Jim Kast-Keat is a writer, speaker, pastor, and pathological optimist. Congratulations on finding his blog. Ten points for you. To find out more, head over to jimkastkeat.com and start exploring.
Occasional Thoughts
I'm always thinking, and sometimes I'm even writing.
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Speaking eschatologically means...God is near.
"Speaking eschatologically means speaking about God on relationship. That the kingdom of God has come near is not to be interpreted as an expectation of the end of history, nor as an expectation that it will end in the near future (i.e., linear time). Jesus' statement in Mark 1.15, rather, is an expression of the basis of every relationship to God: God is near."
(L. Schottroff, The Parables of Jesus)
Park 51: Islam in America
Today Jes and I ventured to Lower Manhattan where we saw Ground Zero and Park 51.While the controversy continues on (and likely, and sadly, will for a while), I feel these two sites show a unique glimpse at a spectrum that dares to defy stereotypes. At one site a group of Muslims crashed planes. At the other site a group of Muslims create a community center.In my opinion, Park 51 is a beautiful example of reconciliation.Too often in our diverse world we stereotype and ostricize the other, creating greater and greater distance between the ever-present "us" and "them." WIth the events of September 11, 2001 still fresh in the life of our country, Islam is too often misrepresented as an extremist religion and group (while the reality is that every group has extremists who can too easily misrepresent the whole).As a Christian, I realize that I too am often misrepresented by extremist groups within my own faith. It is from this point of empathy that I hope Islam is able to be seen differently (and more truly) through Park 51.There is no "us vs. them" but rather it is all "us." While we are all different, and our differences and diversity is what makes us beautiful, I am ready for an end to the blindfully naive "us vs. us."#JohnCalvin and @LadyGaga in the same sentence.
For the past few weeks, Theresa Latini and I have been working together as Reformed Theologians, collaborating with Sparkhouse for their Reformed track of their re:form confirmation curriculum. (Wow, the word "reform" was in that sentence a bajillion times.)
With this project comes much research and writing about John Calvin and the reformed tradition. The following blurb just might be one of the best things I have ever written:While extravagance is great for Lady Gaga, it’s not what Calvin thought Christians should seek after. Even to this day, Reformed church buildings (generally) tend not to be overly glamorous; they aren’t adorned with gold, glimmer, chandeliers, or sequins. Sorry Lady Gaga.
[all you need is] Love can Change the World
Andy and Mandy had the idea, but here's my scratch track attempt at bringing it to life.
Thoughts?My Weekly Interweb [August 14-20]
Information and ideas are everywhere.
Here's a bit of both that I stumbled over this past week:GOOGLEThanks to Google's sneaky camera vans, these ten moments are captured forever. Or at least until the next time the Google van comes down the street.If you use Android and are looking for ways to fill up an extra screen, I recommend creating push button directions to your favorite places. Nothing beats knowing how to get to Sparrows from anywhere in the world.I know it it's "buy nothing day," but I might break my own rule for this. Yes please.If you use Picasa, be sure to upgrade to the newest version (3.8). If you don't use Picasa, you probably should. (In my opinion, it's better than iPhoto.) Face Movies are my new favorite thing.CHANGE YOUR LIFEI would pick one or two of my favorite quotes, but they're all too good. For serious, go read them now.It's about more than interior design.Stop and Breathe. Need help with that? This is a good place to start.I love minimalism. I don't love breaking my ankle when I walk across the room.When it comes to searching for a flight, I will never use Kayak again.More for the geek in you, but if you want to design something just like Android or Apple or Skype or more, this is the place to start.VIDEO, INFOGRAPHIC, and BLOGYep, that's impressive.No big deal, but I think they modeled the character for "Adults 18+" after me!For all of us who are fascinated by things placed just right.Guess Who's Marching in Manhattan?!
I love you Jes. I can't wait to make another video like this, only with New York in every background! -
About Jim Kast-Keat
Jim Kast-Keat is a writer, speaker, pastor, and pathological optimist. Congratulations on finding his blog. Ten points for you. To find out more, head over to 
