When conservatives say, “You can’t pick and choose which parts of the Bible support your beliefs, and ignore the rest,” How do you respond? Recently, a friend gave me this conservative line about selectively reading and interpreting scriptures. I pointed out that almost nobody follows the whole Bible. There’s a reason why Christians don’t sell our daughters for a bride price, or marry them off to someone who rapes them. As it should be, you never hear about Jesus’s... Read more
Everyone has darkness in their soul. Instead of trying to drive out darkness, Jesus and Lao say there’s a mysterious virtue in nurturing it. There’s a mysterious virtue hidden in the Tao Te Ching. This Chinese word for “virtue” is more than simple goodness. Instead, Te means a way of being that is full of harmony and authenticity. This verse explores how to live with such a virtue. Jesus and Lao Tzu agree that to nurture this virtue, you must... Read more
Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a magical romp through an ancient fairyland. How can it help you celebrate the summer solstice? It’s halfway to Christmas. And time for a little magic. Shakespeare depicts midsummer as a mystical time when fairies play tricks on people and love is in the air. The holiday has a long tradition in northern Europe. Neopagans call the summer solstice Litha, while Christians observe it as the Nativity of John the Baptist. Why... Read more
All people change. Some change more than others. And that’s okay. Here’s why you should call trans folks by their new names and pronouns. In my article, “What’s In a Name? Deadnaming, Misgendering & Other Rudeness,” I discuss the importance of calling people by their new names and pronouns. I got some pushback from that article, so I’d like to double down. The Bible offers many examples of people who changed their names, and identities. Christians have no issues referring... Read more
Don’t miss Disney’s Inside Out 2. The new film highlights both mental health and spiritual wellness. And there’s an app for that! Adults often give Disney films a pass, expecting little more than heroes, magic, and princesses who save the day. But Disney’s June 2024 release isn’t just for kids. Sure, children will love the show—the one sitting next to us laughed all the way to the end. But if you’re looking for a smart and spiritual look at... Read more
In “Racism in the Pews: A Pastor’s Confession of Compromise,” I bared my shame. Here’s how compromise can lead to conviction and action. Do you remember the longstanding tradition of “testimony night” in Evangelical churches? In the absence of a sermon, church members would get up and tell their own stories of God’s goodness. At testimony night, we heard tales of miracles, of broken relationships restored, and of blessings. But the ones that always moved us the most were the... Read more
“So, the Black church invited you to guest preach?” my deacon asked. “Do you think that’s wise?” Yes, this was a 21st-century conversation. One of the wonderful things about having been either a youth pastor or senior pastor at six churches is that when I talk about them, nobody knows which church it was. So, there will be no names—but this really happened. This is the tragedy of a congregation and community in the rural South, where such things still... Read more
Ever carry a cup filled to the brim? Some of it always ends up on your shoes. Jesus and Lao Tzu agree that empty is better than full. Through the examples of an empty cup and a dull knife, Lao Tzu shows the pathway to heaven. Jesus agrees—empty and dull things are better than full and sharp. In verse eight of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says: Tao Te Ching, Verse 9. McDonald Translation: It is easier... Read more
I’ll always regret baptizing 10% of our kids in Vacation Bible School that year. Yes, that’s right—keep reading to find out why. That sizzling summer stands out to me in sharp relief. It represents the height of this evangelical (at the time) pastor’s missionary fervor. It was my second summer at the church. I’d been there long enough to visit most of the families, endear myself to the children, and begin to have influence in their lives. Ours was a... Read more
In Outlander Season Eight (now in production) we will meet Quaker characters, named after Christian virtues. What would your Quaker name be? If you’re an Outlander fan like me, you might be sad to learn that Season eight will be the final chapter of this great TV series. Set for release in late 2024 or 2025, the final season will be based on Diana Gabaldon’s latest novel in the Outlander series, Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone. Though... Read more
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