We’ve all heard sermons on the temptation of Jesus from Luke 4. I’ve personally witnessed it used as “proof” of an ontological devil, and that Jesus is perfect in some ambiguously obscure way simply because he succeeded on his vision quest. Pretty boring, am I right? But what if there is something much more going on here? What if this little narrative is an admonishment of mixing two means of power? The state and religion. Notice, Jesus is first tempted... Read more
Today is Cancer Awareness Day, which makes it a sad day for many. All of us have been touched by this devastating disease in one way or another. Years ago, lung cancer took my grandmother, Betty. Quick, I might add. But I guess that’s better than suffering for decades. A few years back, colon cancer tried its damnedest to take my best friend’s life. I’m happy to report that it failed, and Michael has been cancer-free for some time now.... Read more
Once upon a time, I nailed 35 theses to the Patheos wall. That was almost exactly six years ago, so perhaps a lot has changed. The other day, on nearly the anniversary of the Reformation, while perusing the Patheos site I noticed front and center was a set of 95 theses from a Baptist blogger named Layne Wallace. I clicked on it, read the list, and immediately had a few questions and comments for this gentleman. And before I begin,... Read more
“Someone asked me today in the media, they said people are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun? I said, Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. That’s my worldview, that’s what I believe.” – Mike Johnson Recently sworn-in Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, told rightwing propagandist Sean Hannity that his worldview is contained within the 66 books of the Protestant Bible, and that all one has to do... Read more
Donald Trump currently faces four criminal trials, as well as multiple civil ones, including the fraud case where he and his family were recently found liable. The only questions in that case are “will more charges be added and how much will he have to pay?” There will also be the matter of his New York properties, which we all know stings him like hell. Perhaps more than any other case right now. The other trials … Trump actually enjoys... Read more
Note: This article comes from chapter 1 of the book, Sitting in the Shade of Another Tree, which is out now from Quoir Publishing and Patheos. “There is a person whose appearance on earth is for the well-being and happiness of all. Who is that person?” This is a question from the “Anguttara Nikaya.” For Buddhists, that person is the Buddha. For Christians, that person is Jesus Christ. Through your daily life, you can help that person continue. You only... Read more
You hear a friend of yours is in an auto accident, but you don’t yet know whether he’s alive or not. What good will prayer do since he’s in fact either alive or dead? Well, God knows how you’ll freely pray in response to hearing the news of this accident; so, in his foreknowledge, he may have worked out his purposes in advance so that your friend would live in direct response to the prayer you offered up—but die if... Read more
“Fair lady!” said Frodo again after a while. “Tell me, if my asking does not seem foolish, who is Tom Bombadil?” “He is,” said Goldberry, staying her swift movements and smiling. Frodo looked at her questioningly. “He is, as you have seen him,” she said in answer to his look. “He is the Master of wood, water, and hill.” There have been many theories, some better than others, as to who—or rather, what—Tom Bombadil is. From him being the embodiment... Read more
Grace is a key concept within Christianity. As is repentance. In fact, many Christians, including (and maybe especially) Evangelicals, say that grace without repentance is meaningless. Perhaps we can call this “cheap grace.” Okay. Fair enough. I’ve read Bonhoeffer … and I get where this line of thinking comes from. So, I only have one question: What about Donald Trump? Now, it’s not my intention to weigh in on his multitude of felonies spanning what is currently four indictments, or... Read more
A lot of people reading this are not going to agree with me. Some of you will be out-and-out furious with what I have to say. But I’ve never been one to shy away from controversy and I’m not going to start now. The song W.A.P. by Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, aside from being an absolute bop, is women’s liberation at its finest. Sure, it’s full of vulgarity and raunchiness. White evangelicals will squirm in their pews upon... Read more
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