Culture Creating

hidden influence of social networks

Here’s a great TED talk exploring more implications of social networks.  The presenter is Nicholas Christakis.  He is an internist and social scientist who conducts research on social factors that affect health, health care, and longevity.  He is the author

Dwight J. Friesen May 11, 2010May 8, 2022

Hallelujah… Christ is Risen

Spring Song by Lucille Clifton the green of Jesus is breaking the ground and the sweet smell of delicious Jesus is opening the house and the dance of Jesus music has hold of the air and the world is turning

Dwight J. Friesen April 4, 2010January 12, 2021

Pascal’s favorite “Spongebob” video

I hope you enjoy my son’s favorite Spongebob Square Pants YouTube Video. It is Sponge Bob’s remix of Europe’s, “Final Countdown.” He’d love to hear what you think, I promise to pass your comments along. Peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen March 29, 2010September 9, 2022

rethinking social networking

Here’s another thoughtful TED talk exploring social networking; this one is by Stefana Broadbent. Broadbent’s research shows how communication technology is capable of cultivating deeper relationships, bringing love across barriers like distance and workplace rules.  What do you think? Peace,

Dwight J. Friesen January 24, 2010May 8, 2022

The Clash “London Calling”

I was about 10 years old when London Calling was released, though I won’t hear it or, even of The Clash until I was in high school. But when I finally did, I so resonated with their punk/new wave sound.

Dwight J. Friesen December 14, 2009September 8, 2022

New German Pomo Christianity… Beyond Deconstruction

Carl Raschke just made a great post “the Church and Postmodern Culture: Conversation” which he called: The new German postmodern Christianity – beyond deconstruction Peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen October 28, 2009January 15, 2021

what is postmodernism?

Nathan & Justin created an 18 minute exploration of “postmodernism” in which they interview an architect, a graphic designer, a pastor and a café owner. Really well done and worth taking a peek. Peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen October 25, 2009May 11, 2022

Frank Schaeffer – Crazy for God

Rachel Maddow talks to Frank Schaeffer, author of Crazy For God, about why a good deal of conservative Christians when polled said they weren’t sure President Obama was the anti-Christ. The worldview Schaeffer describes is far too familiar to me.

Dwight J. Friesen October 25, 2009June 10, 2022

rhythm of the salish sea

Joshua Longbrake is a brilliant photographer.  I recently came across a time-lapse piece he created while sitting in a meeting on the 4th floor of MHGS.  Joshua writes, “There’s something sacred and beautiful about combining the fast and the slow.”

Dwight J. Friesen June 23, 2009September 20, 2022

Praise Song for the Day

Praise Song for the Day A Poem for Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration. by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Praise Song for the Day Each day we go about our business,walking past each other, catching each other’seyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All

Dwight J. Friesen March 1, 2009December 11, 2020

Judy Chicago

Merger Poem by Judy Chicago And then all that has divided us will merge And then compassion will be wedded to power And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind And then both men and

Dwight J. Friesen November 12, 2007January 29, 2024

We Have Not Come to Take Prisoners

We Have Not Come to Take Prisoners by Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz We have not come here to take prisoners,But to surrender ever more deeplyTo freedom and joy.We have not come into this exquisite worldTo hold ourselves hostage from love.Run my

Dwight J. Friesen October 3, 2007June 3, 2026

“Cantaloop”

Came across this song this week, I’d forgotten about it… so good! Cantaloop by Us3 Ladies and gentlemen As you know we have something special down here at Birdland this evening A recording for Blue Note Records Yeah, yeah, yeah

Dwight J. Friesen September 6, 2007January 28, 2024

comedian “exegetes” genesis 1-3

British comedian Ricky Gervais takes a look at the creation account. I think this is worth viewing, it is unimaginable 50 years ago. View video here. peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen July 15, 2007October 22, 2020

job . . . goon bible

YouTube does Job. peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen July 10, 2007May 8, 2022

canada day

In tribute of my home and native land . . . happy birthday Canada. I invite you to view Conan. peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen July 1, 2007May 8, 2022

living with new media/technologies

I saw the “medieval tech support” video on YouTube the other day, and it reminded me of Marshall McLuhan’s work and the excellent recent book by Shane Hipps, The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel,

Dwight J. Friesen June 22, 2007May 12, 2022

medieval tech support

Video   After reading Shane Hipps’ book The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church, I revisited a few of Marshall McLuhan’s books. video Peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen June 22, 2007May 8, 2022

gospel in a hyper-connective prosumer village

Media history – media future If the medium and the message are intrinsically linked what might the gospel look like in our connective world? peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen June 22, 2007May 8, 2022

Will You Let Me Be Your Servant

Over the weekend Lynette, Pascal and I visited a Mennonite church, and I was undone by a hymn we sang together. Here it is: Will You Let Me Be Your Servant Will you let me be your servant, let me

Dwight J. Friesen June 11, 2007June 10, 2022

Postmodernity

Postmodernity The course examines the interplay of philosophical, theological, sociological, historical, and cutting-edge theories of culture that affect what is commonly known as “postmodernist” thought and professional practice. Students will understand what culture is and why it must be “engaged”

Dwight J. Friesen May 31, 2007May 7, 2022

“Intervention”

Intervention by Arcade Fire The king’s taken back the throne The useless seed was sown When they say they’re cutting off the phone Then tell ’em you’re not home No place to hide You’ll find there’s a soldier on their

Dwight J. Friesen April 28, 2007June 9, 2022

“Patient Trust” . Teilhard de Chardin

Patient Trust Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient

Dwight J. Friesen August 25, 2006January 25, 2024

“Certainty” by Tukaram

Certainty by Tukaram Certainty undermines one’s power, and turns happiness into a long shot. Certainty confines. Dears, there is nothing in your life that will not change – especially your ideas of God. Look what the insanity of righteous knowledge

Dwight J. Friesen July 7, 2006May 5, 2022

“So You, Too…”

I’ve been visiting and revisiting Denise Levertov and her inspired pen of truth since returning from Len & Liz Sweet’s Orcas Island home last week. While with the Sweets and other friends, I shared part of my desire to find

Dwight J. Friesen May 11, 2006August 31, 2022

Jesus Makes me Smile

My nephew, Glendon, sent me a link to a few videos by Vintage21. Too funny. Click on the images to stream the clips. peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen May 5, 2006January 15, 2021

fun with audio

My friend JPaul sent me a link to a really interesting animated short by J. J. Sedelmaier. It appeared on SNL. Click here to watch it. Peace, dwight

Dwight J. Friesen May 3, 2006December 13, 2020

Soul: Mystery, or a Load of Crap?

My friend, Don Hutton, has written a really beautiful and interesting piece. Take a few moments to listen for yourself within its narrative and questioning. peace, dwight soul: mystery, or a load of crap? by Don Hutton dan snowden and

Dwight J. Friesen April 26, 2006January 15, 2021

Hildegard of Bingen

Today is Earth Day, a global invitation to grow in awareness of our shared ecosystem which holds all life. I thought I’d share these beautiful words/images from medieval mystic, Benedictine abbess, artist, theologian, and poet, Hildegard von Bingen. Hildegard was

Dwight J. Friesen April 22, 2006September 21, 2022

“God’s Grandeur”

I’ve gone on prayers walks; I’ve gone on semiotic walks; I’ve gone on nature walks but until this morning I had never even heard of poetry walks. Paul Steinke guided a number of us into one of Gerard Manley Hopkins’

Dwight J. Friesen March 29, 2006August 31, 2022