When the news came in that Osama Bin Laden died, I didn’t know what to feel. To be honest, my initial reaction exuded a sense of triumph, but that soon faded. Then, a thought came to me: “I don’t know if today is one worthy of joy or mourning?” Certainly Bin Laden created chaos in the world. He definitely chose a path of evil rather than the common good. Hatred towards this terrorist is not only justifiable, but a way... Read more
photo © 2007 Paul Sapiano | more info (via: Wylio) On the last day of school we had a pool party at a friend’s house celebrating our graduation from the fourth grade. Of course, every one of my friends knew that I could not swim and so the teasing caught the ear of the parent who was hosting us. What was her brilliant solution?… arm Floaties! Talk about embarrassing! I am not sure that any other moment in my... Read more
photo © 2007 Brian | more info (via: Wylio) One could argue (and many have. Trust me) that the bible is filled with commandments, limitations, laws. Things that we are meant to do and not to do. In fact, when most people think of the bible and church, they’re sure that’s what it’s all about. Bible, with a capital B. But Jesus, who is the very center of the bible, said that we have two commandments to fulfill. That’s... Read more
photo © 2008 Andrew Bossi | more info (via: Wylio) There was a moment in my life that I had to make a choice. Would I listen to my older cousin or would I do what was right? It was Easter and I was six. All of the grandkids were sent upstairs into the bedroom while my family went outside to hide eggs. What my cousin saw as an opportunity my gut told me was an obstruction of justice. ... Read more
This Lent money raised on this blog will go to Blood: Water Mission to provide clean water in Africa. We only have a few days left and are not yet to 50% of our $200 goal!!!! Please consider giving a few dollars Here. Also, please re-post this and promote our cause on FB and Twitter!!!! Dan Martin is a personal friend and excellent blogger. He is one of three other blogs that I have been reading since the “early days”... Read more
There are strange stories in the New Testament. Sometimes, when I come across them, I am almost surprised. For instance, there is one situation that arises when a guy named Agibus takes off his belt and ties it around Paul’s ankles and hands to let Paul know of a coming imprisonment. There is another story about Peter where the Bible says that he “fell into a trance;” what does that mean? Yet another where Paul is so filled with God’s... Read more
I have been doing some thinking about hell lately and find the debate interesting. Some believe in a traditional view of hell with literal flames. Others see the flames as an image or metaphor for suffering torment, believing that fire itself will not be the source of eternal suffering, but separation from God will be. Still others believe that hell will be a place of torment until the final resurrection when those who have not given their hearts over to... Read more
If you are a regular reader of the Pangea Blog, you already know that I am an outspoken egalitarian. I believe that when women are not given the same opportunities as men, that we actually can unintentionally hinder the body of Christ. Women ought to be free to exercise their gifts of leadership, apostleship, preaching, teaching, eldership, pastoring, etc. It is a static reading of Scripture through the narrow lens of modernity that keeps women from reaching their Holy Spirit... Read more
When we got our first Dog, Sadie, I had quite the learning curve. One thing I didn’t realize when she came into our home as a young pup is that she would not be able to go on long walks or to the dog park for the first couple of month. This is because puppies have the strange unfortunate ability to absorb some of the worst diseases through their feet. This is especially true of the worst of... Read more
During a recent theological debate with a friend, who had declared their Calvinist credentials, I was struck by a particular sentiment that all but ended our conversation. It seems that we human beings are not allowed to question God. In raising issues about God’s character I was, apparently, in danger of being blasphemous. In doing so i was starting to resemble Job and we know that God responded to his predicament with the seemingly dismissive line ‘who is it who... Read more
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