I’ve been reading the blogs of Joe Thorn and Steve McCoy for several years now…but in the midst of so many blogs, I just never kept up with all that they have going on. So just this week John Dyer pointed me toward their collaborative site subtext. And yeah, I know, they launched it almost a year ago. So I’m late to the conversation. But nonetheless, perfect timing considering that my last five posts have been on the topic of the suburbs. This is what they write about subtext:
sub•text is a discussion on the preaching and practice of the gospel in the suburban context. Here on the blog we’re sharing out throughts and experiences of living life and ministering in the ‘burbs. We do some interviews as well.
That being said, I love Joe Thorn’s latest thoughts in his post Love and Hate in Suburbia:
I have said all this before, but it bears repeating: I both love and hate the suburbs – and I think this is healthy and necessary. Finding stuff to love and embrace in one’s culture can be difficult, at least for some. Some are so focused on the present evil and corruption that any good has been pushed beyond their peripheral vision. On the other hand some are so in love with (idolize) their culture they ignore all that is wrong with it.
Right now it’s cool to love the city and loathe the suburbs, but I do not believe this reflects the heart of God. I believe God has a love/hate relationship with this culture. My culture. And I’m working hard to maintain that balance in my own heart.
I needed to read this post, and I’m thankful that Joe posted it, as this is something that I have really been wrestling with. I love his line, “Right now it’s cool to love the city and loathe the suburbs, but I do not believe this reflects the heart of God.” So, so true. Lots of people bashing on the suburbs these days…and always talking about needing to live in the city, in the hip, cool, urban lofts and other areas. Thanks for the reminder Joe.
Stay tuned, cause my next post will look at a hermeneutic for the suburbs. A hermeneutic I learned in the city of Mexico.
