If Jesus turned the religious world upside down while he lived among us, things did not settle down after he left. It is recorded in The Acts of the Apostles: Pentecost was just the beginning of a revolution. The Holy Spirit blew into the room with the sound of wind, the appearance of fire, and the chaos of several languages chattering at once. Jesus’ friends … Continue reading 4: “…and the Holy Spirit”
Jesus was popular with masses of people not only because he healed some of them, but also because they sensed that he spoke with authority. From our (Christians’) perspective, we know why he had that authority: he is one of the Godhead, the Son himself. Because he is divine, and we believe the radical claim that he became human and lived among us, what he … Continue reading #3: “Then There’s Jesus”
This is the second of several posts addressing the debate about homosexuality that will soon take place at the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America (June 7-12, 2018). To see earlier posts, scroll down. Before I continue, let me say that every single statement I make in these posts is backed up by many hours of study and thought and dialogue. I could … Continue reading #2: “But the Bible Says…”
I think it is important for the people of Reformed churches to know what is happening in your denomination that will have a direct impact on the life of local congregations. In June this year—less than two weeks from now—the General Synod of the RCA will meet in Grand Rapids, Michigan and vote on overtures that include: 1) Whether to enable each classis*—the body that … Continue reading Will Your Church Be Inclusive?
Unhurried morning stepping out our door coffee warming surf pounding eyes trained on the horizon anticipating surprise of spout breach delight whales tasting air reminding themselves that they dwell in the deeps Unearthly noise breaks the mood MISSILE INBOUND TAKE SHELTER Disbelief Confusion Disturbance breaking the surface Malevolence invading questioning the balance reaching its dark finger to strum the cord between human and human Unexpectedly … Continue reading Oahu, January 13
My friend Terry was a farmer, a man who embodied faith and joy. Rising early first thoughts of tasks toil contained in a vessel of trust and praise and thanks Pulling on worn jeans familiar as the breakfast and markets soft voices going over the day’s schedule flexible as farming requires prayer intention a joke or two a wry acceptance of what is here … Continue reading For Terry
Folks will come at the appointed hour dutifully, happily visit a bit, then settle into their familiar pews expectant, ready for a song, a prayer, a word or two of inspiration to nourish their steady faith for a few more days. Where are the words? They are tangled up, bound, uneasy, resistant to casual exploitation. Feeble, not equal to the task nor strong enough to … Continue reading Sunday Morning Confession
Eclipse fever cast its own eclipse over the United States this month. It was cloudy and rainy locally, so the untimely darkness was our only indication of the phenomenon. Listening to the recordings of people as they experienced the veiling of the sun was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Their cries of astonishment and delight had me almost as captivated as they … Continue reading Beauty Eclipses the Tension
This month I enjoyed hiking with friends in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park. As hiking “veterans,” sometimes we devise ways to entertain ourselves on the long hikes back to the trail head. For example, once we challenged each other to name movies or books beginning with every letter of the alphabet. During one hike this year, we overheard some young women talking about mathematics … Continue reading Snatches
Here in northwest Iowa we have been conducting an experiment for the past few months. A colleague and I started a dialogue group to create a space for gracious conversation about issues that affect everyone, so we mostly talk about politics. Almost everybody I know felt beat up after the presidential election of 2016. It didn’t matter whether your candidate of choice won or not. … Continue reading Succeeding at Civility
saint sinner seeker 