Comments on: Flickering Pixels – Group Blogging Project – Chapter 15

By: @phillipgibb

@phillipgibb — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:12:43 +0000

I would love to see him talking about this, maybe even in a question and answers session. It could possible clear up a few things – cos there is a limiting effect when communicating through the printed medium.

By: Adam_S

Adam_S — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:06:02 +0000

I still keep going back to the fact that it is the emphasis, not the message that really changes. But I think that it is a good thing. Part of the reason that the emphasis changes is because there are real and distinct cultures. If we were all the same, then the same message would reach us all. If you go to a traditional African American church you will hear a very different emphasis, especially around the story of the exodus than you will in most predominately White mega churches. The concept of slavery speaks in a different way to the African American church than it does to most White churches. Now I am not saying that we should not learn from one another. I am not saying that all cultures are complete. What I am saying is that the points of the gospel that the culture embraces is culturally determined. It is then the role of the Holy Spirit and discerning and mature believers to encourage people in the areas that are really hard for a culture to accept.

All that to say that I am not sure that is what Hipps is talking about. Or if it is, then I disagree with him.

By: Paul Steinbrueck

Paul Steinbrueck — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:31:23 +0000

>>I find myself reading a verse that meant nothing to me the last time I read but now means everything – it is crazy

Exactly! That's a great example of another way the message changes even though God and His Word don't.

By: Phillip Gibb

Phillip Gibb — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:58:11 +0000

for sure, otherwise we would be sheep to every other Tom, Dick and Harry.

By: Phillip Gibb

Phillip Gibb — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:53:41 +0000

shot man, that means a lot

By: Phillip Gibb

Phillip Gibb — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:52:28 +0000

thanks man,

I definitely agree that different aspects stand out in different cultures and settings. Although there are still many who try very hard to hold on some things that are no longer relevant or necessary – is there a church where the ladies wear hats and all stand at the back?
Also every now and then I find myself reading a verse that meant nothing to me the last time I read but now means everything – it is crazy, but you can't really *know* the Bible or God for that matter – not like we will when we will be in His physical presence.
Mirror Dimly indeed, but sometimes there are moments of clarity that hits us big time.

By: Paul Steinbrueck

Paul Steinbrueck — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:19:30 +0000

Hey Phillip, nice post.

>>What I have trouble with is the concept that the message changes with the change of media. Granted; it might, but in the case of the Word of God – should it? I mean nothing should be added or removed.

Before reading this chapter I would have questioned this claim as well, but I think Hipps makes a compelling argument. It's not that God changes or God's Word changes, but that different aspects of the gospel stand out in different cultures and settings.

God is reconciling the entire world to himself. What that reconciliation looks like depends on our brokenness. He is Savior to the sinner, Father to the fatherless, Healer to the sick, Provider to the hungry, Refuge to the oppressed and much more.

Seems like we are never at a loss for new ways to hurt ourselves and others. Fortunately God continues to reveal himself in new ways as the solution to our new forms of brokenness.

By: human3rror

human3rror — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:31:04 +0000

this was a really great write up.

By: dewde

dewde — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:28:22 +0000

Good article, Phillip. I think one of the benefits of having read this book is exactly what you mentioned, "Who only reads and watches unchallenging content?" This book has been challenging and even though I have often disagreed with Hipps, it has been beneficial and enlightening to read.

peace|dewde