Coffee Cups, Christian Privilege, and the Gospel

November 9, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Red coffee cups. This is the subject of the latest culture war among conservative Christians. Last week, Joshua Feuerstein, a self proclaimed “evangelist” based in Arizona, posted a now viral video on YouTube declaring his outrage that Starbuck’s new seasonal coffee cups were simply red and had no reference to Christmas or Christ. What should have been one radical (or attention seeking) youth pastors video has blown up into an international movement of conservative Christians going to Starbucks and, upon... Read more

To Christian Voters in Houston

November 4, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Dear Christians Voters in Houston who opposed HERO- I am writing to you today with a deeply grieved heart. Deep in my spirit, I can hear the words of Jesus as he gave his live on the cross saying, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34) In a very real sense, you have chosen to reject Christ and have stood for his oppression and marginalization in your city, because Christ is found, not behind the mighty pulpits... Read more

On Discipline

November 3, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Have you ever felt like your life was scattered and disorganized? That everything was a rush to get to the next thing on the “To-Do List”? Have you ever looked at the lives of others that seem so rhythmic and healthy, where they have time for personal wellbeing, accomplishing their dreams, and have a vibrant social life and wondered how in the world they do it when you’re giving all you have and are struggling just to get by? I... Read more

The Flow of Love

November 1, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Each Sunday, I take time to reflect on a sacred text, usually from the Revised Common Lectionary, in order to recalibrate, challenge, and fuel us to continue on this rough and rocky journey of faith. Today’s reading comes from Mark 12:28-34: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O... Read more

Women of Wisdom : Conversations with Iyanla Vanzant, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Marianne Williamson

October 29, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

For centuries, many of the worlds religious traditions have sought to silence the voices of women, insisting that their place is domestic and not in the public sphere, teaching, leading, and shaping culture. Yet in the midst of these oppressive institutions, women have been resilient, working hard to find ways to subvert societal norms and assert themselves as leaders, visionaries, and creatives, shaping our world in monumental ways. While much of this oppression still remains in cultures and religious systems... Read more

We Need Reformation (A Sermon for Reformation Day)

October 26, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

The following sermon was preached at MCC of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, October 25, 2015 for their Reformation Day Service. This morning, we, along with thousands of other churches in the Protestant tradition are celebrating Reformation Sunday. A day where we celebrate the work of the Protestant reformers of the 1500’s who realized that the church had strayed from the Gospel and had begun abusing it’s power to control and exploit the faithful. This Sunday is meant to coincide... Read more

Kirk vs. Gagnon: Making the Christian Case for Same-Sex Relationships

October 20, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Last weekend, my friend, noted New Testament theologian, and former professor of New Testament Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, Dr. Daniel Kirk, sat down and had a conversation with Dr. Robert Gagnon, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburg Theological Seminary and notorious opponent of LGBT equality and proponent of reparative therapy, about the biblical case for LGBT inclusion in the Church. The conversation, hosted by Valley Presbyterian Church in Arizona, is one of the most important presentations I have... Read more

Comprehension Begins With Conversation

October 12, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Editors’ Note: This article is part of the Patheos Public Square on Moving Past Hatred. Read other perspectives here. “Comprehension begins with conversation.” This quote from my mentor, the renowned bridge-builder Dr. David Anderson, has been the guiding principle in everything I have tried to do as a young religious leader. Living in the pluralistic and diverse society, it is necessary that all of us, to one degree or another, become principled pluralists, able to engage intelligently and respectfully with... Read more

Announcing the Imago Dei Summit: A Response to the #ACBC15 Conference

October 4, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Today marks the beginning of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on the topics of “Transgender Confusion” and “Homosexuality”. I wrote about this conference a few weeks ago on my blog, detailing my concerns about how the conference was organized and what sort of teaching and counseling would be promulgated among evangelical pastors who will likely deal with LGBTQ individuals in their congregations. As I thought and prayed about how I might respond to this conference,... Read more

Pope Francis, Kim Davis, and a Nation In Crisis

September 30, 2015 By Brandan Robertson

Pope Francis’ has come and gone and we are still feeling the ramifications of his visit to the United States. I had the honor of following the Pope’s journey through Washington D.C. and up to New York City. As I traveled throughout these cities, following Francis, I encountered masses of people flocking to street corners and arenas to get a glimpse at this religious leader who seemed to inspire hope in the hearts of even the most jaded individuals. I... Read more