I really like Lillian Daniel. Really. Why, you ask? Because in 2011 she said something that many mainline Christians have been thinking, but were too afraid to say outloud. In 2011 Daniel wrote an article with the very provocative title: "Spiritual, But Not Religious? Please Stop Boring Me." If you think this was a rant,... Continue Reading →
The Civic Church
What is the role of the church in a society? That's the question that I've been trying to answer for a few years. I think blogger Michael Kruse came up with the best answer. Before I get to Michael's quote, let's look at opinion piece by David Brooks that Kruse comments on. Brooks offer his... Continue Reading →
Sunday Sermon: “No Do Overs”
This is a sermon I preached in 2007 for the Baptism of Our Lord which is next Sunday. I happen to be preaching next Sunday. No, I won't be using this sermon. “No Do Overs” Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:15-22 January 7, 2007 (Baptism of Our Lord) Community of Grace Christian Church* Minneapolis, MN Did you... Continue Reading →
About That Interview…
Some of you might have noticed that there is an article in the most recent Christian Century with a Disciples pastor in Minneapolis by the name of Dennis Sanders. I haven't said much about it, but I wanted to provide some background to the article. Steve Thorngate, the editor sent me an email over the... Continue Reading →
Soul Searching, Republicans and the Mainline Church
Being a Republican right now is both frustrating and a bit hopeful. As someone who has been worried about the direction of the party over the years, there is something hopeful of how Republicans are trying to understand the sweeping victory of the Democrats last week. I've seen a bunch of articles about the how... Continue Reading →
Our Hope Is Built on Nothing Less…
A few thoughts on the election... -My candidate for President didn't win, but the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota was defeated. Three other states, Maine, Maryland and Washington all voted in favor of legalizing same sex marriage. Personally, I think it's a great move forward in gay rights. That said, I think... Continue Reading →
The Intolerable Thing
It's quite common in Progressive Christian circles to talk about the importance of justice or doing things for others over belief. There is a reason for this; that being the sad history of people who had solid beliefs in Christianity and yet their lives did not reflect what they were saying. I am reminded of... Continue Reading →
One More Post On Ross Douthat and Liberal Christianity
In the week or so since New York Times columnist Ross Douthat wrote his column on Liberal Christianity, there has been a ton of responses from Progressive Christians on the issue- most of it taking umbrage at Douthat's article. Because Douthat is a political and social conservative, many progressives easily wrote him off and saw... 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 →
The Clockwork Pastor 