As we read this passage together, my colleague in ministry Phil Gilliland noted, “If we take these passages seriously, everything’s possible.” This can be good news or tragedy depending on how we use our power and whether our use of power is self-interested, domineering, and objectifying or connected with God’s vision of Shalom and abundant life for all creation. Read more
As a progressive Christian, I want to thank Ross Douthat for his reflective piece on the future of liberal Protestantism in this past weekend’s New York Times. Those of us who are committed to a robust, open-spirited, spiritually lively Christianity view with dismay the statistics about our movement’s future. We realize that the religious landscape in North America is changing rapidly: 30% of the population practice multiple spiritualities, 50% of mainstream Protestants claim mystical experiences, the fastest growing religious self-description is those... Read more
Lectionary Reflections for July 22, 2012 2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2;11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Is election partial, predetermined, or universal? Is it ultimately dependent on God’s choices, divine persistence, human decision-making, or a dynamic divine-human call and response? A recent Christian Century review of conservative Christian responses to Rob Bell’s Love Wins revealed the stake that many conservatives have in a providence that is, by nature, exclusive. If hell is not a reality, then what is the selling point of Christianity? ... Read more
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday July 15, 2012 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29 One of my favorite John Bell hymns is “Glory and Gratitude and Praise.” The words and tune are simple: Glory and gratitude and praise Now let earth to heaven raise Glory and gratitude and praise: These we offer to God. Today’s readings, with the exception of the narrative of John the Baptist’s execution, revolve around the interplay of glory, gratitude, and praise, all of which are... Read more
A friend of mine posted the following quip from the Global Secular Humanist on her Facebook Wall: “The Higgs Boson walks into church. The priest says we don’t allow Higgs Boson in here. The Higgs Boson says, ‘But without me how can you have mass?’” The Higgs Boson, described as the “God Particle” (although author of the phrase Leon Lederman had a more colorful expletive deleted description of it!), is “at the center of everything…it talks to all other particles... Read more
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday, July 8, 2012 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-3 Today’s New Testament readings inspire a theme such as “living abundantly with limitations.” Both Jesus and Paul persist despite limitations of health and belief. God’s vision for each moment is the best possibility for the concrete world in which we live. This can be source of disappointment because God does not – and perhaps cannot – avoid the concreteness of cause and effect, but must... Read more
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost – July 1, 2012 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43 The focus of today’s primary reading (Mark 5:21-43) is on the interplay of faith, community, and healing. We will all eventually be in search of healing: whether it is David grieving for his intimate friend (2 Samuel: 1:1-27), dealing with life threatening or chronic illness, or issues of depression, anxiety, or meaning. By definition, the quest for healing emerges from experiences of pain, uncertainty,... Read more
Lectionary Reflections: The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Sunday June 24, 2012 1 Samuel 17:32-49; 17: 57-18:5, 10-16; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41 I recall hearing a definition of courage as “fear that has said its prayers.” Today’s passages speak of the interplay of courage and faith. Those who experience the nearness of God are able to face challenges and threats with resolution and courage despite their fear. In the era of biblical literacy, every school child – churched or unchurched – knew... Read more
Lectionary Reflections for the Third Sunday after Pentecost (June 17, 2012) I Samuel 15:34-16:13; Psalm 20; I Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17; Mark 4:26-34 This Sunday’s lectionary readings describe the surprising and unexpected revelations of God. God is not a homogenous force, evenly distributing revelation across the universe. Rather, divine revelation and inspiration are contextual, historical, and personal. God has a vision just as we do. While no one is left out in the interplay of call and response, God’s revelation is... Read more
Lectionary Reflections: Second Sunday After Pentecost June 10, 2012 I Samuel 8:4-15; 11:14-15; Psalm 138; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35 Today’s lectionary readings integrate concerns for just leadership, alignment with divine law, and the extent of grace in transforming our lives. Despite the reality of human freedom, creativity, and God forgetfulness, God’s power is all-embracing in its relationality and constancy. Unlike “Satan,” God does not dominate or coerce but lures us in our current life-situation toward lively, abundant, faithful, and... Read more
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