We've been examining nine values common to our culture which negatively affect our relationships. These values hugely influence how we relate to others and cope with emotional pain. I hope you're beginning to recognize these patterns so you can live counter-culturally. Just a reminder: You’ll find most of these paradigms in “The Immersion Experience,” a curriculum by Dr. David Eckhart and Tim Rule.  Find out more at aphesisgroup.com.   The list: Consumerism — getting stuff and using it up Materialism — choosing things over people Pleasure-dependency — gotta be Continue Reading

Last week, we looked at how consumerism, materialism, and love of pleasure affect our relationships. Today we'll tackle three more negative cultural traits that can undermine your sense of connection to other people.   Remember the list of traits? Here are all nine: Consumerism — getting stuff and using it up Materialism — choosing things over people Pleasure-dependency — gotta be entertained Pain-avoidance — don’t want to hurt Image-sensitivity — looks are everything Information addiction — craving to know it all now Productivity-driven — accomplishments matter Continue Reading

Welcome to a blog mini-series! For the next three weeks, we're going to examine nine core values common to our culture. These values negatively affect our relationships every day.  They hugely influence the way we see ourselves and others in terms of worth and acceptance, how we relate to each other, and how we cope with the pain life brings us. By the end of this series, I hope you'll be able to recognize these patterns -- and with God's help, swim upstream against their influence. You'll find most of these paradigms in "The Immersion Experience," a curriculum by Dr. David Continue Reading

I have a confession to make.   Just recently, I mindlessly clicked, commented and shared on a post about the supposed poor response of a pastor to an issue in his church (a large and well-known one).   The next morning, I received a message from a friend explaining the other side of the story, with several links to other posts. I had acted before I had looked at both sides of the issue, or even thought much about it.   You've probably never done that, right?   It seems even easier to do this with mega-churches. Kind of like our conscience doesn't bother us much Continue Reading