I was going to write something about the report from former FBI head Louis Freeh on the scandal at Penn State and the resulting comments from folks. But there isn't really much more to add to this, so I will just share what I wrote eight months ago when the scandal broke called "I Am... Continue Reading →
Me and Progressive Christianity Just Don’t Get Each Other
Can one be a Progressive Christian and be a Republican? How about a libertarian? When I was growing up, it wasn't odd for me to be evangelical and have liberal politics. It still isn't that odd, there are many liberal evangelicals running around. I've tended to see evangelicalism as far more diverse than what popular... Continue Reading →
On Funerals and Christian Cliches
This past weekend, I was in Orlando, Florida for the funeral of an uncle. My Uncle David was the youngest of my mother's siblings dying at the age of sixty. Diabetes took it's toll on David's body and finally that body gave out. David leaves behind a grieving widow and five children, three of which... Continue Reading →
Repost: In Search of a Disciples Identity
The following post was published in 2009. I am not what they would call a "cradle Disciple," someone who was born and raised in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I found the Disciples about a decade ago. At this point, having been ordained and now serving in a Disciples church, I can say that... Continue Reading →
You Gotta Serve Somebody
It's been interesting watching my Facebook feed today in light of the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act. What has made it interesting is seeing a number of mainline pastors kind of be so nakedly partisan. I guess it shouldn't shock me. Mainline Protestantism has long ago jumped into bed with liberal interests... Continue Reading →
Salvation for Jerry Sandusky?
John Meunier opines on the Jerry Sandusky verdict according to Wesleyan theology: God wants to save Jerry Sandusky. God can save him. But unless Sandusky turns toward God, he will be under God’s wrath. Even if he turns to God and receives assurance of his salvation, he will remain tempted powerfully by the sin that... Continue Reading →
I Miss the Old Mel White
I recently read an interview with Rev. Mel White. Most of you know him as someone who grew up as an evangelical, was a ghostwriter for many big evangelical stars and then came out as gay. I remember hearing about him in the mid-to-late 90s and back then he was kind of the SpongeBob Squarepants... Continue Reading →
It’s Not About Sex, It’s About Discipleship
So says Methodist Pastor Sky McCracken: Changing the stance on homosexuality in the United Methodist Church will not stop the loss of membership in the denomination. It's at best a red herring and at worst a lie to espouse otherwise. The Southern Baptist Church continues to lose membership; they are in their fifth year of decline,... Continue Reading →
Quotes of the Day
Tim Dalrymple:For every believer, the first question when confronted with a political issue is never “What does my party think?” Membership in a political party may be adopted for pragmatic purposes, but the believer is defined by his relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He takes every thought captive for Christ, submits all things to... Continue Reading →
A Theology of Inclusion, Part One
The church where I serve as Associate Pastor is discerning becoming and Open and Affirming congregation. As we talk about this, I have been grappling with how to view this theologically. I don't consider myself the greatest bible scholar or theologian, but I do think that as Christians we have to give a clear response... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 