(I was invited to take part in a debate about hell at a university recently, but unfortunately, the dates don’t work with y schedule this time. But since it’s an interesting topic, and one about which many folks have questions, I thought I’d share a couple of short essays I’ve written on the subject.) While Jonathan Edwards wasn’t the first to preach about hell and condemnation, his ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’ sermon in 1741 crystallizes the... Read more
This week, Jordan and Christian go way outside of their sphere of personal experience and into the world of white folks. Specifically, we chat it up with author and screenwriter Christian Lander, best known for his bestselling book, “Stuff White People Like.” We talk about white privilege, why humor is sometimes the best tool for getting at difficult truths and why so many knockoff versions of his meme have been, well, let’s say not as good as the original. We... Read more
I got a visit from my pastor recently asking me to give more. Then it occurred to me; my wife is my pastor! And what the heck is she doing with that new Lexus? Gah! Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Family Values” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “God Likes Weed” Edition... Read more
The end is near, kids. Better make sure you have on clean underwear. VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “God Likes Weed” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Big Ass” Edition “Satan’s Graffiti” VIDEO Edition of Church Sign Epic Fails “Beer in Hell” VIDEO Edition of Church Sign Epic Fails “Advent Onslaught” VIDEO Edition of... Read more
For the first time in six centuries, the head of the Catholic Church is stepping down. Some, like Huffington Post Religion’s Senior Editor Paul Raushenbush, have suggested this is an indication that the stodgy religious institution is creeping its way toward modernism. Could it be that the role of Pope will be considered to be that more like a CEO than a sovereign ruler? Is there room within today’s church for its leadership to step down when they feel they... Read more
I’m a total introvert. My wife – in fact, the rest of my family – is not. I work most days in an office by myself in the corner of our house, carved out of a part of the old garage. I write, think, read and I have to say I’m pretty damn happy doing it most days. In fact, I’m typing this by myself in that very office, with a cup of tea, no less. How much of a... Read more
(Another Lenten reflection from the collection I did with Chalice Press, this time looking at the nature of sin and suffering in an environmental context.) “Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.” -Isaiah 58:1 Alternative energy sources are proliferating, almost as quickly as our infrastructure can support them, including more solar power, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear and biofuels, among others. But for... Read more
(I decided to share some meditations I wrote for Chalice Press a few years ago for their Lenten Meditation book. Here’s hoping these help guide you through this time of reflection, shadow and wrestling with the complexities of mortality.) A day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! -Joel 2:2 Who in their right mind looks forward to Lent? Seven weeks of preparation to lead up to Good Friday hardly seems like an enjoyable way to... Read more
After hearing an anecdote about Christian’s massive parenting fail (which cost him $75), we welcome our guest, Ian Ebright, a contributor to Relevant Magazine and Red Letter Christians, and founder of Broken Telegraph. He is currently raising funds on Kickstarter for From the Sky, a film on the Christian perspective of drone warfare, so he’s an expert on the subject, and brings a balanced perspective to the issue. Well worth a lesson if you’re interested in America’s foreign policy, or wars,... Read more
I’ve heard Christians talk about “end times” my whole life, but it hasn’t happened yet. Maybe God-time is like the last two minutes of a football game… Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Family Values” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “God Likes Weed” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Crush China for Jesus” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails: “Satan’s Graffiti”... Read more
Christian Piatt
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