Closer than Ever to the Breath of God
Why Protestants are especially fascinated with the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Until that discovery, the oldest complete manuscript we have of the Hebrew Bible dates from over a thousand years after Christ's birth—the Codex Leningrad, about A.D. 1000. That is 1,600 years after the time when the book was first written (sometime in the 7th century B.C.).
I Don’t Wait Anymore
Waiting for the right reason
I lived like I was waiting for something. And that’s why I slipped off my ring that day. It wasn’t that I wanted to sleep with people – I haven’t. It wasn’t a slap to True Love Waits, or to anyone who wears a purity ring – saving sex for marriage is good and is... Continue Reading
The Gay Protest That Encountered the Love of God
Church lovingly welcomes gay protestors at a worship service
“As the pastor of FIRE Church, I just want you to know that you’ll be greeted with the same love and compassion as we always endeavor to show anyone–you are more-than-welcome! You make mention of the ‘hate’ that we show. Yet, in all our years here we’ve only desired to reach out with love to... Continue Reading
Who Can Teach Leadership?
It is not so much about familiarity with business as it is about trust
You will walk into a room as the designated leader….You will need to gain the trust of a group that includes members with whom you may have little in common. Someone may ask what makes you think you can lead. Do not resent them for it….Whatever you may have done before, what matters most is... Continue Reading
Bishop Finn of Kansas City Sentenced to Two Years Probation For Failure to Report Suspected Child Abuse
Bishop Robert W. Finn is the highest-ranking Catholic official to be convicted during the church's long sexual abuse scandal
The case stemmed from the diocese’s slow dealing with Shawn Ratigan, a priest from Independence, Missouri, who pleaded guilty in August to five charges of child pornography. Prosecutors said it took nearly five months for church officials to notify police that disturbing images of children had been found on Ratigan’s computer. A judge... Continue Reading
Gabriel Vahanian, Professor, Dies at 85; Was Linked to ‘Death of God’ Movement
The man behind the "God is dead" movement has died
“God is not necessary, but he is inevitable,” Mr. Vahanian wrote in 1964 in “Wait Without Idols,” displaying the gnomic style that sometimes tried reviewers’ patience (and eschewing capital letters when referring to the deity). “He is wholly other and wholly present. Faith in him, the conversion of our human reality, both culturally and existentially,... Continue Reading
Democrats and Abortion: Why the DNC “Cheering” Disturbs Me So Much
"At some point, you start to alienate people. Thirty percent of Democrats are pro-life" --Cokie Roberts
If you are going to be pro-choice, at least don't cheer the idea-- at least long to make abortion "rare." Whatever your views on abortion, and whether you're Republican or Democrat, cheering is not the right response.
The Narrative of Struggle and Political Power
Everyone wants someone in the family tree who was a coal miner, an immigrant, a maid, a bartender, a handyman, or janitor
How should we assess this ever-present narrative of struggle? Is it good for American politics? Good for Christians? Good for the soul? Or are there dangers? Let me offer one observation, two appreciations, and three concerns.
Why Blasphemy Laws Are Wrong
The kingdom of God doesn’t consist in talk but in power
The old Puritan colonies of New England drove out dissenters, true enough, and Christianity was as official as could be, and those places are now as burned over and secular as it gets in the United States.
Emergent Christians and 9/11
“What we’re hearing are the death cries of Christendom" --P. Tickle, EC
The New Atheists, on the other hand, seemed to gain a boost by labeling all pious citizens as potentially dangerous fanatics. Optimism faded for a short while (notice the darker colors and military surplus style in fashion or the pre-2008 cynicism in both political parties).