I have a theory: those so-called “liberal” or “progressive” people who are trying to understand what the Bible means today are doing so primarily because of love. Here’s what I mean… I think a huge part of my own personal conflict within evangelicalism was a conflict between “truth” – or what was “right” – and love. The more I attempted to make sense of the Bible in light of my actual relationships with real people, the less concerned I was with being truthful or... Read more
I posted a new blog entry on the Doug Pagitt Radio Web site today about the effects of collective goodness. You may either click the link or read a copy pasted below. http://dougpagittradio.com/toothpick-kingdom For much of my life I have been a bit like a high-functioning Piglet. You are probably aware of the small, fearful friend of Winnie the Pooh. Most people would not know how fearful I am, but sometimes I feel controlled by it. As an antidote, I began... Read more
I love the Bible. For some of you reading this that might seem strange; for others, you might know what I mean. But I do want to clarify. I love the Bible today for different reasons than I did even 10 years ago. Back then, I would have said I love the Bible because it reveals God’s love and direction for those who follow Christ. Today, however, I love it for a different reason. And the best way I know... Read more
Victoria and I talked with Pete Rollins about his book The Idolatry of God on Doug Pagitt Radio this morning. You can watch the video, listen to audio or subscribe to the show. Video here. Audio here Subscribe to the show here. Read more
I am uncontrollably drawn to people who share one of my passions: the Bible. But, ironically, the people I think who most share my fascination with that “sacred” library of documents are not typically of the orthodox Christian variety. The people who seem to be most interested in the Bible – the people who actually read it, study it, analyze it, question it – tend to be atheists, agnostics, unorthodox Christians, and so on. It didn’t take me long to... Read more
It is once again time for a #progGOD challenge. Tony Jones called all us emergent-y types to write on the meaning and, potentially, necessity for the crucifixion. Here’s what I had to say: “Because this great love can move us to do wonderful and amazing things, but it can also make us furious, jealous, or even vengeful when we can’t seem to look past our own selfishness and let love abide. It is especially threatening to those of us with great privilege,... Read more
Love is patient. Is it really? Is this what Paul meant when he wrote those words? Hypomon is the word typically chosen as the word Paul uses here for the word patient. Most translators claim it has to do with endurance. And no one tends to ask for what? When you dive deeper into the word itself it is endurance against something. It is not some beautiful phrase singled out for a wedding service, no, Paul is talking about war... Read more
Orphans Quite by chance I saw an article explaining how Roman fathers would keep their hands folded when presented with their newborn children. They had the choice to except or reject paternity. To reject meant the child would be cast onto the street to be at the mercy of passers-by or carrion for hungry birds. Open arms meant life, love and a future as a child of the father. Within Roman society formal adoption was common amongst... Read more
Over the next several months I will be posting some of my poetry every Wednesday. Why? I feel like too many words are going out all around us with too little credence given them. It is difficult to hear through too many words, which often excuses us from doing. Sometimes a song or a poem can change the way we hear things or even change a life. For now, I’ll keep my songs hidden and just share poetry. My poetry... Read more
With Jay’s new book coming out tomorrow, I thought I would repost my review here… When I was a “leader” in the church, I always assumed it was supposed to be about people. I thought crazy things like: a pastor (shepherd) was supposed to actually know the sheep. And, that the shepherd was primarily a sheep, receiving love from the Great Shepherd, before anything else. When it became something other than that, I had a real problem doing it anymore.... Read more
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