Nuance is an endangered species. Few people offer it, few people seem willing to tolerate it. But a lack of nuance leads to a confusing cognitive dissonance. On the far right of the Christian political spectrum are those who contend America was and should be again a Christian nation. This group wants to reintroduce biblical … Continue reading Nuance is Needed: Foreigners in Israel, America, and the Church
apologetics
It’s Complicated
I've recently been listening to an incredibly interesting book, The Protest History of the United States. Author, civil rights attorney and professor Gloria Browne-Marshall, describes the world as a "blessedly beautiful yet humanly hostile" place to live. In other words, it's complicated. That corresponds to what I see in the news. There is tremendous goodness … Continue reading It’s Complicated
Trinity Broadcasting & Kid Rock
It feels like I'm living in an alternate universe when Trinity Broadcast Network is airing a show headlined by Kid Rock. In the late eighties and nineties Pat Robertson on TBN talked frequently about the evils of rock and roll. It was demonic, a tool of the devil to steal our souls. Others on TBN … Continue reading Trinity Broadcasting & Kid Rock
Romans 13 isn’t the only relevant text
This post is not my opinion on a video, constitutional law, civil rights, etc. This post is me, as a pastor, weighing in on theology. I have seen pastors recently cite Romans 13 as if it were the answer to all the questions we might have about how we interact with the state. Some seem … Continue reading Romans 13 isn’t the only relevant text
Cutting Room Floor: faith isn’t just a religious concept
Yesterday, I preached a sermon from 2 Corinthians 5 about walking in faith. Faith is certainly a topic of great conversation in religious circles, but let me suggest that all of life, whether you're religious or not, is filled with faith commitments. The summer I graduated from college, I took a trip to Fiji to … Continue reading Cutting Room Floor: faith isn’t just a religious concept
God Entranced 