If you are wondering about the history behind Jesus' birth story go find Dom Crossan (great episode!) or another historical Jesus scholar. BUT if you wanted to know about the real hero of the Christmas season you need a historical St. Nick scholar. Well you are welcome! Get ready to hear about the … Read more about The Historical St. Nick with Adam English
Is Advent Still Worth Doing? An Honest Question from Bo Sanders
This past Monday John Stewart did a very funny bit on the Daily Show about how Christmas has gotten so big that it is starting to take over other Holidays - what we used to call Thanksgiving is now ‘Black Thursday’ ... Watch out: you’re next Halloween! And in one sense, it is true. Christmas has … Read more about Is Advent Still Worth Doing? An Honest Question from Bo Sanders
5 Biggest Changes for Pastors in the Last 50 Years
I’m preparing to facilitate a conversation with some colleagues in the new year about ministry and honoring tradition. I want to begin - and thus frame - the conversation with the changing culture that we are products of, interact with and attempt to minister to. It is a different way to approach … Read more about 5 Biggest Changes for Pastors in the Last 50 Years
The Resurgence of René Girard
René Girard is popping up in the most interesting places. Among others: Tony Jones mentioned him in our podcast about 'A Better Atonement' I heard Brian McLaren talk about him in lecture at Wild Goose West. Later this week I will be interviewing James Alison on the subject. In fact, … Read more about The Resurgence of René Girard
What if John 14:6 isn’t even about Salvation?
Over the past two months we have been having a lot of fun talking about John 14:6. The release of Brian McLaren's new book Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World and our subsequent live event with him at Wild Goose West (audio … Read more about What if John 14:6 isn’t even about Salvation?
Fake Picture, Real Prayer and God’s Wrath
So it has begun. Hurricane Sandy is only one day in to its battering of the East and the religious have weighed in. I will warn you - it's not good. The first thing that caught my attention was a fake picture of 'the storm' over NYC I was introduced to this photo by a worker at our … Read more about Fake Picture, Real Prayer and God’s Wrath
A Hell of a Conversation
The hell debate hinges on two driving forces. One is the emotional case that questions the reality of eternal punishment in the afterlife based on the character of God and Jesus' love ethic. Rob Bell made this emotional plea in Love Wins, as have others (apparently Jackson Baer in What the Hell, … Read more about A Hell of a Conversation
I am not a pacifist nor am I non-violent
In anticipation of recording a TNT (Theology Nerd Throw-Down) tomorrow afternoon in which Tripp and I will deal with J.R. Daniel Kirk’s blog post about violence and the gospel, I thought it would be good to put all my cards on the table. Kirk is one of our favorite New Testament scholars and one … Read more about I am not a pacifist nor am I non-violent
Zombie Categories and Globalization
I have spent that last two weeks reading and shoring up my familiarity with Creation Ex Nihilo and the Trinity respectively. As fascinating as that has been, I have to admit that am speculated out. I can only take so much speculative theology. This is part of why I am so happy to be in the field of … Read more about Zombie Categories and Globalization
Evil Is as Evil Does
Earlier this week I wrote about Dealing with Demons - a progressive take, and in it I mentioned that the Devil was a personification of when evil is too big and too bad for us to comprehend as a human result ... we outsource to an ancient, cosmic bad guy. Many were able to track with the demon … Read more about Evil Is as Evil Does
Spiritual Renewal has little to do with traditional views of the Bible, missions, salvation, and the “end times”
My reflections on Easter this year resurrected in me a deep gratitude for myriad ways the Spirit seems to be moving progressive believers and the larger culture to embrace a new paradigm for spirituality. One that has potential to have a huge impact on spiritual resurgence and making a real … Read more about Spiritual Renewal has little to do with traditional views of the Bible, missions, salvation, and the “end times”
Why the Church of N. America will always be (mostly) like it is
The church of N. America will always be (mostly) like it is today. When those who think as individuals read a text that is communal, there is always going to be an issue. I know that there is a real danger in painting in broad stokes and speaking in generalities. I normally steer clear of such … Read more about Why the Church of N. America will always be (mostly) like it is