Suzanne Ross was recently the only woman in a group with six men discussing the current flurry of sexual harassment accusations. The men believed that we were witnessing an epic reversal, but are we really? Join Suzanne as she explores this crucial topic for our times. Read more
We seem constantly barraged by negative news. It often comes in the form of negative mimesis. Here’s what I mean: One person insults someone, then that person returns the favor by insulting back. It’s a mimetic, or imitative, back and forth of negativity. René Girard called this bitter cycle “negative mimesis.” The cycle negative mimesis is rarely broken. In fact, it usually only escalates. And for some reason, we all tend to be drawn to negativity like a moth to... Read more
The United States is being judged. We may be a nation that is a goat sent to the eternal fires. But is there hope for the goats? Adam Ericksen says there is. Find out why in his latest sermon. Read more
We divide ourselves between those in the kingdom and those out of it by how we respond to those thrown into the outer darkness. -Tom Truby Pastors have a frequent question when they begin to discover mimetic theory. “That’s great. But how does it preach?” Reverend Tom Truby shows that mimetic theory is a powerful tool that enables pastors to preach the Gospel in a way that is meaningful and refreshing to the modern world. Each week, Teaching Nonviolent Atonement will... Read more
The antidote to feel-good history is not feel-bad history but honest and inclusive history. – James Loewen, Lies My Teacher Told Me, 92. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Americans to celebrate Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving, as we take turns around the dinner table sharing why we are thankful, a sense of awkwardness settles in. The awkwardness is not only due to the “forced family fun” of having to quickly think of something profound to be thankful for. (Oh the pressure!) The growing... Read more
As the patriarchy unravels with women coming forward and men held to account, we are undergoing a cultural apocalypse. While this is good news, it can also be frightening. Lindsey Paris-Lopez strives to allay concerns about vengeance and forgiveness that may stem from misapplication of mimetic theory. Read more
Maybe the kingdom of heaven is the awareness that the game is over and everybody wins. Jesus-followers know this now and live in view of it. -Rev Tom Truby Pastors have a frequent question when they begin to discover mimetic theory. “That’s great. But how does it preach?” Reverend Tom Truby shows that mimetic theory is a powerful tool that enables pastors to preach the Gospel in a way that is meaningful and refreshing to the modern world. Each week, Teaching... Read more
I would like to tell you a general truth about men.* As a pastor, I’ve noticed this in myself and in other men. Here it is. Men are needy. As I’ve experienced it, men are generally much needier than women. We have what René Girard calls a “lack of being.”* Deep down we have an emptiness, a nothingness, inside of ourselves. And typically nobody ever teaches us how to manage the emptiness. In many ways, our culture tells us to... Read more
The following is a sermon I preached on November 12 at Clackamas United Church of Christ in Milwaukie, Oregon. The scripture was from Matthew 25:1-13. It’s a parable Jesus told about five wise bridesmaids and five foolish bridesmaids. After worship last week, I went to lunch with my family. While we were eating, I got a push notification on my phone from CNN telling me about the horror of a man killing 26 people at a Baptist church in Texas.... Read more
Jesus’ values include blessings and fullness of life for everyone. The anti-Jesus values have rewards for some but great sorrow, suffering, and violence for others. -Rev. Tom Truby Pastors have a frequent question when they begin to discover mimetic theory. “That’s great. But how does it preach?” Reverend Tom Truby shows that mimetic theory is a powerful tool that enables pastors to preach the Gospel in a way that is meaningful and refreshing to the modern world. Each week, Teaching Nonviolent Atonement... Read more
Teaching Nonviolent Atonement
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