At MinnPost, scientist and humanist Shawn Otto writes about the far-reaching consequences of an evolution-denier like Micharah Bachlin* running for president. He writes that many creationists, like Bachlin, agree with “natural selection,” but deny the broader concept of evolution. But in do this, they’re mistaken: (more…) Read more
Mickey Maudlin, Senior VP and Managing Editor at HarperOne (and a former editor of Christianity Today) has spoken out about his satisfaction at seeing Love Wins do so well in sales — but also his “deep sadness about the book.” With as many as six condemning books being rushed to press, the Southern Baptist Convention passing a resolution against Bell, and many evangelical leaders joining in the condemnation, Maudlin writes, (more…) Read more
Social Phonics Coach, Adam Walker Cleaveland, is quoted in a story by Sam Hodges in the UM Reporter. The piece is on ebook readers and their use by clergy, both in the pulpit, and as a substitute for traditional print books. The first few times the Rev. Adam Walker Cleaveland preached from his tablet computer, he carried along a printed text, just in case of computer failure. Not anymore. “I’ve done it enough now that I’m solely relying on the... Read more
Catherine Caimano has a post at Faith & Leadership which offers a critical look at the Wild Goose Festival. Her bottom-line critique: Not Enough Jesus. She got this impression, it seems, from attending a few sessions and overhearing people talk in private conversations. Among the elements to which she refers is the “Sexuality and Justice” panel that I moderated. What’s interesting is that I used an extended biblical illustration connecting Jesus’ healing of the man lowered through the roof with... Read more
I’m getting (re-)married next week, and I’ve been looking for inspiration in the vow department. When I was a pastor, I virtually disallowed couples to use self-written vows in ceremonies that I was officiating. The reason: they were entering into a covenant that has been entered into billions of times by billions of people. They weren’t making this up — singing solo — but were instead joining a chorus of people who’d done this before. Further, a recitation of traditional... Read more
At the Guardian, a host of writers and thinkers have submitted words and phrases that they think, due to overuse and misuse, need to be retired. Among them, “thinking outside the box,” “awesome,” and, my favorite: (more…) Read more
Christian Smith did all of us who follow the sociology of American evangelicalism a great service with his 1998 book, American Evangelicalism: Embattled and Thriving. Therein, he described how evangelicals had developed a “sub-cultural identity,” wherein they told themselves a story about their own position as an embattled minority, even as they became the most powerful voting bloc in the electorate. That self-defining narrative has continued unabated. Witness Micharah Bachlin, using the bully pulpit of FOX News to decry the... Read more
Amazon has a bunch of patriotic tunes, karaoke style, for free. Get Your Independence Day Karaoke On! Read more
I just finished reading Practicing the Way of Jesus: Life Together in the Kingdom of Love by Mark Scandrette. It’s an eminently practical book about real, lived spiritual formation in Mark’s ever-changing ReIMAGINE community in San Francisco. For years, Mark has invited people to join him on days- or weeks-long experiments, many of which fall under his concept of the Jesus Dojo (described by Mark in the video below). What I’m most interested in when reading a book — especially... Read more
Scot wrote about Montaigne this week, and I heartily agree with his appreciation of the inventor of the essay. I first read Montaigne as a freshman in college, and have been a fan ever since. “Of Friendship” is my favorite essay by Montaigne, in which he contrasts same-gender friendship with the father-son relationship, the brother-brother relationship, and the fires of romantic love. In contrast to the lattermost, he writes, Whereas in friendship, ’tis a general and universal fire, but temperate... Read more
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