I must admit being a little leery of persons who see signs of divine intervention at every turn. Whether it be an open parking space, a favorite team’s victory, or finding the last toy on the shelf (the perfect gift…
Justice and joy combined in the words of Mary
Justice and joy are intertwined, not unlike the link between joy and pain. To love is to suffer, as the mystics remind us. Deeply acquainted with the recesses of the human heart, C. S. Lewis wrote: “Joy is distinct not…
Keeping awake to the power of kindness, civility and nonviolent protest
One of my favorite cartoons depicts two little creatures watching the ark pull away from the shore. One remarks to the other, “Oh, shoot. Was that today?” Apparently they are the only ones who miss the departure. The Gospel reading…
Religious liberty amidst religious pluralism
I spent Sunday with the good folk of University Heights Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo. It is a strong American Baptist Churches-Cooperative Baptist Fellowship church, and annually the congregation hosts a Baptist Heritage Sunday. Last year Dr. Neville Callam of…
Our problem with humility
Humility has been called the master virtue. If one can grow in humility the rest of the spiritual life falls into place. Yet being humble is really hard and goes against the grain of everything our self-actualized culture professes. Humility…
Prayer in the present chaos
In the nightmare of this presidential election season, many are tempted to swear off (hopefully not just swear at) political engagement. The level of discourse has been hard to endure as ad hominem allegations have generally trumped substance. When the…
Can we talk about sexuality?
Can we talk about sexuality? Recently a pastor in Kansas has been challenging my school and me personally on our position concerning our faithfulness to Scripture concerning human sexuality. It reminds me of the sustained conversation in Southern Baptist life…
Can a Baptist be a Catholic?
A cadre of Baptist scholars has been writing about emerging catholicity, the holy desire for unity among all ecclesial communions. Taking tradition more seriously as a source for theological construction, these Baptists urge usage of the ancient creeds of the…
Finding Christian leaders in a shifting religious terrain
It’s that time of year again. New books, backpacks, technology, schedules, classes and teachers conspire with learners to develop their lives. At every level of education, including graduate study in seminaries, the goal is to engage students in the practices…