Monday, July 30, 2007

Ingmar Bergman, dies at 89

This was the man who brought themes like existentialism, nihilism into the theatres. Read the New York Times obituarial tribute for a introduction to Bergman, his beliefs and philosophy to life.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/movies/30cnd-bergman.html?hp

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Korean hostages in Afghanistan

Pls pray for the safety of the 23 South Korean hostages in Afghanistan and that God will open the eyes of their captors to see that that what is being perpetrated is something that goes against every grain of our shared existence and humanity - regardless of political and religious positions.

Full stories can be found on the urls below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6910855.stm

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/22/afghan.hostages.reut/index.html

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Complete Works of Hans Rookmaaker

This wonderful set of books are next on my reading list. Hopefully, I'll be done by end of the year.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Book Review: Sex and the Supremacy of Christ

I don't usually read many books regarding relationships, but recent experiences have compelled me to at least start thinking about the meaning and value of relational issues such as sex, marriage and its impact on us human beings all. John Piper needs no introduction, and so does the title of this book (which caught my eye sometime ago).

After reading through the book, i'll have to say that this book MUST be on the shelves of all Christians (and even non-CHristians) who yearn for a honest and delightful treatment on the sacred topic of human sexuality. The book provides refreshing insights into various difficult subjects, such as the value of sex, singlehood, homosexuality - and leaves the reader with a deeper and richer appreciation of these issues.

I shall not go into much detail about the various topics expounded upon (to all Christians who are in a relationship, this book is a must!) except to highlight some of the standout quotes in the book:

- Sex is good because the God who created sex is good. And God is glorified greatly when we receive his gift with thanksgiving and enjoy it the way he meant for it to be enjoyed (Ben Patterson)

- This is what sex is finally all about: one man and one woman to the end, loving and caring for each other's bodies with their bodies.

- Outside of marriage, sex is like candy. It may 'taste' good, but it does not last, and a steady diet of it will make you sick - sick in your soul and sick in your relationships with women.

...and my takeaway lesson from the book


"In order for romance to deepen, you must touch the heart and mind of your wife before you touch her body"

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Blog Update and change of direction

As my previous posts suggest, i'll probably blog much more on book reviews in the future and will cut down significantly on commenting on political issues. I haven't lost interest in politics - in fact, it continues to remain one of my chief interests - except that most political trends are often a result of a larger, wider cultural and social landscape. This is where good books come in handy in articulating some of these ideas - which is where I hope this blog will provide some insights into my literature influences.

Of course, if there's an issue that i have sufficient material and originality to say something about, i'll do so... if not, I think the blogosphere is well-endowed with interesting folks to give us food for thought - as far as local politics is concerned.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Book Review: Capitalism and Progress

Authored by Professor of Economic Theory at the Free University of Amsterdam Bob Goudzwaard, Capitalism and Progress provides a penetrating analysis into one of the foremost economic systems of the Western world. Goudzwaard's basic premise, which is the West's faith in progress - thus blinding its civilization to more fundamental human limitations - is both a reminder and rebuke to our modern, technocratic society which attempts to master nature, but in the process of doing so, have led to a razing of values, norms and institutions that provide its existence with meaning.

I bought this book about three weeks ago - half-expecting myself not to finish the book (as with the case with many other books), but the breadth, complexity and his ability to weave multiple threads together into a poignant argument, was simply compelling. More helpfully, Goudzwaard writes simply and honestly thus ensuring the book reads, not like a piece of academic work, but with the heart of a writer whose thoughts form the bedrock of his words.

I would recommend this book to all - regardless of their faiths - who are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the economic patterns of modern society, and are in the search for answers, and "substantial healing" in economic life.

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Friday, July 06, 2007

Neil Postman on CyberSpace

Media theorist and cultural critique Neil Postman (1931-2003) comments made in 1995 on cyberspace - even before the popular use of the Internet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49rcVQ1vFAY&NR=1

I've read most of Postman's books during my four-year mass communications degree course, and he does an excellent job in pointing out many of the flawed assumptions that govern our understanding of the media. His books, especially Amusing Ourselves to Death and Technopoly are a must read for all folks who hope to think and reflect critically on the media.