Traditionally this is a time to learn from our mistakes and commit ourselves to do differently in the new year. I wonder what resolutions Jesus would have made? For some, it may seem shocking to suggest that Jesus had room for self-improvement. But it’s hard to miss his sins if you read the New Testament gospels. The idea that Jesus was perfect came after the gospels were written, as the early church developed its doctrines. By the fourth century, the... Read more
What does the birth of the baby Jesus 2000 years ago have to offer the violent, troubled world we live in? Or what would Jesus say to the NRA? I want to suggest — A lot. A whole lot. Jesus entered the world from a posture of absolute vulnerability — as an unarmed, innocent child during a time of tremendous violence. The Bible speaks of a terrible massacre as Jesus was born, an unspeakable act of violence as King Herod... Read more
[Editor’s Note: This is the last in a series of Advent reflections from new mother and theology professor Monica A. Coleman. Read the others here.] Birth is messy and unpredictable. It’s hard to remember that when we read Paul’s discussion of becoming a new creation. “Behold, all things are made new!” It sounds like he waved a wand over people and they became Christian. As if declaration of belief alone changes our lives. That’s not how creation happens. That’s not... Read more
This past Saturday night, my wife Roberta and I stood with a group of people on Hollywood Boulevard, holding flickering candles. Passers-by might have assumed we were Christmas caroling. But we were holding a vigil for the children and adults massacred in Newtown, Connecticut last week. Roberta organized the event earlier in the day, via MoveOn.org. For her, Saturday had a special significance. Her father was shot, randomly, on that night 40 years ago in Baltimore, and later died. Whenever... Read more
This month at the Patheos Book Club, we’re giving away 25 copies of Matt Litton’s new book, Holy Nomad: The Rugged Road to Joy. In a recent interview with Litton, a writer, educator and speaker, he talked about why he wrote this book: I think a life without joy and meaning is more of a “life sentence” – it is a far cry from the way we were meant to live. We believe in a God who is constantly inviting us... Read more
Traveling Advent to Epiphany: Roadside Assistance from Luke and Matthew A Meditation on the Gospel for Advent 4: Luke 1:39-55 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? –Luke 1:41-43 Elizabeth’s baby, leaping in... Read more
Popular theoblogger and pastor Tripp Fuller of the Homebrewed Christianity Podcast caught up with a few of our favorite progressive Christian thought-leaders at the American Academy of Religion convention last month, and invited them to reflect on the season of Advent. We’ll be posting one video response each week as the church waits and anticipates the coming of God. This week, philosopher/theologian Jack Caputo, author of The Weakness of God, shares his thoughts on Advent: “Everything that takes place in prayer I think is contracted into... Read more
(My wife Roberta and I hope that THIS IS MY SONG will be sung at Obama’s 2nd inauguration in January. It’s “a song of peace for their land and for mine” – just the message America needs to hear, and that the world needs to hear from America. “Like” our Facebook page if you agree!) I saw the new movie, LINCOLN, last week, with my wife, Roberta. We were touched by Daniel Day-Lewis’ faithful and sensitive portrayal of the President... Read more
Traveling Advent to Epiphany, Part 3: Roadside Assistance from Luke and Matthew A Meditation on the Gospel for Advent Three: Luke 3:7-18 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Compared to this alarming bulletin, our 24-hour news cycle seems downright soothing. With many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. By “good... Read more
Popular theoblogger and pastor Tripp Fuller of the Homebrewed Christianity Podcast caught up with a few of our favorite progressive Christian thought-leaders at the American Academy of Religion convention last month, and invited them to reflect on the season of Advent. We’ll be posting one video response each week as the church waits and anticipates the coming of God. This week, we hear from Diana Butler Bass, popular religious historian and scholar, and author of Christianity After Religion, about the important practice of waiting. Read more
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