Choosing What Matters in an Age of Distractions
with Prof Arthur Boers
Associate Professor and R.J. Bernardo Family Chair of Leadership
Tyndale University College and Seminary
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Dear friends,
I consider it a special treat to have Arthur Boers with us this Thursday, and I encourage you to come out and bring your friends. In fact, this would also be a good opportunity to invite friends who are not necessarily Christian, because the kinds of questions Arthur asks, and the solutions he’s seeking, are as relevant and sought-after (sometimes more so) among those who do not profess a particular faith.
Here are some thoughts from Prof Boers about how the conversation will be shaped on Thursday:
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A common complaint these days is a prevailing sense of being too busy, hectic, and off balance. Eugene Peterson says that in our era “the wonder has leaked out.” The deep and evident spiritual yearning in our culture is related to sorrow about thin, disoriented, shallow existence. Christian faith affirms practices and priorities that can center and illuminate our lives. This lovely promise not only enriches us but is an inviting call to seekers who look for meaning and wonder.
A major challenge for Christians is to pay careful attention to how we, our characters, and our communities are formed by ways we engage technology. This warrants constant, devoted care and discernment. People of faith have always asked such questions: Where do you look with your eyes, listen with your ears, focus with your minds and imaginations? When do you say “Yes” and when do you say “No”? How do you relate to people, objects, nature, God? How do you love others, God, nature, and yourself? Where do you invest yourself and your time?
We will explore hopeful strategies for moving forward. Christians are not without choices. As philosopher Albert Borgmann once told me: “The best thing is knowing that there is good news: it is possible to live the good life.”
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For more detail you might visit his website, arthurboers.com, or have a look at his most recent book, from which he’ll be drawing much of his talk (and from which I took the title): Living into Focus: Choosing What Matters in an Age of Distractions
Please join us Thursday evening, and bring any friends who are looking for a more balanced and focussed life.
Shalom,
Geoff
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Upcoming GCF Events:
Sunday Nov 25
Church Visit #3: Church of the Redeemer Anglican
NE corner of Bloor St & Avenue Rd
Service @ 9:30 am
Contact Marcia Boniferro for details
Thurs Nov 29
Jamie Howison
Lead pastor of st. benedict’s table (an urban community ministry in Winnipeg)
“Christian Practices and Engaging Advent”
Thurs Dec 6
End-of-Term Potluck and Advent Celebration
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Upcoming Campus Ministry Events:
Friday, Nov 23
A group of GCFers will be going to see:
Damian
By Aldyth Morris
Presented by Sanctuary and The Bench Theatre Initiative
8pm, Sanctuary, 25 Charles St E, Toronto
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Monday, Nov 26
Room at the Table: Urban Ministry from Justice to Imagination
with Jamie Howison
st. benedict’s table, Winnipeg
7pm at Church of the Redeemer (Bloor St & Avenue Rd)