Archives for: December 2008
The Art of War--Spirituality for Conflict Sun Tzu with annotations by Thomas Huynh
Coming late to life, it's taken 60 years for me to encounter Sun Tzu, although casual knowledge goes back several decades. It was worth the wait just to read Huynh's annotations. Would that those who decided that the US should invade Iraq, had read and followed the dictomena of Sun Tzu: (1) count the cost of keeping the nation intact since destruction was never in the plan and (2) there was hardly "way" or unity of purpose in the invasion--unless one considers the force of Bush's personality as unity.
More broadly on this point, how does any organization conceive of success without ensuring the ownership of the plan by those who will have the responsibility of carrying out that very strategy? Sun Tzu argues to hold the advance until unity is achieved.
On doing battle, the advice is simple, why fight unless victory is guaranteed, and it may be assured with sound planning and accurate calculations based upon thorough reconnaissance prior to committing one's forces.
How to be Evangelical Without Being Conservative by Roge Olson
Olson writes well: his historical theology should be read by all theology mavens, as it will give some credence to a baseless propositional proof-texting methodology.
But as for this offering, it's definitely a classic in the making. (As with any book, other than the book, sure it's good but it could have been better). After a terminological defining introduction, Olson contrasts biblical Christianity with its conservative American version; he demonstrates how "we" have to our detriment intertwined the two.
For example, consider the subtitle "Tradition without Traditionalism." Yes, during the last 2000 years Christians have worked through much theology (we quickly forget the variations and possibilities offered by the early church) establishing a solid base, believed by many. But does that mean "fixed"? Can there yet be improvements to biblical understanding? Of course there can, but watch as soon as a new thought surfaces, the "anti" rhetoric manifests. Another hot topic today is legislating morality. Is it for the government to dictate moral practice? Wow--read the chapter. But in some, Olson asks if it is a Christian calling to Christianize secular society.
I am a patriot as much as most, after all Matthew is career Air Force, but was this country ever Christian? Really? Should my Christianity and my patriotism overlap? How much? Would our government be better if it were Christian? Think of the implications!
Read the book, you may borrow mine.
