Tripp has made it clear on several podcasts that he became unwilling to raise his kids in a church where this was even a question or issue. When my friend Rachel wrote this, I asked her if I could cross-post it here. Why some are choosing to stay in The United Methodist Church... by Rachel … Read more about A Mother’s Lament
Who Am I To Judge? an honest question
It is no secret that I am a fan of many of the things (not all) that the new Pope has been up to. So I was very intrigued when it came out that on his cross-Atlantic flight he took the airplane microphone and addressed reporters. I was also surprised by the reports of the following … Read more about Who Am I To Judge? an honest question
God Is Not Like Me
I grew up in a tradition that said I should be, as much as possible, like Jesus. I get that - and I try to do so. Yesterday at the Loft LA I had the privilege to say 3 things (among many others) about God: God is Black (from James Cone) She Who Is (from Elizabeth Johnson) God is a Fag ( … Read more about God Is Not Like Me
Homosexuality: the difference between TV and Greek Tragedy
Blogging is a fascinating way to interact with people over an issue or topic. Once in while a blog will unexpectedly come back to life after months of lying dormant. It usually happens when A) somebody references it month later B) when the topic hits the news again. The dying embers leap back to … Read more about Homosexuality: the difference between TV and Greek Tragedy
TNT: Same Sex Marriage, Rob Bell and His Detractors
Happy Birthday! HomeBrewed is celebrating its 5th and BoDaddy is celebrating his 40th! On this episode of the Theology Nerd Throw-down, Tripp and Bo talk about same-sex marriage, Rob Bell and his detractors. This all started when Tripp posted about big platforms coming out in … Read more about TNT: Same Sex Marriage, Rob Bell and His Detractors
Jesus was a Cowboy without a Community
I love community. I was the pastor of a 'cell church' for 11 years and simply delighted in so many aspects of the model. I love being in community. In every phase of my spiritual journey, I have been encouraged to engage, being accountable to and submit to the authority of the groups I was a … Read more about Jesus was a Cowboy without a Community
Rob Bell is Gay Affirming but not everyone is happy about it
Rob Bell, among others, has come out as open to Same Sex Marriage (SSM) - but not everyone is on-board with it. David Fitch (with a Canadian connection) posted this: Who is Rob Bell speaking for/to in affirming gay marriage? His (former) church? Christians at large? The press? Culture … Read more about Rob Bell is Gay Affirming but not everyone is happy about it
Moving Toward Multiplicity
Listening to Howard Zinn (author of the classic A People’s History of the United States) at a town hall meeting style presentation recorded in 2007 (you can get it on Itunes from WGBH Politics) I was struck by the need to recognize the sheer complexity of issues and multiplicity of … Read more about Moving Toward Multiplicity
McLaren Changed His Mind
Brian McLaren recently posted a very interesting note from a former fan who was feeling the need to 'break ranks' with the author over his position regarding homosexuality. I wanted to post part of it here for several reasons. I have been saying that 'People Do Change Their Minds'. We … Read more about McLaren Changed His Mind
People Do Change Their Minds
Recently I was reading an article by Richard A. Muller called “The Conversion of a Climate-Change Skeptic” in the NY Times. Muller is a professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley, and is the author of “Energy for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines.” Muller begins … Read more about People Do Change Their Minds
An Evangelical Support for Same-Sex Marriage
I have been asked by several of my evangelical friends to both explain my position and help them to approach this conversation in a way that does not require them to disregard the Bible that they so value. I will do this as directly and effectively as I can without being dismissive. If I am too … Read more about An Evangelical Support for Same-Sex Marriage
Defending Diana Butler Bass and those non-human animals
Two weeks ago I got to sit down with Diana Butler Bass and ask her about everything from her new book’s title Christianity After Religion to the Methodist tradition and why Evangelical young people are 30 years behind. It was a blast! [you can hear the audio here] At the end of the hour, the … Read more about Defending Diana Butler Bass and those non-human animals