1. Introducing tdconnect
This week I rolled out a little project I’ve been brainstorming and working on creating over the past couple of months. It’s tdconnect, an online hub for those working in transformational development. It includes a blog, an interactive map with pins for TD folks around the world, as well as a bunch of resources and links. My hope is that it will serve to connect and encourage those doing great, transformative work near and far. And contributions of blog content and resources are, of course, more than welcome! Please check it out, then like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
2. Small Business Collaborative
I’m not the only one rolling out a cool new project. GOOD and UPS have teamed up behind the Small Business Collaborative (thanks to Fieldnotes Magazine for flagging it):
To celebrate and spread the word about the small businesses that are thriving in communities across the country, GOOD and UPS have teamed to bring you the Small Business Collaborative. For three months starting on Monday, September 24, we’ll be talking about businesses that are helping to transform their neighborhoods (and beyond) for the better.
3. The Longform guide to Christian rock
Robyn Jodlowski has compiled “a collection of stories about music’s most mocked genre” for Slate (via Longform), covering the gamut from Jars of Clay to Pedro the Lion to Bob Dylan. Thanks to Jeff Keuss for linking to it.
4. Babel, the gospel, and Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons’ highly anticipated second record was released this week. I might withhold my verdict about how it stacks up with the band’s breakout debut for now, but so far I’m digging it. There’s been a lot of talk about the deep spiritual and religious themes on Babel. Here’s John J. Thompson’s take at Think Christian:
As any Sunday school student should remember, the tower of Babel was built by men trying to find God in the wrong way. God wrecked our tower and confused our tongues for our own good. As was always the case with good folk music, the lyrics throughout Babel are cryptic enough to apply to a variety of human experiences and specific enough to provide purpose. As with Sigh No More, the songs explore the effects of sin on the individual and on relationships with language and an intensity that is consistent with the brokenness they uncover. What sets Mumford’s music apart from others’ is the overriding sense that forgiveness and reconciliation remains possible. There is not a shred of nihilism in the plaintive, straight-ahead, epic folk music of Mumford & Sons. They recognize that Babel is our collective hometown, and they seem determined to sing, strum and stomp until it crumbles once again.
5. Les Mis sneak peek
A couple weeks ago Katie and I joined some friends at Gammage Theatre to see Les Misérables, which was great, and got us even more excited for the December release of the new film. Then I came across this teaser, which whet my appetite even more.
Repaso is intended as a thought-provoking compilation of news and commentary from the past week related to the intersections of faith, development, justice and peace. As always, I welcome your thoughts on any of the links and ideas in this roundup!
[Photo credit: rollingstone.com]
