How do we discern how the Spirit works in our particularities for the sake of the larger mission? Today I imagine the Spirit’s fire would fall down on LGBTQ folk, enabling them to speak to God’s testifying work in their lives and in their communities.
Blessed are the foolish, for they are key to healthy churches
Signs of a healthy church are not necessarily a polished worship service, a jazzy children’s program or excellent preaching, but a place where fools are welcome and celebrated. This church is led by the most foolish one of all, the God who voluntarily became human to dwell among other foolish humans, so that they might become God’s children.
A case for making the sign of the cross — even for us Baptists (and other Protestants)
What would it look like for Baptists and other Protestants to recover and reclaim the ancient tradition of making the sign of the cross? Lent might be an opportune time to find out.
Falwell and Luther: a theology of glory versus a theology of the cross
Jerry Falwell Jr. and other evangelical leaders espouse what Martin Luther called a “theology of glory.” Falwell has a lot of company. Christian history is full of examples of people finding God on their side when articulating their theology, even, and especially when, their theology concretely harms people.
Of all topics, why did John Piper choose to focus on the propriety of women teaching men?
All of life is subject to theological reflection, but we should discern carefully what garners our attention. Choosing to reflect on how women should be controlled rather than on current events that are life and death for many persons in the United States is unwise and unfruitful.
Moderateness as betrayal of the gospel
In his 1963 “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King Jr. criticized “white moderates,” identifying them as feeling empathy toward the civil rights movement, but not acting upon it. King’s “white moderate” compares to contemporary white Baptists who claim…
How Long, O Lord?
“How Long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” the Psalmist asks. African Americans ask this question in the wake of the murder of nine Christians at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina during a Wednesday…
We shout ‘Peace, Peace,’ when there is no peace
For those of us who follow the liturgical calendar in our churches, the season of Advent is the time where we focus on the virtues of hope, peace, joy, and love – perhaps lighting a candle on an advent wreath…
Humility: A key to postmodern faith?
I never expected to land on humility as an emphasis of study in postgraduate work, but it makes sense. Ever since God called me to vocational ministry, I’ve been interested in the intersection of faith, academics and postmodern culture. Reflecting…