 09:44:25 -0000

My heart sank the other day when I saw an ad for a Narnia Happy Meal at McDonald's.

Re: Boycotts redux

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 22:29:43 -0000

If you missed "The Book of Daniel," you really didn't miss very much. It was a soap opera with way too many dysfunctions and unbelievable catastrophies crammed into each episode. It wasn't worth getting upset about pro or con.

Re: Christianity in the news

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 00:22:01 -0000

Unless you're interested in what one particular group of Gnostics (called Sethians) believed in the 2nd century, there's not much reason to read The Gospel of Judas. As a theology geek, I find it fascinating. As a Christian, I find it un-edifying and even offensive: the Sethians had a very dualistic view of spirit as good and matter, including the physical body, as evil. In fact, thatâ€™s why Judas is seen as good â€“ Jesus tells him â€œyou will sacrifice the man that clothes me,â€ i.e., his physical body (manuscript page 56).

Those of us who believe in the Christian view of the incarnation do not view Jesusâ€™ body as evil, nor do we view our own bodies as evil. Our bodies are the temple of God, not the prison of the soul as the Sethian Gnostics believed.

The Gospel of Judas is also elitist (only a few have the divine light within them â€“ the rest of us simply cease to exist when we die) and homophobic (as I point out in my blog entry dated April 7th). It details a cosmology (portraying the God who created the world as evil) that is not remotely Christian.

Re: Â¿Habla usted EspaÃ±ol?

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 15 May 2006 21:44:12 -0000

Wonderful article, John.

Re: Benefit luncheon

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 23:22:29 -0000

Wow, that groovy shirt you're wearing made me flash back to our carefree hippie days at ORU. I remember I played your Creedence Clearwater Revival album so much you finally hid it from me. Those were the days.

Re: In the words of Emily Litella, ‘Never mind….’

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 08:37:19 -0000

For what it's worth, John, I used that exact same line from SNL just a few days ago and got the same blank stare in response. Sigh...

Re: Hell, and Carlton Pearson

Darrell Grizzle — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:35:24 -0000

I've been fascinated by the Carlton Pearson story, and the vehemence of many reactions against him, because I too started out at ORU and ended up a universalist. I deeply appreciate the honesty and openmindedness of your entry here, John, and how you can see the good in people with whom you disagree. I admire how you can stand firm in your convictions and be open-hearted at the same time.

Re: Hell, and Carlton Pearson

Darrell Grizzle — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:15:47 -0000

Laurie, I don't think you were harsh at all. Comparing a theological viewpoint - ANY theological viewpoint - to child molestation is ridiculous. (As a counselor who sometimes works with child molesters who are court-ordered into counseling, I know what I'm talking about.)

Re: Breaking news: Richard resigns

Darrell Grizzle — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:37:35 -0000

How very sad, for all concerned. My prayers are with the Roberts family and with all the ORU students.

Re: Out of the frying pan and into the 700 Club

Darrell Grizzle — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:48:09 -0000

I wonder if Pat Robertson plans to "rescue" ORU the way Jerry Falwell "rescued" The PTL Club...

Re: More John Carneys than you can kick a football at

Darrell Grizzle — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 10:37:13 -0000

There's also a screenwriter named John Carney.

Re: The proof is in the proof

Darrell Grizzle — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:17:04 -0000

Congratulations! I look forward to reading it! Let me know when it's available for order!

Re: Lymey…Blimey…

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 07:55:35 -0000

Sorry to hear about your illness. I will keep you in my prayers this weekend.

Thank you for your very thoughtful comments at my Blog of the Grateful Bear. I've added your blog to my blogroll, and I look forward to following your blogposts.

blessings ~
Grateful Bear

Re: What is a “Lifestyle Expert” Anyway?

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:09:55 -0000

Your comment about a "thought expert" is funny, but sadly that's how Rush Limbaugh bills himself, as one who can tell the masses what to think.

On a recent episode of "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" (hey, I'm gay, so I'm required to watch Bravo TV) they had a "lifestyle coach" helping a client come to terms with the fact that she has a large scar on her leg. He basically did a very shallow version of "pop psychology" using basketball hoops. I'm not making this up...

Re: 25 Random Songs I Have Never Skipped On My IPod

Darrell Grizzle — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:11:41 -0000

Are all postmodern Christians required to have U2 on their iPods?