Spilled Coffee on Ancient Scrolls
Finding Ways to Live as Humans Fully Alive
Is it just me, or does it seem like anger and righteous indignation is the default state of things in our world? I’d go so far as to say that in some circles, the attitude is that if you aren’t raging against the machine in some way, then there is something wrong with you. I …
At the age of five, George Johnson gave his son Willie a gift that would change his life—a cigar box guitar. As Willie picked it up and began strumming, it soon became apparent that he had a gift. A couple of years later, Willie’s stepmother was caught cheating, and his father beat her out of …
Many people have this monolithic notion about Christianity—that it has been the same since Jesus and Paul walked the earth. But the truth of the matter is that the Church has often changed its mind on what it deems to be the essential elements of faith. One way to look at this is to ask, …
Continue reading "Mere Christianity: What Has it Been And What is it Now?"
This summer I decided to give podcasting a try as another element of this site, so I created, "Professors Talking Skubala." If you are a Greek student, you are probably chuckling to yourself right now. "Skubala" is the Greek word Paul uses in Philippians 3:8 that is usually politely translated, "rubbish," but it actually is …
If you ever had any doubt whatsoever that the Church was patriarchal, consider the fact that the very first BIG fight the early Christians got into was over what the penis should look like (Acts 15).
The word “heretic” is often thrown around today to denounce someone for espousing an idea deemed “unbiblical” or “unorthodox” or “contrary to the teachings of the church.” It carries a negative connotation, often meant to cast a poor soul out of a community to be shunned, exiled, and sometimes even tortured with words or sharp implements. And in extreme cases, killed and ultimately damned.
But as one looks at the history of heretics, one finds quite a few surprises.
Imagine Moses at the Red Sea with a large group of his fellow kinsman huddled together after a long and hard run. Now imagine the most powerful army in the world at the time (the Egyptians) racing toward them bent on slaughtering them all. If ever there was a moment to need a change of …
Continue reading "Feeling Anxious or Angry? The Psalms Can Help"
When despair for the world grows in me, there are many things I turn to for healing and hope. Wendell Berry is one of them.
Loving God with our mind used to be a crucial part of Christian culture. We strove to be the smartest people in the room. Not anymore.
My interview with Rachel Held Evans. In this clips, she talks about how "white dudes" are not the future of Christianity. She offers some sage, even prophetic insights about the need for diverse leadership. She also encourages a discussion on white, male privilege.
Spilled Coffee on Ancient Scrolls 