Last night a dear friend of mine and I sat watching the sunset sharing a glass of whiskey and a couple of cigars. I met this friend over a year ago and he informed me of The Andrew Klavan show. My world was turned upside down. All of my assumptions were put into question, I began to doubt everything I thought I knew. The conversation we had last night centered on “the truth, the beauty, and the stuff that matters” and it’s thanks to you two that we can share that relationship. Thank you for your hard work. The light of God burns brightly within you.
Ironically, language is an approximation for the things we want to use language for. Is it better to leave the beauty and meaning you find in life unexpressed or to express it knowing that you will only be very close in your explanation?
I often think that this is why we have different versions of the Bible. It's as though God accounts for this. One turn of phrase will not enlighten me but will you. A slightly rephrased variant is then illuminating for me. Perhaps, in this way, our collective individuality that is the church, aids us in seeing, understanding, and even appreciating the real meaning and beauty that He has made in the creation.
"I often think that this is why we have different versions of the Bible. It's as though God accounts for this. One turn of phrase will not enlighten me but will you."
I think the same thing about different denominations.
Well, as someone who has often fantasized about being a fly on the wall during your conversations, I’m glad you’re allowing us to listen in on your conversations every once in awhile. My problem is that I want to bounce in and talk with both of you! But I’m in agreement with the first person who wrote this morning. Although without the cigars (but occasionally with the bourbon), Andrew, and now the two of you have enriched my life in ways hard to even imagine. The writing, though perhaps not as rich and sparking as conversation, has opened up worlds that I had long ago abandoned or had just not “understood” let alone explored.
IMO the key to really understanding what you have read is to discuss the content with others. This enables your brain to process the words and their meaning. This is also why it is important to discuss the contents of the Bible with others, so your brain can process what you read.
I'd like to point out that reading does have the advantage of allowing the reader to go at his own pace, to digest, to reread, stopping if necessary to ponder. Listening does not afford this, and it's especially tough with someone like, for example, our buddy Ben Shapiro.
Great piece. To offer some defense of the written word, one of the main reasons I love TNJ is that I have followed the two of you long enough to recognize your writing without looking at who wrote the piece. So I would say an aspect of "you" is coming through for me (like I can hear the two of you reading your letters) just as much as your public conversations! And they happen almost every day, which keeps the Klavany darkness at bay.
I wish I had friends who like to talk about such things. Thankfully I have the wonderful Present Mrs Dave who likes to talk about such issues. It’s good brain fodder for our son too.
Last night a dear friend of mine and I sat watching the sunset sharing a glass of whiskey and a couple of cigars. I met this friend over a year ago and he informed me of The Andrew Klavan show. My world was turned upside down. All of my assumptions were put into question, I began to doubt everything I thought I knew. The conversation we had last night centered on “the truth, the beauty, and the stuff that matters” and it’s thanks to you two that we can share that relationship. Thank you for your hard work. The light of God burns brightly within you.
Ironically, language is an approximation for the things we want to use language for. Is it better to leave the beauty and meaning you find in life unexpressed or to express it knowing that you will only be very close in your explanation?
I often think that this is why we have different versions of the Bible. It's as though God accounts for this. One turn of phrase will not enlighten me but will you. A slightly rephrased variant is then illuminating for me. Perhaps, in this way, our collective individuality that is the church, aids us in seeing, understanding, and even appreciating the real meaning and beauty that He has made in the creation.
"I often think that this is why we have different versions of the Bible. It's as though God accounts for this. One turn of phrase will not enlighten me but will you."
I think the same thing about different denominations.
That’s exactly what I thought. The correct denomination is the one that opens up your heart to Jesus. Then you follow it to the letter.
"Then you follow it to the letter."
Or as close as you can.
I’m not sure. Why would God ask something of you that you aren’t capable of? He knows what you can do. See Jonah.
After 45 years, I'm Still working on getting through a whole week.
Well, as someone who has often fantasized about being a fly on the wall during your conversations, I’m glad you’re allowing us to listen in on your conversations every once in awhile. My problem is that I want to bounce in and talk with both of you! But I’m in agreement with the first person who wrote this morning. Although without the cigars (but occasionally with the bourbon), Andrew, and now the two of you have enriched my life in ways hard to even imagine. The writing, though perhaps not as rich and sparking as conversation, has opened up worlds that I had long ago abandoned or had just not “understood” let alone explored.
IMO the key to really understanding what you have read is to discuss the content with others. This enables your brain to process the words and their meaning. This is also why it is important to discuss the contents of the Bible with others, so your brain can process what you read.
If words were sufficient, the stone tablets would have worked
I'd like to point out that reading does have the advantage of allowing the reader to go at his own pace, to digest, to reread, stopping if necessary to ponder. Listening does not afford this, and it's especially tough with someone like, for example, our buddy Ben Shapiro.
Great piece. To offer some defense of the written word, one of the main reasons I love TNJ is that I have followed the two of you long enough to recognize your writing without looking at who wrote the piece. So I would say an aspect of "you" is coming through for me (like I can hear the two of you reading your letters) just as much as your public conversations! And they happen almost every day, which keeps the Klavany darkness at bay.
I wish I had friends who like to talk about such things. Thankfully I have the wonderful Present Mrs Dave who likes to talk about such issues. It’s good brain fodder for our son too.
For the record, I love the letters much more.
This was lovely. Thank you.