Roland H. Bainton, in his book, Here I Stand. A Life of Martin Luther, writes: “Even our very quest for God is a disguised form of self-seeking” (p. 176). This reminded me of something Karl Barth wrote in his famous Romans commentary: “Look how Michelangelo has depicted the ‘Creation of Eve’: in the fullness of her charm and beauty she rises slowly, posing herself in the fatal attitude of—worship. Notice the Creator’s warning arm and careworn, saddened eyes, as He... Read more

“It seems to me…. that what God is doing right now is dismantling the denominational systems as fast as possible” (Loren B. Mead, The Once and Future Church, p. 39). Yesterday while I was teaching at my church, I took great delight in being frequently interrupted by people with questions, comments, and even quips. It makes the “preaching event” fun, engaging, communal, and anti-authoritarian. I do not have all the answers. No one does, and all of us together don’t... Read more

I’ll admit it: I am a critic of the church. But its because I love the church. And note: I criticize it from the inside believing that the church can become what it is. But criticism should be heard from all quarters. So, I think it can withstand and endure the severest critiques. Chomsky is a case in point. He is a severe critic of the United States, a well-known dissident. He appreciates the incredible freedom Americans enjoy that has... Read more