temparbor

What My Perfect Post Would Say

I realized today that my obsession with blogging is actually a search for the perfect post. I want to write a post that can heal the wounds of all who read it, that can turn a selfish reader into a selfless one, that can convince every reader that they don’t have to worry about theirContinue reading “What My Perfect Post Would Say”

Compassion vs. Approval/Disapproval

The Place of Compassion If you think of disapproval and approval of people [and their actions/attitudes/opinions] as two opposite ends of a continuum, where would you put compassion? It’s a trick question. Compassion doesn’t even belong on that continuum. Compassion is something wholly different. You will automatically tend to sit in judgment on whatever youContinue reading “Compassion vs. Approval/Disapproval”

Six Words That Would Transform Most Marriages

[This post was previously titled My Book About Sex] If I could write just one book that would transform most marriages, it would have two chapters, and six words. In fact, I’ll write that book right now. I will release all copyrights to it, and you are free to distribute this fantastic advice from aContinue reading “Six Words That Would Transform Most Marriages”

The Best Way to Live

When looking for examples of the best way to live and move the world forward, is it generally best to look to people above us or below us? Smarter or stupider? Braver or more cowardly? Happier or less happy? More or less content? More virtuous or less so? Nearly every universally respected person — MLKContinue reading “The Best Way to Live”

Goodbye, Roger Ebert

I am mourning the death of Roger Ebert, a man who taught me about so much more than movies. Ebert’s TV shows played an important role in my childhood, from Siskel and Ebert, to Sneak Previews, to Ebert & Roeper, to Ebert’s last television effort, co-produced with his wife Chaz, Ebert Presents: At the Movies. I somehow never felt like IContinue reading “Goodbye, Roger Ebert”

Five Things to Remember Before Sharing Truth with Someone

My work with individuals — students, parishioners, and clients — is built squarely on the critical role of truth and truth-telling. Below are some of my core beliefs about truth, and these core beliefs determine how I approach the truth in my work with people. I think more people (especially, but not only, religious people)Continue reading “Five Things to Remember Before Sharing Truth with Someone”

Building the blog

I’ll be posting less often and building the blog over the next few months. I have done several hundred hours of work on this blog since I have returned home from the hospital. I have been posting like crazy while I have been sick, and am still working mostly from home, but will be postingContinue reading “Building the blog”

Thoughts about gay people and Christianity

I don’t understand the gay people and Christianity thing. I’m talking about the extent to which the evangelical church is willing to alienate one of our society’s most persecuted groups in the name of doctrinal purity, or what they usually call, “holiness.” When this word is used in regard to the gay debate, itContinue reading “Thoughts about gay people and Christianity”

Personal Pan Pizza Jesus

It’s evening. You’re hanging around at Pizza Hut with your friends. After some discussion and a bit of debate (and a brief filibuster from Zac, who’s allergic to everything), you place your order. The pizza comes and everyone digs in. When the evening is finished and everyone goes home, there are one or two slices of pizza stillContinue reading “Personal Pan Pizza Jesus”

Is it time to break up with your church?, prt. 2

…continued from a previous post 5. It may be time to leave now If you feel that because of all the money you have given, or all the time you have spent at the church, you deserve more power and recognition, and you are resentful that you are not getting your due, it is timeContinue reading “Is it time to break up with your church?, prt. 2”