This standing on tiptoe reminds us that Advent is about expectation, not passive waiting. Advent is related to our word “adventure,” and there is nothing passive about an adventure. Adventurous expectation, as Presbyterian minister Marc Mullinax reminds us, posts a vigilant watch and prepares for that which is promised. God’s reign can break in at any time, and it is our sacred duty to prepare for a God-shaped destiny. Continue reading
This country has no hope of maintaining its democracy or any moral decency until it repents of its Original Sin of racism. We were built on genocide of one race and the enslavement of another race. And to this very day, that evil legacy continues to bear bitter fruit. We must remember, and in that remembering, experience the repentance necessary for needed healing and reconciliation. Continue reading
We are witnessing increasing numbers of white Evangelicals joining the Trump cult, spewing lies, distorting the teachings and example of Jesus, and worshipping the Golden Calves of racism, homophobia, misogyny, xenophobia, and greedy individualism. Continue reading
(12 minutes) Read the Scripture The Italian poet Dante is well known for his descriptions of the afterlife. His writings are of course metaphorical. They were never meant to be taken literally. But through his symbolism Dante often exposed his readers to profound truth. For example, he made ice and… Continue reading
(15 minutes) Charity is a word which historically has had many meanings and uses. At one point in history, it defined the kind of self-giving love revealed in Jesus Christ (see the KJV translation of I Corinthians 13:13). Today it can refer to the actions of generous people and worthy… Continue reading
(10 minutes) The world, and especially Christianity, has been gifted with a profound religious perspective from Judaism. Anyone who compares Judaism with other religions in the ancient world will find a uniqueness, relevance, and obstinate dedication to truth. Unlike the fertility religions of its day and the cyclic religions of… Continue reading
June is Pride Month for the lgbtq community. As part of my observance of that month, I watched a 2014 movie entitled Pride. Although the film is about the miners’ strike in 1984 during the ruthless Thatcher years, it is not a documentary. Among its stars are Bill Nighy, Imelda… Continue reading
I grew up in the South hearing statements like, “I never owned any slaves. Don’t blame me for what happened over a hundred years ago! I worked for what I have. Let them (and always “them” was uttered with a dismissive and contemptible tone) work as hard as I have…. Continue reading
Of all the biblical scholars I’ve ever read, Professor Walter Brueggemann has had the greatest influence on my understanding and application of the Scriptures. He is that rare genius who knows how to plumb the depths of the biblical witness and at the same time make that witness shockingly relevant… Continue reading
We all know that justice without love can become self-righteous and just plain mean. Jesus frequently condemned such mean self-righteousness and warned those guilty of such arrogance that they may be shocked at the “justice” they may receive from a loving and holy God. Continue reading
