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”
Category Archives: GOD STUFF
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”
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”
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”
Is it time to break up with your church?, prt. 1
I recently wrote a five-part series on how to break up with your church. This, of course, presumes that the question of whether it’s time to break up with your church has already been resolved. However, for many people, deciding whether or not this is what needs to be done is the most difficult part.Continue reading “Is it time to break up with your church?, prt. 1”
David Fitch — Prodigal Christianity
David Fitch is one of my favorite thinkers currently thinking and writing about the church. For me, he provides a welcome relief from writers like David Platt and Francis Chan, two thinkers who are very popular, and obviously well-intentioned, but who are suggesting cures for the church that I’m convinced are actually part of theContinue reading “David Fitch — Prodigal Christianity”
Dr. Rupert Sheldrake on scientific dogma
In this video, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, of Clare College (a college within the University of Cambridge) outlines ten beliefs that have become dogma for the majority of scientists and well-educated people. There isn’t time in the video to get into sufficient detail, but I will definitely be reading his book, “The Science Delusion,” as manyContinue reading “Dr. Rupert Sheldrake on scientific dogma”
How to break up with your church, prt. 5 (of 5)
…continued from How to break up with your church, prt. 4 5. When you break up with your church, be aware that pastors can bumble these moments as easily as anyone else. Some will bumble it badly. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but as a group, pastors are no more matureContinue reading “How to break up with your church, prt. 5 (of 5)”
Temp Arbor 