Our son, Mattias, is a complicated kid. He’s sweet, creative and remarkably intelligent. But to say he is strong willed would be underselling his capacity for intransigence. When he was in preschool he, like many kids, went through a “naked phase.” He never wanted to have his clothes on at home (which was no small issue with regard to our furniture’s upkeep), and getting him dressed in the morning was part chore and part all-out war. “We have one of... Read more
Our entire family, including my wife, Rev. Amy Piatt, and my two kids, took part in the Portland Gay Pride parade this weekend. We stood on a float in the rain and waved to thousands of people lining the streets, from the park blocks to the riverfront. It truly was a joyful day, but of course, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of the church officially being represented in the parade. Why not just take part as individuals? Why... Read more
I’m getting really excited about the release of my next book on August 12th, “postChristian: What’s Left? Can We Fix It? Do We Care?” with Hachette/Jericho. Though it’s still two months away from the hardback release, I have a few exciting things to share. First, I found out today that Jericho will be at Wild Goose, where I’ll be talking about the book for the first time to an audience. Word I got was that they’ll be giving away advance... Read more
Recently I was the guest fool on Two Friars and a Fool, a (usually video) blog devoted to creating a deliberate environment of congenial, impassioned debates about all matters theological, or tangentially theological, or even adjacent to theology when viewed from a certain angle and with the benefit of an irresponsible blood-alcohol level. Hosts Nick Larson and Doug Hagler interviewed me about my new self-published novel Blood Doctrine. I shared how Blood Doctrine came to be, the ideas behind writing a work... Read more
Join Amy, Andy and Christian on the Piatt back porch in the latest Homebrewed Christianity Culture Cast. With Jess the intern and Philip the Page matriculating to something better, it’s just the three stooges holding down the fort. This show features an interview with artist, author, film director, theologian, and all-around badass, Frank Schaeffer. He has a new book out, Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in God, and joins the show to talk a whole range of topics, from... Read more
I’ve always loved Pentecost. I’m not entirely sure why, but the Pentecost story in the Book of Acts always resonated with me. There are these followers of Jesus, now alone and without his guidance. They’re being persecuted, and they’re more than a little discouraged about what to do. Then this violent wind-like spirit blows in, their heads kind of light on fire and they start babbling like idiots, to the point that onlookers figure they’re drunk. What’s not to like,... Read more
Taking a departure from heinous church signs today to delve into the disturbingly rich landscape of badass Jesus iconography. Like them, or Jesus will personally rip you in half. Read more
In today’s show, Patrick and Christian take a virtual trip to Colorado by tasting Breckenridge Bourbon and discuss Christian’s 1st home-brew, a Pale Ale called “Hop On Pop.” Also learn the meaning behind Angel’s Share (if you don’t already know!), which American maker ships their whiskey to age near the sea and how to nose whiskey without burning out your sinuses! “Whiskey, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then it’s time to drink.” – Haruki Murakami Listen to... Read more
I have long been intrigued by the concept of Jesus being the third way; offering something different than the church and secular culture. As I learned different interpretations of the crucifixion, I became preoccupied by nonviolent activism and responding to aggression with nonviolent resistance. My latest questions revolve around sacrament. What makes a sacrament? What gives power to a sacrament? I am part of a denomination known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Alexander Campbell, one of the forefathers... Read more
For the next couple of weeks, we’re running a giveaway on Goodreads. Click the button in the widget below if you’re on Goodreads and be entered to win a free copy of my novel, Blood Doctrine. Can be any e-book format you like, or we will mail a hard copy. Part of the goal is also to get folks to add it to their “to read” or “reading now bookshelves, and to get people encouraged to rate it, review it... Read more
Christian Piatt
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