Remedial Work: What God Loves and Hates From the first time I saw the banner headline of the late Fred Phelps, “GOD HATES FAGS,” I have felt compelled to dissent from this piece of virulent theology. I think there are Christians confused about what God hates and loves. I have listened for years as various groups of Christians have opposed gay marriage while attempting to maintain some relationship to the love of God. The defense, “I love the sinner, but... Read more

The Politics of Jesus and the Politics of Trump – II Perhaps no political conversation bears a great similarity to our current malaise than Jesus speaking with Pilate. After a lengthy discussion about kings (an obvious political category), Pilate asks the question that dominates American politics? “What is truth?” Donald Trump’s definition of what passes for truth fails the Jesus truth test. In The Art of the Deal, he calls truthful hyperbole “an innocent form of exaggeration—and a very effective... Read more

The Politics of Jesus vs. The Politics of Trump As an evangelical Christian, I have grave difficulties with the disparity between the politics of Jesus and the politics of Donald Trump. A huge chasm exists between who Jesus was and what Donald Trump now offers Christians. I want to show as clearly as possible the social/political ethics that derive from following Jesus. The difference faced by 21st century Christians rhymes with those experienced by Christians in the first century in... Read more

Ordain Women Priests and Pastors Watching an episode of The Great, I was intrigued by Katherine the Great’s insistence that women be treated with equality in an age when women were objects not persons. When she was introduced to one of the candidates for the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, she was instructed not to look him in the eye and told that he would not speak to her. As she knelt before the old, long-bearded archbishop, he gave... Read more

Why Conservative Politicians Struggle with the Civil War If the psychologist said, “I’m going to say a phrase and I want you to say the first thing that pops into your mind. The phrase: “Civil War.” Nikki Haley: “States rights!” Senator Tom Cotton: “Democrats.” X-president Donald Trump: “Negotiate.” What is it about the Civil War that short circuits conservative brains? American historians agree that slavery was the primary cause of the Civil War. They also teach us that the former... Read more

Martin’s Dream or Trump’s Nightmare January 15 would have been the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 95th birthday. The Civil Rights icon and American prophet offered our nation a dream of freedom, inclusion, and equality. Donald Trump, the nation’s 45th president has offered the nation a nightmare of nihilistic demolition and authoritarianism. Martin called for the repudiation of physical violence. Donald insisted on “fighting like hell.” Don’t take my word for it. Compare Martin’s “I Have a Dream” speech... Read more

Farewell to Anti-Intellectual Christianity There’s an anti-intellectual plague in our nation. Standing up to “these experts” has become a badge of honor among evangelical preachers as they shake their Bibles at global warming, COVID vaccines, American history, evolution – subject they are often ill-informed and close to ignorant about, yet they talk and act like experts. Christianity has not previously been an anti-intellectual movement. The church fathers and mothers of the first five centuries were among the most educated intellectuals... Read more

The Gospel and Philosophy John 1:1-14 and Matthew 2:1 – 11 The Feast Day of the Epiphany celebrates the revealing of Jesus to the Gentiles – the visit of the wise men. In Eastern tradition it is known as Theophany, also as Three Kings Day. In Louisiana, it marks the first day of serving King Cake. The cakes are filled with cream cheese and all other kinds of sweet fillings. First King Cake on the Epiphany; last King Cake on... Read more

Of Course, I Repeat Myself! The persons generous enough to read what I write will suggest that I repeat myself. I confess that this is a truthful assertion. But I have reasons. I believe repetition is a necessity. Those who recognize the repetitions in my work are commended for being careful readers. As to the necessity, I offer an analogy from parenting. As I often said to my children as they rolled their eyes, “The lessons must be repeated” or... Read more

The Politics of Praise Luke 2:21 – 40 I have an unusual subject: The politics of praise. This biblical politics has been working for centuries in plenty of Christian churches. In the great catechism of Reformed faith, the Westminster Catechism, the first question is, “What is the chief concern of human persons?” The answer is, “The chief human concern is to glorify God and enjoy God forever.” (Walter Brueggemann, The Psalms and the Life of Faith, Kindle Locations 1295-1296). And... Read more