Ordinary Time on the church’s liturgical calendar is so named not because it has been demoted, but rather because it is ordinal or numbered. This includes the Sundays following Epiphany up to Lent, then the longer stretch from Pentecost to…
Is Theology Beer Camp right for you?
Theology Beer Camp began as an experiment in “pub theology.” A few “theology nerds” delving into deep subjects like God, the universe and the meaning of life over a few brews. Tripp Fuller, a theologian best known for his podcast,…
One idea on how to limit the wealthy from buying elections
Recently, Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire. A trillion dollars is beyond my comprehension level, but The Guardian newspaper interprets Musk’s $1.1 trillion to be more than the Gross Domestic Product of all but 21 nations. The paper further…
Not famous but eternally important
How many of you remember Phoebe? She was a deacon in the New Testament church at Cenchrea. She’s not one of the Bible’s most famous people, but she was eternally important. Not because she was a deacon but because she…
We must see faithfully before we can serve faithfully
Democracy often is discussed in the language of elections, institutions, constitutions and public policy. Scripture begins elsewhere. Before it concerns itself with governments, it concerns itself with people. Before it addresses systems, it forms character. That is why Proverbs 4…
Stop being press agents for Trump’s negativity
As a person who spends a lot of time searching for ways to create spaces for healing light to reside, I have thought about many ways in which the media world can contribute to creating a counter-narrative to the Trump…
Small things
I recently discovered the work of the Polish poet Anna Kamienska. Her work titled “Small Things” runs 30 lines, but here is enough to suggest what she is up to. It usually starts taking shape From one word Reveals itself…
The White House is a crime scene
The White House is often called “The People’s House.” It is supposed to symbolize public service, sacrifice and stewardship. Yet for many Americans, a troubling question now hangs over Washington: Has the presidency become the most profitable business venture in…
The gospel according to Bruce Hornsby and the Range
There is a shift that happens in my bones when Bruce Hornsby and the Range begin their hit song, “The Way It Is,” with that beautiful, iconic rolling piano riff. Perhaps it is because this melody is arguably one of…
Should joining a church be as easy as getting a prescription for Viagra?
“All in favor, say ‘Aye.’” “AYE!” the congregation heartily said. “Any opposed?” And with a saccharine smile, the pastor would say, “Of course there’s no opposition,” then turn to the newly approved church members and say, “Welcome. Stand here with…
Letter to the Editor: Ditch voter guides in favor of Vote411.org
Dear Editor: Two years ago, a voter guide showed up in mailboxes across St. Johns County, Fla. It looked official. It wasn’t. This month, two sitting county commissioners and a former city mayor will appear in court charged with conspiracy…
Pastoral care is not therapy
Your first interdisciplinary team meeting has finally arrived. Anxiety builds to the verge of panic, as you increasingly feel a step behind. The physician and registered nurses discuss diagnoses. The psychologist outlines treatment goals, and the licensed clinical social worker…