[For those under age 45, a “Hymn” is a song or poem of praise to God that is characterized by several scripturally-based verses about what God has done for us, each punctuated by a two- or three-line refrain usually forming an appropriate response to what God has done for us.] Let me cut to the…
Sad to say, keeping up with the Joneses is often more important to us than stopping to smell the roses. But we can learn an important lesson by stopping to smell the roses. . . .
The power-grabs of governments to extend their borders and, consequently, their hegemony are not a recent invention–nor are the arguments mustered in their defense. Both have a track record that reaches back to the beginning of civilization. But just as surely as they had a beginning point, they are destined for an ending–and it may…
A Not-So-Subliminal Encouragement to Read the All-Time Best Seller. THEOLOGY IS A HUMAN CONSTRUCT. It represents someone’s understanding of the nature, character, and purposes of God. The singular form refers to the discipline that seeks to develop, organize, and communicate various ideas about God. But it is technically more accurate to speak of “theologies” plural…
In my last several posts I have been speaking about the importance of regularly engaging with the Bible, not simply reading it to fulfill a daily word-count quota, but interacting with it in a reflective, analytical, and devotional way. Along with the Reformers, I would argue that the Bible is the only completely safe and…
SUBTITLE: Responding to the Sometimes Subtle Influences on Our Ideas about God. We encounter theologies in some of the most unlikely places: the water cooler at work, movie theaters, the Oprah Winfrey show . . . well, you get the point . . . just about everywhere. As disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we…
For thirty-three years I entered the PCH sweepstakes and nothing. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Disappointment after disheartening disappointment! I can’t possibly remember how many trips to the mailbox I made, floating on a cloud of hope. Confessing every sin that I could remember—along with a blanket confession to cover all those I couldn’t remember! Claiming…
At first blush, Paul’s wish that his opponents castrate themselves prompts the charge of “conduct unbecoming an apostle and a gentleman.” On closer inspection, however, it illustrates how ignorance of context can evoke mistaken conclusions about the attitudes and intentions of characters in the Bible. This brief essay seeks to demonstrate that the divinely commissioned…
Beyond the Farthest Star (BTFS) is not a blatantly faith-based film (yew kin tail cuz theyz a cupl’o cuss wuds, and ever-buddy knows Christians nevuh swur!) And that, I believe, is one of the strengths of the movie. If a viewer does not know it is a faith-based movie and just happens to see it…
Robert Burns, the Scottish poet wrote: “O, wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us! It wad frae monie a blunder free us, An’ foolish notion.” Translation minus the Scottish brogue: “O, would some power the gift He give us To see ourselves as others see us! It would…