There is enough intellectual debate already on the Internet. There are a lot of scholars and would-be theologians poised to flex their well-developed arguing skills and back their opponents into tight corners, and to look good doing it, and it's all very tiring. I'm not anti-intellectual--in fact, I think our general anti-intellectual bias is a sad thing--and I think most situations could be made much better if people had the ability to think clearly. But many people are much too attached to their own words and would rather use them to "win" arguments than to bring light. Opinions don't change or improve the world; words and deeds inspired by love do.

For me, the goal, and the challenge, is to let the words work in imagination and in feelings rather than just as intellectual weights to lift. I don't need to memorize or "master" the content; giving it my time and clear attention is enough.

Please let me know if these readings move you in any particular direction, or if you have suggestions for future passages to read. Thanks!