The Culture Wars and the Mind of the Modern Christian

I was at an ecumenical LGBT meeting several years back.  What we were talking about, I can't remember, but I remember saying something about the Great Commission found in Matthew 28.  Accross the room from me was a middle aged man from Canada.  I could see him mouth the words "Great Commission" and he had... Continue Reading →

Via Media Disciples?

I've noticed a blog called Via Media Methodists which is trying to get out of the left-right box the American church finds itself in.  That leaves me wondering: are there a group of Disciples who want to elevate the discourse in our tradition? This is how Via Media Methodists describe themselves: Via media, Latin for... Continue Reading →

On the WorldVision Retraction

Most of the people who read this blog know that I try to understand and respect the views of evangelicals and conservative Christians.  I came from that background and even though I'm a mainline Protestant, the theology that made me who I am is the evangelical faith of my youth.  Because of that and because... Continue Reading →

All Means Almost

I've never watched Duck Dynasty.  I didn't really know about Phil Robertson until he uttered his beliefs on homosexuality and race. It's no surprise that I don't agree with either of those views.  But there is a question that keeps rumbling in my mind.  It's not directed at Robertson, it's directed to my fellow Christians... Continue Reading →

A More Excellent Way

And I’m going to show you an even better way. -I Corinthians 12:31 I remember several years ago reading a newsstory about the same-sex marriage debate taking place in the Canadian province of Alberta.  Two men who wanted to get married took the province to court and won.  When asked about the verdict, one of... Continue Reading →

Some Thoughts on the Frank Schaefer Case

I haven't followed the news about Methodist minister Frank Schaefer as closely as I should have.  For those who know even less, Frank Schaefer faced a church trail for going against the Book of Discipline by marrying two men (one of who happened to be his son).   What I do know about the affair has... Continue Reading →

Building a Bridge with Beer

A few weeks ago, I sat down for a beer with a fellow pastor.  Actually, I had hard cider- he had the beer.  The pastor is theologically conservative and sees me- a gay pastor with an orthodox theology as a bit of an enigma. We had a very good discussion talking about church and life... Continue Reading →

“It’s the End of the World As We Know It!” (Or Not)

The government shutdown is frustrating on many levels.  I do think the House Republicans are silly in their demands that the President would simply cave and let  signature program of his tenure be dismantled (and I say that as someone that has issues with the Affordable Care Act). But as much as the House GOP... Continue Reading →

These Aren’t the Evangelicals You’re Looking For

A few years ago, I was invited by a Lutheran friend of mine to take part in a group of church planters.  I knew these folk came from an evangelical background and my "shields" went up.  Would these people accept me?  Did I have to go into the closet here? After a while, the woman... Continue Reading →

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