Eleven years ago on September 11, I was in college. I was getting out of a Tuesday morning class when I heard people talking about an airplane crash. As I walked back to my apartment, I heard more and more…
(Re)Insert “God” here
I was having lunch with a friend the other and he was telling me about a meeting he attended with some others pastors. Apparently there was a discussion about the book of the month, and this time the topic was evangelism. One…
Beware of fact checkers
My uncle James is one of the greatest storytellers I have ever known. He just loves sharing a good story. I remember an early morning phone call (5 am) while I was a student in England when he just had…
Giving God a bad name?
By Alan Bean Republicans and Democrats are fighting about God. The GOP scored points by publicizing the fact that the blue team’s platform doesn’t mention the Almighty. Democrats responded by putting God back in their policy document and ensuring that…
Three questions
Following Jesus — while dealing with family, friends, work, school, the larger world and one’s self — gets complicated. Throw in background noise from political campaigns, product advertising and advocates of all sorts, and it is little wonder we lose…
Deacons in a Baptist church are a waste if . . .
Sarah looks at the ballot for deacons for the coming year in her congregation. Today in the Sunday worship services is the annual election of a new set of deacons. As she looks at the ballot, she wonders to herself,…
First take on Obama’s DNC speech
By David P. Gushee Following up on last week’s column analyzing Mitt Romney’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, here’s a parallel analysis of last night’s speech by President Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C….
Romney’s faith takes center stage
If you’ve followed the election coverage much over the past year you may have realized how absent Mitt Romney’s faith was from the national conversation. This marked a big shift from his 2008 bid when his Republican opponents attacked him…
The empty pew
Though it happened at the dedication of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, I imagine it to have been a scene in a Monty Python movie! Solomon is praying in I Kings 8. And most of what he has prayed for is…
Stewardship of the mundane
By Amy Butler Stewardship season is around the corner, and it isn’t a favorite of mine. Perhaps the pastor shouldn’t say those words aloud, but it’s true. From where I sit, it annoys me that we even have a “season”…
Live from the DNC: Power and vulnerability
Monday was Labor Day, and rather than starting their convention, the DNC chose to throw a big party for the city, filling Tryon Street (Charlotte’s Main Street) with vendors, bands, displays, free museum admission, and a festive atmosphere for all….
Beautiful City
As I’ve been doing some writing today I’ve been listening to music on my computer. I’d loaded some new songs and I smiled as the opening notes of “Beautiful City” from “Godspell” began. It’s always been one of my favorite…