Some changes

I changed the title of my blog, for two reasons. First, I've come to think my original title - "Hold On, I'm Thinking" - is actually kind of dumb. It’s bland and vague. My current title "Preston's Page... Better Title Pending" is equally as bland, but at least it’s not as vague! Progress, right?

Second, I'm going to shift my theme. Since I didn't really have a theme before, the change is that now I have a theme, a modus operandi: From now on, the Bible will be the epicenter of my writing. Meaning, I'm going to explore it piece by piece in as much depth as I can manage at one time. History, theology, politics, textual criticism, social ramifications… basically, an amateur commentary. I guess that makes it sound bland and boring (how many people are eager to read commentaries?) but I can't think of a better way to explain what's in my head. I'm just going to have to start, and show you what I'm all about.

I am a bit hesitant about this change. Looking for insight and direction in the Bible gets kind of a bad rap in America, and I am, I admit, afraid of being deemed anti-intellectual or just plain stupid. I am also skeptical of people bringing it into the public arena, because most of those people are Christians, and – I'm going to be brutally honest – I think that most Christians are pretty dumb when it comes to our holy book, as well as a lot of other subjects. Christians should be leaders, but we tend to lag behind. The sciences, politics, business, education, philosophy, the arts, social development… you name it. We're not even the leading experts on our own Scripture. Why???

It’s really not right of me to be so cynical. I know it, and once I finally take the time to self examine, it dawns on me how awfully selfish I’ve been. It cuts me deeply, because despite all my frustration with America, all my frustration with American Christians, I care very deeply about the Church, and about Christians, and I know I can’t take credit for that. So I repent of my self-righteousness; after all, I’m no better. I have no reason to be proud. When I’m in my right mind, I know I would rather serve than point fingers. This is what God is calling me to do.

And that is what I am venturing to do with this blog. I am going to delve into Scripture. I am going to go as deep as I can, to learn, to share, to grow, to change. I’m looking forward to it. My main challenge will be to stick with it.

So… anybody have a good idea for a title?