Musings on Faith, Culture and ADHD
Like many people, I've been rather surprised to hear that Oscar Pistorius has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend. The South African athelete, who is a double amputee, is known as "Blade Runner" for his carbon fiber legs and his speed. Pistorius was a symbol that persons with disabilities can achieve great feats,... Continue Reading →
This summer the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will gather for its biennial General Assembly in Orlando. One of the items to be considered is a resolution proclaiming the denomination Open and Affirming to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. A resolution is for the most part a sense of the Assembly and carries no... Continue Reading →
One of the things that Progressive Christians like to say about themselves is how welcoming and tolerant they are. Compared to their more conservative cousins, progressives can pride themselves in being able to think for themselves and to have a place where all ideas and beliefs can be shared without fear. Why, your progressive church... Continue Reading →
It's always nice to know other folks are thinking about church in society: When presented with almost any social problem (education, health care, poverty, family life, and so on), today’s leaders typically point to one of two possible solutions—a freer market or a stronger state. But in opposition to these rather myopic solutions, I think... Continue Reading →
I preached this tonight at our Blue Christmas Service. “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?” Isaiah 49:14-16 and Matthew 2:1-23 Blue Christmas Service December 19, 2012 First Christian Church Minneapolis, MN It’s Christmastime! It’s the time of the year that we are supposed to be happy and we consider it “the most wonderful time... Continue Reading →
Since I work for the Presbyterians, I spent some time this summer watching the live feed from the 220th General Assembly in Pittsburgh. On the penultimate day of the Assembly there was discussion on allowing ministers to be able to marry same-sex couples. It was not a surprise to see conservatives quoting scripture. In fact,... Continue Reading →
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 →
“Keep Calm and Carry On” Mark 13:1-8 and Hebrews 10:11-18 Twenty Fifth Sunday of Pentecost November 18, 2012 First Christian Church Minneapolis, MN I can remember that afternoon very clearly. It was a rainy Sunday and I was taking a nap after church. It was then we heard the sirens go on. We turned on... Continue Reading →
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 →
“In God We Trust” Mark 10:17-31 Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost October 14, 2012 First Christian Church Minneapolis, MN I will admit it: I really don’t like this passage. Why don’t I like it? For a lot of reasons. I don’t like how people sometimes use this passage to lord over others. People who are full... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 