Serendipidy – the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Today I was reading my latest review copy of the Brazos Theological Commentary on Revelation and as I am Matthew is nearby playing a new song by Iron Maiden on his guitar (very well I might add). It was one of those moments where things gel in a way they usually don’t. The lyrics of the song meshed wonderfully with my reading about Revelation. I was a good moment and a bit of a thin space for those who know what I mean.
Anyhow since I am writing a post I should say that the commentary is starting out very well. I am one of those (and I am sure we are many) who primarily use commentaries for reference purposes and not for pleasurable or fruitful reading. If other commentaries are like this one then I have been missing out and need to read more of them for the sheer enjoyment of it. Here are some select quotes that I have found quite good:
"European and North American intellectual culture has been de-Christianized. The effect has not been a cessation of Christian activity. Theological work continues. Sermons are preached. Biblical scholars turn out monographs. Church leaders have meetings. But each dimension of a formerly unified Christian practice now tends to function independently. It is as if a weakened army had been fragmented, and various corps had retreated to isolated fortresses in order to survive. Theology has lost its confidence in exegesis. Scripture scholars function with minimal theological training. Each decade finds new theories of preaching to cover the nakedness of seminary training that provides theology without exegesis and exegesis without theology. Not the least of the causes of the fragmentation of Christian intellectual practice has been the divisions of the church."
"It is unfortunate that in the minds of many people, Revelation is associated exclusively with debates over end-time scenarios, often associated with particular political agendas and judgements. Too often such readings reflect worldly interests that have little to do with the upbuilding of the church."
"Like wisdom, apocalyptic theology calls for transformation of the mind and heart combined with prudent action."
"Before the church can speak the word of God, it must listen for it."
Harnessing Chaos 