It’s increasingly clear that Donald Trump is likely to lose the presidential election on November 8th. But that would be the best thing that could happen for him. I’ve written before about his private desire not to win from the outset, which is no headline-grabber by now. The reason is, in part, because of rumors about a “Trump TV” network launching after it’s all told. But there’s more to it than that, as fellow Billionaire Mark Cuban says. Once he’s no... Read more
Can you be a Christian and not believe in God? Tom Krattenmaker thinks so. We talk about his new book, “Confessions of a Secular Jesus Follower,” and why he feels like Jesus has a path that makes his life – and those of others, if they’ll be open to it – more rich and meaningful, regardless of theological belief. Refreshingly compassionate toward evangelical Christians, the USA Today columnist and editor has a history of dispelling religious stereotypes. But rather than advocating for understanding... Read more
My recent trip to the middle east – specifically the Kingdom of Jordan – was themed “Strong in the Broken Places.” In a region surrounded by such conflict, violence and division, how does Jordan remain a safe haven for citizens, immigrants and pilgrims alike? In the midst of brokenness, from where do they find their strength? After two years of struggling with both epilepsy and hypertension, dual diagnoses given to me within weeks of each other, I went in search of strength in... Read more
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances… -William Shakespeare, “As You Like It” Before anything else, Donald Trump is an entertainer. He knows how to build a brand: in this case, his own name. To his credit he has kept his name – and an association of wealth and glamour with it – in the public eye for decades. He’s good enough at it that just licensing out his... Read more
Following is part of a series of essays from my press tour to Jordan, sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board and Phillips Theological Seminary. As we neared the Jordan River, we came across Elijah’s Hill, the site where many believe the prophet ascended to heaven. Such ascension stories are found in many of the world’s religions, including Islam. The Prophet Muhammad himself (peace be upon him) was said to have ascended in similar fashion, as did Jesus. It symbolizes transcendence,... Read more
Slim Moon sits down with Jake Morrill, head of the Christian Universalist Church, for the second part of their chat: this time about the future of the institutional church as a whole. Does it have a chance at survival? What will change, and what will remain? Do we need organized religion to pursue an authentic experience of the Divine? The CultureCast trio then talks about when, or if, violence are ever justified for police. And as people of faith, can... Read more
Following is from a press tour sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board and through the generosity of Phillips Theological Seminary. The theme of my trip is “Strong in the Broken Places.” Two years ago, I was working on the couch in our living room when I noticed a weird chemical smell, like acetone, filled my sinuses. Then I was seized by an overwhelming sense of dread, as if the worst thing I could imagine was inevitable, any moment. Then the heat... Read more
We had our friend, Rev. Aaron Metcalf, on the CultureCast this week to share his amazing story about his childhood. He went from being a relative pariah and the subject of relentless bullying to being the one who shoved others outside the circle. But it turns out that, at least in this case, karma is real, and it’s a mofo. He also challenges our stereotypes about the Church of Christ, of which he’s a part, which is always a good thing.... Read more
Alan Chambers, former long-time Director of Exodus International, speaks in this episode about his struggle with his own sexual orientation, a love-hate relationship with church and his eventual closure of the once-notorious “Conversion Therapy” organization. Chambers headed the Christian-based conversion group for years, having gone through the program himself. But after much prayerful contemplation and soul-searching, he realized it was the wrong thing to do. How did he know? He knew in his own heart that he was still gay.... Read more
In this CultureCast mini-sode, I chat with Todd Komarnicki, screenwriter for the new Clint Eastwood/Tom Hanks flick, SULLY. The movie focuses on Chelsey Sullenberger, captain of the US Air flight that he landed in the middle of the Hudson River after engine failures, saving all 155 people on board. Turns out there was more controversy around the heroic act than many of us may remember, and Todd breaks down why this is a story that needed to be told on the... Read more
Christian Piatt
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