miscellany [ mis-uh-ley-nee], noun
1. a miscellaneous collection or group of various or somewhat unrelated items
2. a miscellaneous collection of literary compositions or pieces by several authors, dealing with various topics, assembled in a volume or book

A couple of this week's reads fall under of the banner of the old saying, "if someone tells you who they are and what they believe, you should believe them." The voices this week come from Donald Trump, giving his thoughts about a second term, and Apple describing their not-so-subtle vision for a future devoid of material reality. Whether you ultimately agree or disagree, if you take a few minutes to think about the issues and the messages being conveyed, you're light years ahead of the masses.

Donald Trump on What His Second Term Would Look Like | Time Magazine
This is a long read, taking me nearly a half an hour, but it's insightful into how Trump says a second term would play out. It's worth reading to the end and considering Trump in his own words. Regardless of your views about his policies, it's also worth considering how you think this vision aligns with the Founding Fathers' vision for the Executive. Also, consider what your reaction would be if a Democrat so boldly proclaimed his or her intent to rule this way. Would you think or react differently?

Crush! iPad Pro | Apple's Advertisement
In this advertisement, Apple seems to make the point that a future without real, tangible, physical musical instruments, musical media, art supplies, games, sculpture, books, and other items is the future they intend to create and the future that we, as consumers, should want. Unfortunately, everything on a screen, from movie CGI to music to text, is by definition virtual, that is existing in essence only, simulated, temporary, and NOT real. Is that really the future path we should be continuing toward? I think not.

Charles Wesley on Baptismal Regeneration
Because this blog is ultimately about theology...here is a hymn from Charles Wesley beautifully describing the historic understanding of baptism, not as an 'ordinance' or our 'act of obedience,' as often described in contemporary American Evangelicalism, but as a saving work of God whereby he brings the grace of regeneration and rebirth (exactly what the church has confessed and believed for 2000 years). Were we to sing this hymn at church, even the staunched self-professed Wesleyans, more influenced by baptistic revivalism than historic Wesleyanism, would likely squirm with discomfort. Anyway, the lyrics are beautiful, and the theology is entirely consistent with historic, orthodox Christian belief.

United Methodism: How Conservatives Won the Debate but Lost the Denomination
And speaking of Wesleyans, here's an insider's look at the UMC's history and long decline (theologically and numerically) into liberalism. He sums up the history of the denomination, how the past few years of turmoil played out the way they did, and speculates on the future. As he points out, "the 'United' in United Methodism is no longer a misnomer. For the UMC, having maneuvered the conservatives out, is now more united than ever."

Politics and technology with a dash of theology thrown in...'miscellanies,' dear readers, as advertised!