The group blog project is on the move, and it should be up and running sometime next week. The initial email message I sent about the project started a huge, engaging discussion about what the focus and goals of the blog should be. The biggest point of discussion was whether the project should be explicitly (and strictly) neocalvinist in its philosophy and theology. I wanted the project to focus on the aspects of cultural renewal through a world-formative theology/philosophy, but I didn’t want to necessarily limit that reformational foundation to neocalvinism. There are too many bright people who aren’t neocals that I didn’t want leave off the ticket. A suggestion was made to define the project in philosophical, cultural, or aesthetic terms, but given the group I had assembled, herding cats would have been easier than finding common political or aesthetic ground.

So I decided we should just call a spade a spade and label the project neocalvinist in its foundation and goals. This doesn’t, however, limit us to strictly neocalvinist voices. And this is important. Several people involved in the discussion pointed out where neocalvinism has failed in its goals, or at least not met its goals. Neocals do a good job explaining the lordship of Christ in all spheres of life, but they often fall short in the search for practical ways of renewing those spheres. So, very quickly, a goal of the project was defined — a forum to discuss the practical applications of neocalvinist philosophy. Perhaps this project will a place where the rubber can meet the road. But I think this needs to be an organic thing. I was hestitant to define anything else about the goals or purpose of the blog, because given the diverse group involved at the moment, I believe we’ll find the locus soon enough.

But I don’t want to give away too much (and not have anything to write when the site launches)…..

Posted on 7 January 2005