Can you guess his soteriological views?

I bought a theological dictionary at a used bookstore the other day. I didn't get super picky or spend much time selecting a good one. I saw the price of $3.75 and that was good enough for me.

So then I take it home and I'm a bit disappointed with it. It's not the most thorough dictionary, the definitions don't go too far, and there are a bunch of terms or phrases I'd like to see within it. But my disappointment faded away when I read the definition of "Calvinism." When I shared this definition with a friend of mine that is Eastern Orthodox his reaction was, "Christina, you're making this up. It doesn't really say that." But oh yes, it does. My favorite parts (the obviously biased parts) are in bold print. Even as a Calvinist, this is just funny. Enjoy.

"Calvinism/Calvinist

John Calvin was born in France in 1509. He was one of the foremost of the Reformers.

Calvin taught no new doctrines. He simply put into systematic form (in his book 'The Institutes of the Christian Religion') the whole range of the doctrines of the Scriptures.

A Calvinist believes all that the Bible teaches about God and the human race. Calvinism emphasises the sovereignty of God about the sinful nature of mankind because the Bible teaches these doctrines..."

Gee I wonder if this guy is a Calvinist? So awesome.

"A Thousand Angry Panthers" by Bradley Hathaway (REVIEW)

Less than a year after releasing the album "A Mouth Full of Dust", Bradley is at it again. Bradley Hathaway's newest EP, "A Thousand Angry Panthers" has conversed with my heart. I could attempt to persuade you into purchasing this EP by rating it with a system of stars. But stars can't explain why I fell in love with the 4 songs that have been on repeat for about a week now. Hathaway has done something incredible. Within a mere 4 songs he has released an unfortunately accurate assessment of the depraved condition of mankind and it's heart-wrenchingly desperate need for a salvation that can only come through a wholly surrendered relationship with the Divine, a relationship with Jesus. Enveloped within the sounds of music that composed scenes of brutal honesty, Hathaway has written lyrics that invite you to sit down and enter into the scene of 4 amazing stories that all share the same message- the world and the dim life within it are screaming out for restoration and saving.

The thing that drew me into this EP was the story telling that took place within the lyrics. Bradley did not paint pictures with lofty language. Instead, using simple wording he was able to portray vivid pictures of a world saturated in habitual darkness. The opening track "She Was Raised By A Man With A Sickness" requires you to close your eyes and feel the deepest sorrows as guitars and other stringed instruments play a somber tune that accompany Bradley as he sings of a broken young woman. He offers the story of a woman that's been abused and belittled into believing the lies that she is worth nothing. She even refuses to embrace the pure love of the Divine because of her own estimate of her self-worth. Hathaway sings, "How could He dare? To love her, the unlovable, it just didn't seem fair." This reflection on the worth of mankind is frightening and convicting. Lyrics like these resonate within the heart of every believer at one point and this song leaves every broken person with a mirror reflecting some sort of shatteredness.

As we leave the first song we are welcomed into a more peaceful, upbeat sound with the second song "Carolina." Bradley sings of an exhaustion he's experienced but places it all within perspective when he shares why the exhaustion has not led to frustration. "I thought I heard a trumpet sound, I looked above and I looked around, thought maybe my Savior was coming back for me..." Such lyrics express a hope and a confidence that all these earthly exhaustions are more than worthwhile in comparison to the eternal future that lies ahead. The lullaby-like sounds of the instruments encourage you to drift away into the glorious hope that "...the wind brings You closer."

The third track "Would You Think Less Of Me" aligns perfectly with other messages offered in the previous two songs. As Hathaway repeats the exhaustion of being on the edge of breaking, you feel the seriousness and despair brought forth. Thoughts such as,"...I'm as tired as the winter branches, and the trees in the field, and for so long I've had to carry such a load..." are paired with a glimmer of hope as Hathaway reflects upon the passing of his Grandma. He sings, "...she smiles and her eyes open wide and she says she sees Jesus and the angels by her side" and you can't help but feel the overwhelming hope that we can only see dimly at the moment.

The fourth and final song "The World Is Screaming" is a musical masterpiece. Everything from the instrumentation, to the lyrics, to Bradley's unique vocals makes you want to join in as he and the world scream for something more. The simple yet full introduction almost produces the feeling of a wind or storm approaching. Bradley's voice breaks through the introduction and reveals the wicked and dark state of the world as he sings about problem after problem from a list that seems never-ending. Your heart can't help but break as he forces the listeners to acknowledge the mess this world is in. After being confronted with the numerous problems, Hathaway offers a veiled hope with the lyric, "We're all waiting for a Messiah to come, but we can't agree on who He is and which is the One." He then falls back into and repeats the all too true observation, "and the world is screaming." As the music continues to intensify, Hathaway parts ways with that veiled glimmer of hope. He trades it in for something, or should I say Someone, that can and will fix everything. He is not shy about the One that can rescue us, nor does he try to be. He confidently sings the life story of a mighty conqueror, a deliverer, a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though Bradley is only singing it's like you can hear him screaming inside, screaming a profound and life-changing truth of a God that is Love. "...His Father was good, His Father had a plan, so He raised Him back to life, now He's sitting at His right hand, He listens to us, He hears our pleas, and He joins with us, on our knees" is followed by Bradley singing "...and the world is screaming" over and over and over again as the music turns into a beautiful chaos that resembles the sound of a screaming generation. The bold drumming that closes the song will most likely be followed by the listener's reaction of agreement, anger, or surrender.

I will confidently say that this EP is something you cannot afford to miss. Do yourself a favor and head over to iTunes and pick up "A Thousand Angry Panthers" by Mr.Bradley Hathaway.

Bradley's Myspace
Bradley's EP on iTunes