Is the Concept of “Worldly” Still Useful? *Note: If you choose to comment, please keep your comment relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and devoid of photos or links. Also, please know this is a place for discussion of evangelical Christianity (broadly defined); it is not a place for persons of other persuasions to criticize or “preach” their own, alternative views. Non-evangelical Christians are invited to ask... Read more

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and devoid of photos or links.* In the United States and perhaps elsewhere October 31 is celebrated by most people, in some way, as an informal (not federal or state) holiday called “Halloween.” The word “Halloween” derives from the Old English “All Hallows Eve” or “The... Read more

Is “Syncretism” Still a Valuable Concept? *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comments this relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and devoid of links or photos.* When I began studying Christian theology in college and then seminary, the word “syncretism” was bandied about quite a bit. It was considered a useful term and category even if it could be misused and often was. At... Read more

The False Religion of Americanism *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and contains no links or photos.* What is the religion of Americanism? First, what it is not. Americanism as spoken of here, as a false religion, is not mere American patriotism. Nor is it the traditional, whether true or false, belief that America has a... Read more

Controversial Thoughts about Banned Books Week *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and devoid of links or photos.* Let me begin by saying clearly and unequivocally that I am against censorship. But then let me define “censorship.” Censorship is ONLY when government uses its power to suppress expressions of opinion, works of art or literature, etc.... Read more

About the “Religious Left” *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, and civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative). It should contain no links or photos.* For years now, the American mass media have been obsessed with what has been labeled “The Religious Right”—a movement by mostly Christians to use government and law to enforce specifically religious ethical norms. We must recognize now that... Read more

Does Truth Actually Exist? *Note: If you comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative) and devoid of links or photos.* Have you heard of “the Rashomon effect?” I had not heard the term until I watched a fascinating Youtube video entitled “The Rashomon Effect – Does Truth Actually Exist?” Now I have a phrase for a well-known and often observed, even experienced,... Read more

Is American Christianity Becoming a Folk Religion? *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and devoid of links or photos.* I have been an American Christian theologian for forty years. I have taught Christian theology in four American universities, three of them specifically Christian ones, plus one seminary not part of any university. I have taught Christian... Read more

The Crisis of Men and Boys *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and devoid of links or photos.* I have avoided this subject here for a while. I don’t remember the last time I write here about the plight of boys and men in America society. This column by highly respected commentator David Brooks came “across... Read more

Is “The Unitarian Church” Christian? *Note: If you choose to comment, make sure your comment is relatively brief (no more than 100 words), on topic, addressed to me, civil and respectful (not hostile or argumentative), and devoid of links and photos.* Someone here asserted that “the Unitarian Church” is Christian. I did not respond then, but I want to respond now. I hope he or she reads this. The background to that assertion is my comment here that the NBC... Read more