Random Writings of Questionable Value
It’s that time of year again. Time to look back and reflect on the books that I most enjoyed reading. And during this most discouraging of years, I’m perhaps more grateful than ever for the sanity-restoring diversion of getting lost in a book.
How do we actually deal with the ugly parts of our shared history, as opposed to just erasing them?
If good theology doesn’t propel us into the world to be agents of justice, mercy, and renewal, then what’s it good for?
Officiating funerals is never an easy gig for us clergy types. And when the funeral is for someone we’ve never met? Well that certainly doesn’t make the job any easier. I’ll never forget the memorial service I was leading a few years ago for a young woman who had died tragically and unexpectedly. I didn’t … Continue reading God Bless the Skeptics
The year’s nearly over, and in retrospect one of my many failures during 2019 has been keeping this humble little website updated with fresh content. (Four posts in the span of twelve months isn’t exactly prolific.) But I refuse to let my negligence kill off one of my favorite annual traditions: sharing the books I … Continue reading My 6 Favorite Reads of 2019
Have you ever noticed the trees for sale at your local nursery, most of which aren’t yet tall enough to reach your shoulder? If so, you know that their roots are compactly housed within small pots of soil not much bigger around than a basketball. As long as the trees are of such diminutive stature, … Continue reading Room for Love
Imagine a woman who rules over an entire nation. From her position of authority she carries out her duties as a spiritual leader, an interpersonal mediator, and a military strategist. Her proficient exercise of power has earned her the respect of the entire nation. The commanders who take orders from her trust in her discernment … Continue reading Rethinking Biblical Womanhood
It’s too bad the Celebrity Pastor Megachurch movement (imaginary NYSE symbol: CPM) isn’t a publicly traded company, because I’d sure love to see the plummeting red arrow depicting its stock price over the last few months. The latest hit to CPM’s value came a few days ago as James MacDonald was removed from his post … Continue reading Why We (Probably) Won’t Change
Everyone has a different way of reflecting on their year. Goals met, weight lost, places visited, friends made—all that’s well and good. But I prefer to do my reflecting by looking back on what I’ve read. That probably makes me a bit of a nerd. But I gave up on caring about that long ago. … Continue reading My 6 Favorite Reads of 2018
That Sunday morning before I headed out the door to make my walk to the church building, I told my wife goodbye and half-jokingly warned her that it might be my last sermon. I knew the message that day would be controversial, and I was preparing her (and myself) for the fallout. It was a … Continue reading Fear Not, Wanderer
