Whatever Happened to “Missions Sunday?” This continues my series about things American evangelical Christians have lost. Over the years of this blog, one frequent theme has been the loss of major beliefs and practices of evangelical Christianity. Earlier, fairly recently, I talked about forgetfulness of Satan, demons, demonic possession, and the Antichrist. Longer ago I talked about the decline of hymn-singing and the resulting forgetfulness of biblical themes and references that were embedded in hymns. Also the loss of doctrinal... Read more

*The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.* Review of a Fascinating New Book from Greg Boyd (and Friends): The Cosmic Dance Some time ago here I... Read more

*The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.* Today I read something in the newspaper that helped me focus my thoughts about what is happening between black... Read more

As many of you already know, I volunteered to edit the 14th edition of the Handbook of Denominations in the United States for Abingdon Press. This is a popular reference work that has been in publication every few years for many years. (It’s roots actually go back to before it acquired the current name.) I have always had a keen interest in denominations–which is strange to many people who think we live in a post-denominational age. Actually, there are more... Read more

*The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.*   The Rule of Good Intentions and Unintended Consequences In my considered opinion, based on my own personal life... Read more

*The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.* Coming Soon…Please Watch for These Here! Now that I have reluctantly decided to return to blogging I have had... Read more

*The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.* I return now to blogging with a repeat of last year’s (July, 2015) essay relevant to America’s “Independence Day”... Read more

A week ago I announced my retirement from blogging. Since then I have been inundated with messages (here but also by e-mail and telephone) of regret, appreciation, consolation and pleas to change my mind. The outpouring of such messages has been, of course, flattering and encouraging. Yet, I still wrestle with “Should I stay or should I go?” (To borrow a phrase from a contemporary television commercial.) The decision to quit blogging, once made, was a relief; I felt a... Read more

I am sorry I am not able to respond to every appreciative comment; there have been many since I announced the end (for now) of this blog. I will miss all of you who have interacted with me even in critical ways that were civil and helpful. I feel uplifted and encouraged by the many expressions of appreciation and even regret about my decision. I hope Patheos will keep my blog alive for those who want to search for and... Read more

It’s been an interesting experience. I mean blogging. I have published here somewhere around 1,200 essays–including those I posted to my blog at www.rogereolson.com before joining Patheos. Recently I have begun to feel that I have said all I have to say and am simply repeating myself or saying things that do not need to be said. From this experience, writing this blog and moderating the comments (and reading and hearing private feedback), I have learned how difficult, in some... Read more