There is no phrase that is more misused, or more contentious, than The Word of God. We might need to take a vacation from throwing the phrase around as a tight summary until we pull it apart and clarify its multiple uses. The Word of God, when used properly, carries three layers of … Read more about W is for the Word of God (and Wesleyan Quad)
M is for Metaphor (and Metaphysics)
Today we explore two words that appear at opposite ends of the language/reality spectrum but in fact have a great deal to do with each other and inform each other mutually. Before we dive into metaphor, there are two words that are needed in our theological tool-belt. Univocal and Equivocal … Read more about M is for Metaphor (and Metaphysics)
Oh Lord! You can’t say ‘Oh’ instead of ‘Lord’? (nature of language)
On the TV show ‘The Voice’ last night, the final 8 contestants did a rendition of the popular hymn “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” The controversy came, not because they were singing a religious song but because the producers of the show changed a word - an important word. They swapped out … Read more about Oh Lord! You can’t say ‘Oh’ instead of ‘Lord’? (nature of language)
When God Is Too Powerful
A dear friend of mine is in her final semester of a psychology degree. Somehow Martin Buber came up. The famous work of the Jewish thinker - “I and Thou” - is such a powerful idea from the early 20th century that is resonates in both psychology and theology. Keith Ward explains in God: a … Read more about When God Is Too Powerful
Unfolded Episode 4 – In Awe of Creation
This week’s episode is truly awe inspiring. In this show we feature a collection of poems that deal with the subject of creation; being inspired by it, in awe of it and participating in it. The poems were written and narrated by the amazingly talented Pittsburgh, PA musician, Rachel Smith. Check … Read more about Unfolded Episode 4 – In Awe of Creation
A Pope from the Southern Hemisphere! This is a game-changer
For those of us from missionary backgrounds, we have saying (myself for almost 2 decades) that if when the Catholic Church elects a pope from the Southern Hemisphere - S. America, Africa, Asia, or Islands - that is would be a game changer. Well that has happened. Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina … Read more about A Pope from the Southern Hemisphere! This is a game-changer
Day 13: Poetic Language About God
I am constantly struck by the complications of talking about God and faith. In this chapter Tony tells an amazing tale about coming to a realization about how he thinks about his faith. The words that we use are very powerful in forming our experience. They not only help us interpret our … Read more about Day 13: Poetic Language About God
what is happening IN religion – or when we talk about God
This weekend I will finish reading two books that we were given through the podcast (thank you publishers). The first is Peter Rollins new on The Idolatry of God and the second is Phil Snider’s Preaching After God. I have recently edited podcasts with both of these authors. [We put out the Phil … Read more about what is happening IN religion – or when we talk about God
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
Jesus wasn’t talking about Muslims in John 14:6
I love John 14:6. I take so much encouragement from it and it challenges me deeply. I love John 14:6 but I do not like what many today are doing with it: hiding behind it as a catch-all explanation for other religions. Jericho Books has given Homebrewed a bunch of Brian McLaren’s new book to … Read more about Jesus wasn’t talking about Muslims in John 14:6
It’s not the size of the Peter Rollins in LA
Peter Rollins showed up at a place called the Loft LA (that will launch this Fall) in order to say "It's not the size of the wand that matters ... but the magic that is in it'. Pete is at his best as he outlines the problem of the fundamentalist and the liberal ideal of what really matters. Then … Read more about It’s not the size of the Peter Rollins in LA
I’m not sure most Christians know that
I was reading a fascinating article by Terry Eagelton where he was reviewing Dawkin’s book (the God Delusion) specifically and refuting the new atheist en mass. He took them to task for not knowing much about theology - which, in his mind, is a major problem if one is writing a book about God. He … Read more about I’m not sure most Christians know that