Introduction and Purpose

Hello All,

So...here's the blog some of you have been after me to start. You must be gluttons for punishment! Perhaps my opinionated and long-winded pontifications which I have put in article form have had some degree of good, as evidenced in the encouragements to do a blog.

This first posting will hopefully set the tone for my purpose in doing a blog. Most of my writings in the past have been in defense and definition of the Christian worldview, thus the name for the blog, Christian Paradigm. I find that so much of the Body of Christ has adopted post-modern, humanistic, and unbiblical worldviews, and this is evidenced in the way we worship, how we vote, the daily choices we make, and the way we raise our children. So I guess you could call this blog an attempt at critical thinking as it pertains to issues pertinent to many different areas of our lives as Christians, some of which, no doubt, will be controversial in nature. But controversial can be fun sometimes!

I also wish to state up front that I do not claim to be the font of knowledge on any of the issues on which I choose to write. I am still in the process of growth, discovery, and development, just like all who will read this. Yet, in my 42 years, I have grappled with many issues and sought the wise counsel of elders of the faith and read enough books and pored over the scriptures long enough to at least have some degree of insight, I hope, that will be helpful to those who may be grappling with these same issues. Of course, "insight" is in the eyes of the beholder. What some call 'insight,' others may consider idiocy! :-) So I will post my thoughts and opinions and will be open to other differing viewpoints. It is, after all, the consideration of all critical thinking that allows us to form our beliefs.

With that said, please indulge me a moment or two longer as I simply introduce myself to those who do not know me.

My name is Andrew, and I live in a little rural community in south central Indiana. I live with my wonderful wife of 14 years and our three children. I have worked in the field of nutritional medicine for the last 14 years. Where ministry is concerned, most of my background is in the area of worship, having worked in worship ministry leadership starting in 1993. I have also worked extensively in the areas of teaching (not preaching), mostly for small group settings. Two years ago my family and I started a house church where we ministered for about a year before moving to the boondocks. (You can't believe the size of the spiders and the proximity of coyotes out here in the sticks!) My heart's desire is to help the people of God however I can in instructing and teaching the truths of God's Word and it's everyday application. To that end, I have written several books and articles and recorded several audio teachings, all of which are available on my Shofar Publications website, http://www.shofarpublications.org/.

I hope this blog will serve as just another tool to make people go, "hmmm," and consider things perhaps not previously considered.

That's it for now. I'm sure I'll have some soapbox proclamation to make in a few days, so stay tuned.

Your buddy,
AndrewG