Matt Jones' Random Acts of Verbiage

As my desktop crashed I found myself reinstalling everything again and figured this would be a good opportunity to check out Pack.Google. I must admit, this is really convienient, even for the “advanced” computer user. Yes, you may know how to go and download all the software yourself, but why bother? Google Pack allows you to select which software you want to be included in the download and after clicking a button it takes care of the rest. Another nice things is that the program keeps track of any updates to any of the software titles and lets you know about it. This is well worth checking out to keep you updated with some of the most common softare you need to keep you computer up and running. I am a bit surprised they didn’t have Quicktime on the list (probably an Apple issue). The list of included software:

So there ya have it. Worth checking out even if your computer hasn’t crashed, but definitely keep it in mind for the next time it does.

Cheers
-Matt Jones

PS.  Gmail finally added a delete button!! It’s about time!

Hey Seattle-ites, I don’t think I am going to make it down, but I wanted to let you know that the Pale Pacific has a show tomorrow night at Neumos up on Capital Hill. They will be performing along with Daylight Basement, Stars of Track and Field, and The Elephants. $8.00, 21+, show at 8:00… or is it doors at 8:00… I don’t know. Be there or be square. If I end up not being square, I will see you there!

I started a Systematic Theology class today with John Stackhouse and he started out talking about why we do Systematic Theology and all that intro type stuff… One of the things he touched on was the difference between the Modern world and the Post-Modern world. The modern world recognized the tension and irreconcilability of living as different personae in different spheres of life. While this didn’t necessarily mean that people would stop living differently, they would most likely recognize that strain (and might even feel guilty about it). Those of the post-modern frame of mind will often not even see the inconsistencies and are perfectly fine living what would traditionally be considered “fragmented” (so, of course, have nothing to feel guilty about).

In post-modern society we don’t have to worry about resolving inconsistencies. One example Stackhouse gave was a statistic from Canada (I will assume that the US has similar stats) that (roughly, as I can’t remember exactly) a very large portion of Canadians considered themselves Christian (I think it was as high as 80 or 90%) but that some 20% of those people also believed in reincarnation. This type of inconsistency within Christianity seems absurd to the traditionalist (or more conservative Evangelical) but it seems that many in the (post-modern) church don’t mind holding such views.

A solid understanding of systematic theology will help move to an if this, then that mode of thinking instead of something more fragmented. The indicative and the imperative. If I believe this, then I should act in that way. If I know this, then I should do that. We need to look for what is true, what actually is the case instead of holding belief in anything just because we think we can. Systematic theology must be a cogent theology, it must be both persuasive and significant, both non-trivial and well evidenced, well warranted. If people had a cogent systematic there would be less room for fragmented and inconsistent belief.

Along with fragmented beliefs, post-modernity brings along its distrust for authority. People are not as willing to just believe what the pastor up front has to say. This is something Christians must take seriously. Not only should we take it seriously, we should recognize that that isn’t entirely bad because we must affirm that all human authority is in the hands of sinners. Truth must still be spoken into that context.

Relationships are more important than systematic theology but in order to have a real, well founded relationship it must be based in something solid. We can’t be a very good human if we are running on bad ideas. Having an understanding of systematic theology will provide that foundation as well as allow fragmentation to be ruled out so a more healthy and cohesive belief in the One can be held.

Cheers
-Matt Jones

Quite a while back sis introdced me to Freaks and Geeks and over break I finally was able to watch the entire series (naturally only one season) over break. This is, yet another, a wonderful show that was cancelled before its time.

The show centers on a brother (a geek) and a sister (a freak) who are just trying to get through the daily grind of high school and all that comes with it.

I think the reason this (and other series) failed is because it actually has character development and is clever… it seems most television watchers can’t handle that. People would rather have the same old packaged stuff with the same jokes and same characters just with different scenery. If people were willing to invest in quality programming and had an attention span longer than 5 minutes, these shows might actually last. Firefly, Freaks and Geeks, and (probably) Arrested Development: three shows that are far better than probably 85% of shows ever produced and yet they were not allowed to survive because they don’t make the networks enough cash. It’s a shame. Wake up to reality people! Most of the shows you watch are just pre-packaged garbage that you have already seen in one form or another, when an original show comes along that has some cleverness and wit to it, WATCH IT! Support it! Don’t watch non-sense like American Idol (they sure as hell ain’t my idol), Skating with Celebrities, The War at Home, Stacked and whatever other silly shows are out now, they just aren’t worth it.

Freaks has taken real life struggles and without exaggerating them or reducing them to something insignificant have made them clever and original and relatable. The characters work well together and their problems feel real. It isn’t a show for kids that just says “stay in school because it is the right thing to do” but it takes a look at issues that high schoolers, and yes, even adults, might have dealt with or are dealing with. And aside from that, the show is just funny and well worth the watch. Check it out! My favorite character is Ken, he is just a dumb guy who kinda tries… sometimes… but has a lot of heart.

Has anyone seen Undeclared?It was creaded by Judd Apatow, who also had a big hand in Freaks, and is apparently somewhat similar to that style (and also only lasted a season). Anyone heard about this show? Any good?

Resources
Wikipedia – Freaks and Geeks
Wikipedia – Undeclared
Freaks and Geeks Official Website
Undeclared Official Website
Buy.com – Freaks and Geeks: $52.48 (free shipping): feel free to pick one up for me!

Cheers!
-Matt Jones

I have been a bad blogger! But I am here to tell you that I am back in Vancouver and have started classes once again here at Regent College and hopefully blogging will resume as normal. I just need to move from the “lazy-ass” mode to “lazy-ass-student” mode again and then hopefully just to “student” and if I am really on top of things I might even reach “motivated student”! We shall see.

On the plate this term: three classes instead of four, I am looking forward to a slight break from the full load in what will be my last term to physically be up in the Great White North. The classes: Intro Hebrew II with Dave Diewert, Systematic Theology A (Prolegomena, The Knowledge of God and Revelation) with John Stackhouse, and Preaching and Worship with Darrell Johnson. Should be an interesting term indeed.

I have a lot to blog about (naturally) so will hopefully get up to speed over the next few days.

Cheers!
-Matt Jones

Since I am blond, it is ok for me to joke.  One of the more intelligent blond jokes I have ever seen!

Light blogging you ask? Yes, I guess I am really taking my break from seminary to heart. It does feel kinda nice to take a break, but I won’t ignore you all, don’t worry.

Not much original content today, but wanted to pass on a few awesome links to you should check out… now! I often find links from all over but I especially wanted to point out Hypercubed as he frequently points out great links from all over the web and also Fosfor Gadgets as he always has cool techie gadgets that everyone should buy for me.

break
That will be all for now. Go enjoy them!

-Matt Jones

You may (or may not have) noticed that it has been a while since I have blogged. That’s my prerogative, right? Last week I spent my time down in southern Washington with the good ol’ family. It was a lot of fun and relaxing and watching movies and eating and all that good stuff. I will, of course, post more from the week later, but figured I should chime in to let people (are you out there?) know I am not dead or dying or mostly dead…

Another thing that I will be posting about (now that I have seen everything) is Serenity and Firefly which were given a plenty this year. Really people, go check these shows out. (See my previous post on Serenity and Firefly here) Here is a pic with (almost) all of our copies (with Erin and Sal, clickable for larger size):

I hope everyone had a good New Year’s and have had a chance to reflect on their last year as well as look forward to this new one. I look foward to 2006 and all God will bring in it. So a look back to two double aught five:

A few things I would like to accomplish this year:

So Happy New Year’s to everyone! I pray you will be blessed throughout and learn much.

-Matt Jones