We’re up to the 21st day of Lent. John 9:1-41 is our scripture today. This is another healing story, but it’s also a catalog of the many ways we religious people can be terrible to others in the name of God.
Lent Reflection – Am I choosing power over love?
Good morning! It’s the 5th day of Lent. Today’s scripture is Matthew 4:1-11, the story of Jesus’ temptations, a crucial reflection for those of us who follow Jesus’ way.
Time to Listen to Survivors of Sexual Trauma (TAW023)
Episode 023 – It’s Time to Listen to the Survivors of Sexual Abuse One of the easiest ways to fail to love well is to assume that YOUR experience is canonical and that others have had the same experience you’ve had. We often do this with survivors of trauma. In this episode Mary DeMuth, author […]
We’ve got Glory Upside Down (TAW022)
Episode 022 – We’ve Gotten God’s Glory Upside Down I grew up learning a Christian story that the most important thing was God’s glory. We gave God glory by what we believed, how we behaved, and how we talked about God to other people. Good Christians and Good churches would focus on giving God glory […]
You’re NOT the only Jesus they’ll ever meet.
“You’re the only Jesus they might ever meet.” Wait… what? If you grew up in particular parts of the church world, then you’ve heard that statement before. That, or another version of it. “You might be the only Bible they’ll ever read.” Well, friends. Let’s be honest. Those statements right there? They’re manipulative bunk. Manipulative […]
Maybe you shouldn’t speak the truth in love.
It’s happening right now. Somewhere a Christian is talking to another person. Something’s wrong and the Christian feels that right now–in this moment–they have to say something. I know this is happening right now, because it happens all the time. And not just from Christians. This is something that humans do with vigor. Some call […]
My Easter gift to you: The Story Your Heart is Desperate to Hear
For some of you Easter is a fun springtime holiday. For others of you, it’s the celebration of the most important moment in history. I want to offer you another possibility: Easter is an entire world-view, and one I suggest that you are desperate for, whether you know it or not. Today’s post is long. […]
God’s only motivation? God’s love.
If you grew up in the church, or have hung around it for any length of time, or even attended a football game for that matter, you’re familiar with John 3:16. This is the most famous verse in the Bible. “For God so loved…” It’s #1 on Bible Gateway’s most read verses. It’s been memorized […]
Love, Justice & the Problem of Indifferent Christians.
Part 1: Digesting the Justice Conference In 2012 I attended the Justice Conference, here in Portland. It was amazing. Like conferences often are, it was a fire hose of information. When I left the conference late Saturday night, I was over-full. I wanted to reflect, to not open my mouth for weeks. The friend I […]