Dear U.S., Things are pretty tough right now, we know that and I get that. We’ve still got a rather uncertain job market and the stocks are all over the place. There are plenty of concerns about health care, the state of public education, and questions about how we will pay for college (or the student loans that helped us get through). We are experiencing a rapidly shifting cultural climate and many of us are not quite sure how to... Read more
Perhaps you have heard the suggestion that America should consider admitting at least some of the Syrian refugees? Yep. It’s a real thing. There is a chance for this whole debate to be over and done with. There has been a path suggested for entrance to this land of freedom and hospitality for those fleeing the violence, bloodshed, and destruction that is continuing to rage on in Syria. There is, of course, just one little catch. It has been suggested by... Read more
Maybe waiting is the best part of the holiday season. Read more
Sometimes, I know, “Why?” is a rhetorical question. Like “How long?” the question “Why?” is a favorite in the psalms: “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Ps. 10:1). Sometimes we don’t expect or even want an answer to the question. Sometimes “Why?” is just a summary of all the turmoil and confusion within. But today a “Why?” has been asked that’s been gnawing at me, and I want an... Read more
This is what war looks like in the 21st century: The enemy is not confined to some particular country that we can attack. The enemy does not necessarily form an army that we can engage at a border. We cannot round them up. We cannot sever their lines of communication. They seem to be able to strike at will, wherever and whenever they choose. If we were to lose this war, it will not be because they have invaded and... Read more
I had a student write me after the very first meeting of my Bible and Western Civilization I class, which I’m teaching this semester at the University of Houston. While I won’t reproduce the email here, the very condensed version of it went a little like this: “I’m very Christian, I like the Bible, I do Bible study, I take the Bible seriously, and I want to know if this class is going to challenge my faith and make me... Read more
There really are so many more things to be outraged over as a Christian than a red coffee cup. Take, for instance, the new movie, Spotlight. Opening this month, Spotlight tells the true story of the the Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team of investigative journalists, who in 2002 shocked the city and world by exposing the Catholic Church’s systematic cover-up of widespread pedophilia perpetrated by more than 70 local priests. That’s right. 70 priests. 70 priests, each with their own parish full of dozens of children, young... Read more
Yesterday I stopped at Starbucks for a coffee, and a little Snow Man sugar cookie for my son. The clerk in the store leaned over to him and said, “Save the head for last, it’s the best part!” He did, and it was. Starbucks sells big red bags of coffee beans that read “Merry Christmas.” They also sell super attractive Advent calendars with little numbered ornaments. I want one. In fact, although my social conscience has concerns about the commercial nature... Read more
In honor of Veteran’s Day, we’re sharing a music video from pastor and artist Tim Mooney. The song is called “Great Generation” and Mooney wrote it for his father, who was a World War II vet. We think it’s a most fitting tribute to all of our beloved men and women who have served this country and are remembered today. Tim Mooney is an artist and a pastor at First Avenue Presbyterian Church in Denver, CO, and the author of... Read more
As the calendar turns to November we have found ourselves wading once again into the time that is the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. This is that special time of year where we will gather with loved ones, share in a good meal, and make preparations for the coming of Advent and Christmas. During the next several weeks we can look forward to food, football, fellowship, good-will, and, of course, the predictable protests of those who feel that some how, some... Read more
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