Someone wrote this note to me yesterday: Your keen awareness of the more subtle abuses of the church, delivered to me in snippets each day on my news feed, has been so validating for me – it has been healing my soul a little. This is exactly what I do! I thanked that person for articulating it back to me so clearly and simply. You see, most people inside the abuse don’t see it… neither the abuser or the abused.... Read more
I’m okay with theories. If they work. When they no longer work it’s time to dispense with them. The number of theories out there attempting to explain away the vast array of orientations out there are just that: an attempt to invalidate them. In the end what do you have? The same person who is or who has made a choice and who has the right to be just that. This comes down to more than sexuality. It comes down... Read more
Some people avoid deep conversations because they don’t want to be interested in others. Some people avoid deep conversations because they don’t want to expose themselves. Some people avoid deep conversations because they are afraid of being attacked or rejected. But some people know that these are the risks you have to take to be happy. The Lasting Supper is a place of deep conversations and hilarity as well. Read more
There are enough words on the cartoon itself. But I see this all the time. Including in my own life. In order to belong, in order to be appreciated, in order to not be rejected, we will be and play small. There are so many powers alive today who’s sole purpose is to dehumanize us, restrict us, confine us, and even kill us. There are so many powers alive today that would like us to live as though we’re buried... Read more
There’s always someone to love. We can start with ourselves and work out from there. Sure, there are risks involved. But the reward is worth it. I see two people right now that I can love. Plus my dog. And there’s a whole world out there. There’s no sending needed. They’re already here. Read more
Whenever anyone says that the church has abandoned Jesus, I take that accusation seriously. Lots of people notice… anyone from comedian Bill Maher who says that Christians obviously aren’t following Jesus’ instructions to Gandhi who said that he liked Christ but he did not like Christians because they are so unlike Christ… I take this seriously. But so do church theologians who find clever ways to theologically explain away this incongruence… such as we are born miserable sinners and that... Read more
(My old iPhone, that I’ve had every since they first came out, broke. I finally got a new phone, so I can resume my prayers from the cell.) The silence of God. This is important to admit. Have you read Shusako Endo’s historical novel, “Silence”? It’s based on the letters of a Portugese missionary in Japan during the 17th century persecution against “hidden christians”, and the silence of God that accompanies believers during adversity. You must read it. It is... Read more
The way some people are talking about Heaven and Hell and who goes and who doesn’t… well… this cartoon is fitting. I remember the theological debates we used to get into concerning eternal security. Here they are: eternal security guards. Making sure you have the proper documentation and credentials to enter. Don’t lose your I.D.! Read more
I’ve been humbled more than once in my life. Sometimes it’s a matter of perspective. In the end, we don’t know. I run an online community called The Lasting Supper where you are allowed to have an opinion but you’re not allowed to impose or impute it upon others. It’s very dynamic, open and exciting. But most of all, it’s safe! I invite you to come join us! Read more
The church will never die. I’m confident of that. But the church as we know it… the structure, the organization, the institution… in other words, the manifestation of the church… that is undergoing a massive shift. Some have their foot on the brake. Some have their foot on the gas. Some are asleep in the back seat. Others are just watching it go by like a curious antique car. I’ve attended a couple of “church funerals” where the church in... Read more
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