some strange ideas
The rock formation above is known as the Areopagus (Mars Hill). In ancient Athens, it was a gathering place for philosophers to debate all the latest ideas.
It was to this gathering of philosphers that Paul was invited in Acts 17:16-33. Some of them had heard him speak in the marketplace, and wanted to bring him so that his ideas could be shared with all of them. When he arrived, they said to him: “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”
The truth of the work of Jesus often seems like a strange idea, whether you hear it for the first time, or you’ve known it for years. But these philosophers understood that Paul’s ideas, no matter how strange, were worth listening to. Some of them, according to Acts 17:33, even become followers of Jesus that day.
This blog exists to explore some strange ideas. Some of them are strange to me. Some of them are just me thinking out loud. Some of them may be completely wrong. But hopefully, somewhere in all of this, deeper truth will be found…truth that makes your next breath worthwhile.
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25. February 2005 at 01:42
Hi John, I like the new name and lay out. Strange ideas have a way of attracting and engaging people. Even if alot of people didn’t believe in what Paul was saying…they left scratching their heads and thinking. And usually when they’re scratching and thinking…they’re cultivating a little ground for the Holy Spirit to work. Anyway, lookin’ forward to some strange ideas!
5. March 2005 at 19:02
I am digging the new name. Good metaphor for the blog and how you are seeking to talk about some amazing things, Jesus and life. Thanks for welcoming to explore these ideas together and grow.
2. August 2005 at 15:06
interesting reference to the Areopagus - I like the idea. Always good to have a forum for ideas and blessings in your work with Finding Pathways
23. October 2008 at 20:32
[...] John Chandler went with the “why I named my site the way I did” approach on his first post. This is a decent approach but you later have to explain your name change. [...]
13. November 2008 at 11:04
[...] ideas. Of course, I do love ideas…after all this blog is called some strange ideas. Just like Paul brought strange ideas to Athens, I am experiencing this openness to ideas in Austin. (Six ‘ideas’ in one [...]