It is worrying that valueless loyalty has achieved a stranglehold on much of the American psyche, having really ratcheted up in this current era of cable news. But even more concerning is that It has also firmly taken hold of evangelical Christianity and propelled it to unsightly levels of hypocrisy.
Check your idols at the church door. Trinket gods aren’t worth much.
Let’s name these false deities security, convenience and control. These are not three separate gods. They are the same idols, simply described in different ways, each highlighting different connotations and pointing in slightly different trajectories.
Thanks for your help, Siri. But what about that human connection?
What happens as our artificial intelligence devices become “smarter” the more we use them? Will they crowd out or confuse our ability and will to make uniquely human connection, to build authentic community?
Savoring the moment when the sacredness of the present is made plain
It is only in suspension that the sacredness of the present is made plain. What lies ahead cannot be seen, but each day has enough trouble of its own. For now, there is this moment. This breath. This being here.
That old-time religion is not what you think
In post-Constantinian Christianity emphasis on living out the values of Jesus and walking in the way of Jesus were replaced with an emphasis on holding to right beliefs about Jesus. The contrasting emphasis was so stark it was like two different religions.
James Cone and becoming black with God
In his lovely, gentle way, he was professionally pissed off, never fully comprehending how anyone could ever imagine a God who was not an advocate for the oppressed.
Paul Ryan and the House chaplain: Proof that prayer works?
The scientific study of prayer focuses on the things for which people most often pray — health concerns, financial difficulties, or societal problems — but the prayers we do not pray are the best evidence that prayer works.
Waffle House, Starbucks — and the Church?: Iconic and vulnerable
In the deadly flash of that AR15, Kenny Peavy’s iconic “welcoming sanctuary,” joined the interminable company of schools, churches, schools, concerts, schools, and other once-but-no-longer-safe-places in the United States.
Powerful words: A blessing or a curse?
Positive words are like a tree of life, a honeycomb, salt, or apples of gold that bring healing, edification, benefits, grace, and life. Negative words are like harmful swords or fires that destroy life and bring death.
Palabras poderosas: ¿bendición o maldición?
Las palabras positivas son como un árbol de vida, un panal de miel, sal, o manzanas de oro que traen sanidad, edificación, beneficio, gracia y vida. Las palabras negativas son como espadas dañinas o fuegos que destruyen la vida y provocan la muerte.
The new soft charismatic cooperation
The luxury of writing off large swaths of Christian churches or denominations based on minor doctrinal disagreements disappeared once we entered post-Christendom full on. Now, as a minority voice in culture, we are looking for friends wherever we can find them.
No prophets in today’s society? Maybe we’re just not listening.
If our culture is devoid of moral depth and lacking in spiritual integrity, how could such a culture recognize a prophet to begin with? “Prophets are not without honor, except in their country,” or so said Jesus not long before they killed him.