I oppose legalizing prostitution. While I appreciate the concern of those who believe that legalizing prostitution will bring about more favorable conditions for prostitutes, I am not convinced. In fact, I believe the opposite is the case most if not all the time (See the Prostitution Research & Education website for detailed information regarding prostitution, including resources on the effects of legalized prostitution). It is argued that legalizing prostitution will make it possible for prostitutes to come away with more income... Read more

This piece was originally published at Christ & Cascadia on 2/18/14. The Pacific Northwest is known in many circles as the land of Lewis and Clark. These two men were rugged trailblazers, progenitors of rugged individuals, and risk-taking entrepreneurs. Their spirit is in the air and in the variety of scents and tastes in cafes and bistros, tea rooms, and microbrew pubs. We even find their entrepreneurial spirit alive in our churches. Moreover, the same individual and entrepreneurial creativity that leads... Read more

Fundamentalism comes in all shapes and sizes. Not only have I met conservative Christians and Muslims who are fundamentalists, but also I have met liberal fundamentalists. A fundamentalist spirit is present in those who will not seek to collaborate with people on the other side of an issue. The fundamentalist mentality is reflected in “Take no prisoners—or else.” Here I call to mind USA TODAY religion columnist Tom Krattenmaker’s book, The Evangelicals You Don’t Know: Introducing the Next Generation of... Read more

Extreme positions often get the biggest hearing. It seems like you have to be liberal or conservative or pro-choice or pro-life to get people to listen. People so easily close their ears and hearts and shut the door when complexity enters the conversation. I am pro-life. In fact, I am pro-all life. Please allow me to unpack what I mean. It is important to care for the sanctity of human life for the unborn. But what about bringing those little... Read more

No matter where one lives today, it seems like everyone’s from Missouri—the “Show-Me” state. Missourians are often characterized as non-credulous: they are not easily convinced; sufficient evidence is required. When it comes to matters of religion today, many people are increasingly suspicious of religious claims, unless they are backed up by actions. One has to back up words with deeds. Perhaps the author of James in the New Testament was from Missouri, too. Notice how he talks about the need... Read more

Is God a child abuser? Did God pour out his wrath on his Son? If God abused his Son, what’s to say he won’t abuse us? I don’t take these questions lightly. Many theologians have claimed that Christ’s atoning work removed our sin (expiation). On their view, Christ’s death did not remove God’s wrath (propitiation), since God is not wrathful toward sin. I contend that God is wrathful toward sin. He satisfied and removed his wrath in the atoning work of... Read more

What do churches mean by talking about “target audience”? No doubt, one would have to ask each of the churches using such terms what they mean. Perhaps not all of these churches have thought through the associations often bound up with these words. This post is designed to stimulate thought on our use of such terms and what they might signify for Christian community in a market society. Here’s one question to consider prior to beginning: if one comes to the... Read more

A few weeks ago, I was discussing the themes of Occident and Orient, Edward W. Said’s classic study on Orientalism, as well as colonialism, post-colonialism and globalization with a group of friends. A couple of my African colleagues encouraged me to repost the substance of the following entry from my blog at consumingjesus.org. I had made use of this entry titled “Avatar Revisited at Out of Ur” during our discussion. The post that reappears here is a response to a question concerning an article I wrote for Out of Ur regarding Pastor Mark... Read more

Is it okay to privatize public beaches? I listened attentively to NPR the other night to an account of how California is fighting with a billionaire who is trying to halt the public’s access to a remarkable and remote beach. Prior to the billionaire’s purchase of the property, people were coming to Martins Beach for decades. According to California law, all beaches are public from the high-tide mark to the ocean. Martins Beach is hidden from the highway and is... Read more