Let’s be real. How much do you pay attention to the book of Revelation? How do you read the Book of Revelation? How many arguments are there about the Book of Revelation? Why are so many of the battles about this book about such — if I may — trivial pursuits? Many today have learned to ignore and not even read the Book of Revelation because of the trivial pursuits. If the New Testament were a neighborhood, the book of... Read more

By Chris Seidman. Since 2001, Chris has served as lead minister of The Branch Church, a multi-site church in Dallas with more than 100 years of rich history.  Chris is privileged to preach occasionally in churches, on college campuses, and in conferences across the country and often has his golf clubs in tow. He is also distinguished as an author who has written more books than he has sold.  So he has that going for him. Sooner or later ministry... Read more

This post, by Cherith Fee Nordling, my colleague at Northern Seminary, provides book suggestions — post seminary — on theology with a twist toward diversity and theology. From Resurrection to New Creation: A First Journey in Christian Theology. Michael Pahl. A beautiful little book that covers the heart of the Christian story, theologically and biblically, that also offers great questions and a concise bibliography at the end of each short chapter.   Heresies and How to Avoid Them. Why It Matters What... Read more

By Allan Bevere On the Duty of Constant Communion: Because Some Things Are Too Important to Neglect John Wesley, the founder of Methodism (along with his brother Charles) participated in the sacrament of Holy Communion at least a couple of times a week. He told his people called Methodists that they should take Communion as often as possible. In his sermon entitled, “The Duty of Constant Communion,” Wesley gives his reasons for constant Communion as well as answering common objections to those... Read more

Religious people do not like science – or so many people, especially in the University, seem to think. But this is actually a myth – reinforced, however, by some elements of reality. Read more

Here’s the text of Martin Luther King’s famous speech/sermon/address in Washington DC. I remember watching it as a kid on TV. I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a... Read more

Martin Luther King. Jr. Letter From Birmingham Jail April 16, 1963 MY DEAR FELLOW CLERGYMEN: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities “unwise and untimely.” Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I... Read more

RJS made me aware of the letter drafted by the Montgomery Improvement Association to instruct folks on how to participate in the bus boycott and here is the letter, a letter revealing the methods of ML King Jr, who led the entire protest. I have been asked what to read about Martin Luther King, Jr., and I have always recommended the trilogy by Taylor Branch: Parting the Waters Pillar of Fire At Canaan’s Edge Read more

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. BCP Read more