Postmodernity, Mormons, and Single Moms

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In recent months, I’ve had several requests to write blogs on certain topics.  Among those have been: Calvinism vs. Arminianism, Masturbation, Recommended Books & Resources, Murder of Dr. Tiller, Sovereignty of God vs. Authority of Believer, Ted Haggard & Ministerial Failings, Welfare System & the Economy.  I’m curious if there are other suggestions out there on what would make for interesting blog discussion, or an interesting subject at AdrianSchoonmaker.com.  Thoughts?  Ideas?  Please leave any feedback by clicking on “Comments” next to the title above.

Another potpourri of musings tonight:

Grandpa Paul, Grandma Harriet, and their four kids. That's my dad, sporting the tan coat. (Himalayan Mountains of N. India)

This last month marked one year since my grandmother, Harriet Schoonmaker Bryant, went home to be with the Lord. During her 94 years on this earth, she was a faithful and exemplary model to all of us of what it means to serve the Lord with devotion and perseverance. I came across a two-minute excerpt of a 1985 interview with her, on YouTube. She was a young woman then–only in her 70s! I thought I would post it here (click here to view).

Listening to Justin speak: Provost Geoffrey Feiss; Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor; Rector Michael K. Powell; Tom Brokaw; and philanthropist Sherman Cohen.

Our family has beamed with pride these last few weeks over Justin Schoonmaker, my younger brother, who was recently asked to speak alongside celebrities and dignitaries on a very special occasion. Not only was the ceremony recently featured by Brian Williams on the NBC Nightly News (June 8), but Justin’s speech has also been inspiring reporters, columnists, and bloggers across the fruited plain. Here are links to a few such columns, articles, and editorials:

** “Rejection Paved Way to Success” (Cape Cod Times, June 10, 2009)
** “What If?” (The Coaching Pair, June 1, 2009)
** “Editorial – Turn failure and rejection into strengths” (Alexandria Echo Press, June 12, 2009)
** “Did I Say I Was Proud?” (AdrianSchoonmaker.com, May 28, 2009)
** “…Memories that Last a Lifetime” (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, June 20, 2009)

This summer marks 12 years of living in the Old Dominion.  All my life as a kid, the only world I knew was the Northeast.  Every school year, K-12, was spent in Massachusetts schools.  Twelve years on Cape Cod.  Twelve years in that magical place called New England.  I dared to cross the Mason-Dixon to go get a master’s degree… and now look what has happened?  I have spent as much of my life in the great state of Virginia as I ever did in Massachusetts.  I love Virginia, but why do I feel a sense of betrayal?  Oh well, I’m sure I won’t lose any sleep over it.

Mark Driscoll defines "postmodernity."

About 10 years ago, Pastor Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill Church, Seattle) was asked to write an article defining postmodernity.  I included it in my reading for my current doctoral class, “Prophetic Leadership and Redemptive Focus.”  It’s a great read.  Check it out here.

This past month I read a wonderful article in which a pastor described his reaction to a visit by Mormon missionaries to his house.  Entitled “In the Name of Love,” I heartily recommend it to you!

Richy Clark, lead singer for RADIANT, on East Coast Tour. This photo was taken at my former church in Virginia Beach, May 7, 2009.

It was years ago that I was introduced to “RADIANT,” a powerful ministry team led by a good friend of mine, Richy Clark. Richy began coming to Virginia Beach with his team nearly every year while I was pastoring in that city, and we would host them at the church as they ministered to our youth and the young people of our community. 2009 was the first year I was not there to welcome them, so it was very special to see this video on the Radiant Worship podcast, which includes a chronicle of their ministry in Virginia Beach (at the 03:50 point on the video). Richy and Jess Clark are awesome and authentic people; if you ever have the chance, bring them to your church, to your city!

Hurrah for the rising teen birth rate!  For those who were not aware, just two weeks ago we ended the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (May each year).  There was much media coverage lamenting the recent years’ unexpected rise in teen births (after more than a decade of consecutive annual decline), and much outcry about further measures that need to be taken to prevent childbearing among teenagers.

Hurrah for the rising teen birth rate!

I, for one, am all about postponing pregnancy among unmarried teens, too–until after marriage.  However, if one were to study the nation’s public records that chronicle such data, they reveal that the rising teen birth rate is cause for celebration!  Contrary to popular assumption, the teen pregnancy rate has not increased a bit.  What has changed is that the teen abortion rate has been decreasing!  Hurrah!  (No wonder so many “teen health” [*cough*] organizations are so alarmed–this is bad business for them.)

Don’t forget to leave any topic suggestions in the “Comments” area (up top)!

~ by Adrian Schoonmaker on June 15, 2009.