Category Archives: Religion
Curveball | Reflections & Notes
Peter Enns. Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming. HarperOne, 2023. (229 pages) REFLECTIONS Human organization requires boundaries. It is how we define who we are, where we are, and where we can find meaning, purpose, and identity. Religion
Curveball | Reflections & Notes
Peter Enns. Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming. HarperOne, 2023. (229 pages) REFLECTIONS Human organization requires boundaries. It is how we define who we are, where we are, and where we can find meaning, purpose, and identity. Religion
Love Matters More | Reflections & Notes
Jared Byas. Love Matters More: How Fighting To Be Right Keeps Us From Loving Like Jesus. Zondervan, 2020. (211 pages) REFLECTIONS In short, I agree. Love does matter more than anything else. It is simply true and is truly that simple.
Love Matters More | Reflections & Notes
Jared Byas. Love Matters More: How Fighting To Be Right Keeps Us From Loving Like Jesus. Zondervan, 2020. (211 pages) REFLECTIONS In short, I agree. Love does matter more than anything else. It is simply true and is truly that simple.
Following Jesus In A Warming World | Reflections & Notes
Kyle Meyaard-Schaap. Following Jesus In A Warming World: A Christian Call To Climate Action. InterVarsity Press, 2023. REFLECTIONS To state the obvious, this book is for Christians. Knowing that there are very disparate views and convictions in this era of deconstruction, my
Following Jesus In A Warming World | Reflections & Notes
Kyle Meyaard-Schaap. Following Jesus In A Warming World: A Christian Call To Climate Action. InterVarsity Press, 2023. REFLECTIONS To state the obvious, this book is for Christians. Knowing that there are very disparate views and convictions in this era of deconstruction, my
Do I Stay Christian? | Reflections & Notes
Brian D. McLaren. Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide For The Doubters, The Disappointed, And The Disillusioned. St. Martin’s Publishing, 2022. (262 pages) REFLECTIONS It appears that we are going through a significant cognitive and spiritual revolution, the kind of disruption
Do I Stay Christian? | Reflections & Notes
Brian D. McLaren. Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide For The Doubters, The Disappointed, And The Disillusioned. St. Martin’s Publishing, 2022. (262 pages) REFLECTIONS It appears that we are going through a significant cognitive and spiritual revolution, the kind of disruption
Work Pray Code | Reflections & Notes
Carolyn Chen. Work Pray Code: When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley. Princeton University Press, 2022. (254 pages) REFLECTIONS As a resident of Silicon Valley (SV) and a professor of theology of worship for a decade and a half at a
Work Pray Code | Reflections & Notes
Carolyn Chen. Work Pray Code: When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley. Princeton University Press, 2022. (254 pages) REFLECTIONS As a resident of Silicon Valley (SV) and a professor of theology of worship for a decade and a half at a
Loving the Least of These | Reflections & Critical Review
National Association of Evangelicals. Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment. 2022. REFLECTIONS For those despairing at the paltry, and in some cases, antagonistic religious response to the climate crisis, this document may offer some satisfaction. Written by and
Loving the Least of These | Reflections & Critical Review
National Association of Evangelicals. Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment. 2022. REFLECTIONS For those despairing at the paltry, and in some cases, antagonistic religious response to the climate crisis, this document may offer some satisfaction. Written by and
God & Golem, Inc. | Reflections & Notes
Norbert Wiener. God & Golem, Inc.: A Comment on Certain Points where Cybernetics Impinges on Religion. The M.I.T. Press, 1964. (99 pages) REFLECTIONS I discovered this book through Meghan O’Gieblyn’s (meghanogieblyn.com) article “Can Social Media Be Redeemed?” Reading decades-old prescience is
God & Golem, Inc. | Reflections & Notes
Norbert Wiener. God & Golem, Inc.: A Comment on Certain Points where Cybernetics Impinges on Religion. The M.I.T. Press, 1964. (99 pages) REFLECTIONS I discovered this book through Meghan O’Gieblyn’s (meghanogieblyn.com) article “Can Social Media Be Redeemed?” Reading decades-old prescience is
Bad Faith | Reflections & Notes
Randall Balmer. Bad Faith: Race and The Rise of the Religious Right. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2021. (120 pages) REFLECTIONS I have been waiting for this book ever since Balmer’s 2014 Politico Magazine article and this talk at Emory University on
Bad Faith | Reflections & Notes
Randall Balmer. Bad Faith: Race and The Rise of the Religious Right. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2021. (120 pages) REFLECTIONS I have been waiting for this book ever since Balmer’s 2014 Politico Magazine article and this talk at Emory University on
Attached To God | Reflections & Notes
Krispin Mayfield. Attached To God: A Practical Guide To Deeper Spiritual Experience. Zondervan Books, 2022. (234 pages / 3367 Locations) REFLECTIONS I have been engaged with attachment theory for decades. I’ve wrestled with RAD—Reactive Attachment Disorder—in and through personal relationships, adoption
Attached To God | Reflections & Notes
Krispin Mayfield. Attached To God: A Practical Guide To Deeper Spiritual Experience. Zondervan Books, 2022. (234 pages / 3367 Locations) REFLECTIONS I have been engaged with attachment theory for decades. I’ve wrestled with RAD—Reactive Attachment Disorder—in and through personal relationships, adoption
After Evangelicalism | Reflections & Notes
David Gushee. After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity. Westminster John Knox Press, 2020. (225 pages) REFLECTIONS For many, there is a deep need for a public saying of things that have been sensed or felt but couldn’t be voiced
After Evangelicalism | Reflections & Notes
David Gushee. After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity. Westminster John Knox Press, 2020. (225 pages) REFLECTIONS For many, there is a deep need for a public saying of things that have been sensed or felt but couldn’t be voiced
Analog Church | Reflections & Notes
Jay Y. Kim. Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age. IVP, 2020. (205 pages / 2900 locations) REFLECTIONS There is no going back. We live in an electrified, digitized, and “data-fied” world and it
Analog Church | Reflections & Notes
Jay Y. Kim. Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age. IVP, 2020. (205 pages / 2900 locations) REFLECTIONS There is no going back. We live in an electrified, digitized, and “data-fied” world and it
The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture | Reflections & Notes
Yoram Hazony. The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture. Cambridge University Press, 2012. (379 pages) REFLECTIONS Absolutely brilliant! This is one of those books that I wish was mandated for all Bible students at all levels. Should more readers—specifically Western-minded—engage with and seriously
The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture | Reflections & Notes
Yoram Hazony. The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture. Cambridge University Press, 2012. (379 pages) REFLECTIONS Absolutely brilliant! This is one of those books that I wish was mandated for all Bible students at all levels. Should more readers—specifically Western-minded—engage with and seriously
Why You’re Christian | Reflections
I am blessed with tremendous people in my life who I deeply respect. And when one of those friends sends me an essay with the question, “What says you about this piece?” I honor their pitch. Below is the full
Why You’re Christian | Reflections
I am blessed with tremendous people in my life who I deeply respect. And when one of those friends sends me an essay with the question, “What says you about this piece?” I honor their pitch. Below is the full
The Patterning Instinct | Reflections & Notes
Jeremy Lent. The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity’s Search for Meaning. Prometheus Books, 2017. (569 pages) REFLECTIONS @JeremyRLent has given humanity an absolutely brilliant gift in this book. May we now use and share this gift wisely. The
The Patterning Instinct | Reflections & Notes
Jeremy Lent. The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity’s Search for Meaning. Prometheus Books, 2017. (569 pages) REFLECTIONS @JeremyRLent has given humanity an absolutely brilliant gift in this book. May we now use and share this gift wisely. The
Welcoming the Stranger | Reflections & Notes
Matthew Soerens & Jenny Yang. Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate. 2018 [Revised and Expanded]. (274 pages) evangelicalimmigrationtable.com; worldrelief.org REFLECTIONS Welcoming the Stranger is thoughtfully measured, data-driven, theologically robust, politically non-partisan, solutions-oriented, and story-filled. The authors
Welcoming the Stranger | Reflections & Notes
Matthew Soerens & Jenny Yang. Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate. 2018 [Revised and Expanded]. (274 pages) evangelicalimmigrationtable.com; worldrelief.org REFLECTIONS Welcoming the Stranger is thoughtfully measured, data-driven, theologically robust, politically non-partisan, solutions-oriented, and story-filled. The authors
Another Gospel? | Reflections, Notes, & Critical Review
Alisa Childers. Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity. Tyndale Momentum, 2020. (267 pages) REFLECTIONS This is an incredibly thoughtful, well-research, well-cited, and heartfelt book that is compelling, personal, and extremely relevant to our current
Another Gospel? | Reflections, Notes, & Critical Review
Alisa Childers. Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity. Tyndale Momentum, 2020. (267 pages) REFLECTIONS This is an incredibly thoughtful, well-research, well-cited, and heartfelt book that is compelling, personal, and extremely relevant to our current
a climate for change | Reflections & Notes
Katharine Hayhoe, Andrew Farley. a climate for change: global warming facts for faith-based decisions. [Advance Reading Copy] FaithWords, 2009. (206 pages) REFLECTIONS Brenda Russell wrote a song in 1988 entitled “Get Here” which has this famous line, “I don’t care how
a climate for change | Reflections & Notes
Katharine Hayhoe, Andrew Farley. a climate for change: global warming facts for faith-based decisions. [Advance Reading Copy] FaithWords, 2009. (206 pages) REFLECTIONS Brenda Russell wrote a song in 1988 entitled “Get Here” which has this famous line, “I don’t care how
Jesus and John Wayne | Reflections & Notes
Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2020. (356 pages) WWNorton’s book page; KristinDuMez.com book page; NPR Author interview; REFLECTIONS In 1997 I began dating a woman
Jesus and John Wayne | Reflections & Notes
Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2020. (356 pages) WWNorton’s book page; KristinDuMez.com book page; NPR Author interview; REFLECTIONS In 1997 I began dating a woman
Live Not By Lies | Critical Review & Notes
Rod Dreher. Live Not By Lies: A Manual For Christian Dissidents. Sentinel, 2020. (240 pages) REFLECTIONS To sum, the subject of Dreher’s thesis—live by the truth, the blessing of suffering, the disdain for mere therapeutic religion, the resistance against totalitarianism, the critique
Live Not By Lies | Critical Review & Notes
Rod Dreher. Live Not By Lies: A Manual For Christian Dissidents. Sentinel, 2020. (240 pages) REFLECTIONS To sum, the subject of Dreher’s thesis—live by the truth, the blessing of suffering, the disdain for mere therapeutic religion, the resistance against totalitarianism, the critique
The Power Worshippers | Reflections & Notes
Katherine Stewart. The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019. (342 pages) TALKS: REFLECTIONS Two phrases kept running through my mind reading this book. The first, “She’s not wrong.” Stewart has done a significant amount of
The Power Worshippers | Reflections & Notes
Katherine Stewart. The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019. (342 pages) TALKS: REFLECTIONS Two phrases kept running through my mind reading this book. The first, “She’s not wrong.” Stewart has done a significant amount of
The Territories of Science and Religion | Reflections & Notes
Peter Harrison. The Territories of Science and Religion. The University of Chicago Press, 2015. (300 pages). REFLECTIONS Let’s start by mentioning climate change, infectious diseases, vaccines, energy, and food production. Each of these is critical to human existence and flourishing. Over
The Territories of Science and Religion | Reflections & Notes
Peter Harrison. The Territories of Science and Religion. The University of Chicago Press, 2015. (300 pages). REFLECTIONS Let’s start by mentioning climate change, infectious diseases, vaccines, energy, and food production. Each of these is critical to human existence and flourishing. Over
How the Bible Became a Book | Reflections & Notes
William M. Schniedewind. How the Bible Became a Book. Cambridge University Press, 2004. (257 pages) REFLECTIONS Humans throughout history have needed something into which they can anchor their faith. Several religions explicitly identify sacred texts as their objects of security, earning
How the Bible Became a Book | Reflections & Notes
William M. Schniedewind. How the Bible Became a Book. Cambridge University Press, 2004. (257 pages) REFLECTIONS Humans throughout history have needed something into which they can anchor their faith. Several religions explicitly identify sacred texts as their objects of security, earning
Dominion | Reflections & Notes
Tom Holland. Dominion: How The Christian Revolution Remade The World. Basic Books, 2019. (612 pages) REFLECTIONS In this sweeping history, Holland profiles an astonishingly diverse swath of humanity through Western Civilization. Given the focus on Christianity, there is no surprise to
Dominion | Reflections & Notes
Tom Holland. Dominion: How The Christian Revolution Remade The World. Basic Books, 2019. (612 pages) REFLECTIONS In this sweeping history, Holland profiles an astonishingly diverse swath of humanity through Western Civilization. Given the focus on Christianity, there is no surprise to
God and the Pandemic | Reflections & Notes
N.T. Wright. God and the Pandemic: A Christian Reflection on the Coronavirus and its Aftermath. Zondervan Reflective, 2020. (75 pages) REFLECTIONS This little book is true to its title. It is a decidedly Christian reflection for those interested in how their
God and the Pandemic | Reflections & Notes
N.T. Wright. God and the Pandemic: A Christian Reflection on the Coronavirus and its Aftermath. Zondervan Reflective, 2020. (75 pages) REFLECTIONS This little book is true to its title. It is a decidedly Christian reflection for those interested in how their
The Christians as the Romans Saw Them | Reflections & Notes
Robert Louis Wilken. The Christians As the Romans Saw Them. Second Edition. Yale University, 2003. (214 pages) REFLECTIONS Wilken’s closing words are worthy of being the opening of this reflection: Perhaps this is the one large conclusion to be drawn
The Christians as the Romans Saw Them | Reflections & Notes
Robert Louis Wilken. The Christians As the Romans Saw Them. Second Edition. Yale University, 2003. (214 pages) REFLECTIONS Wilken’s closing words are worthy of being the opening of this reflection: Perhaps this is the one large conclusion to be drawn
Created Equal | Reflections & Notes
Joshua A. Berman. Created Equal: How the Bible Broke with Ancient Political Thought. Oxford, 2008. (249 pages) REFECTIONS ln academic circles it is a value to be very cautious and careful regarding modern ethical sensibilities overlaid to ancient texts and attitudes.
Created Equal | Reflections & Notes
Joshua A. Berman. Created Equal: How the Bible Broke with Ancient Political Thought. Oxford, 2008. (249 pages) REFECTIONS ln academic circles it is a value to be very cautious and careful regarding modern ethical sensibilities overlaid to ancient texts and attitudes.
How Christian Opinion Articles Fall Short, Part Two
In my previous post, I suggested that the December 19 @CTmagazine article “rallied our primitive selves, invigorated our already established opinions, and charged us all with the imperative to act.” Yesterday’s published articles are illustrations of how this plays out.
How Christian Opinion Articles Fall Short, Part Two
In my previous post, I suggested that the December 19 @CTmagazine article “rallied our primitive selves, invigorated our already established opinions, and charged us all with the imperative to act.” Yesterday’s published articles are illustrations of how this plays out.
How Christian Opinion Articles Fall Short
The world lacks not of critics from every angle. From the “Too little, too late,” to “Finally!”, the December 19 #ChristianityToday article has rallied our primitive selves, invigorated our already established opinions, and charged us all with the imperative to
How Christian Opinion Articles Fall Short
The world lacks not of critics from every angle. From the “Too little, too late,” to “Finally!”, the December 19 #ChristianityToday article has rallied our primitive selves, invigorated our already established opinions, and charged us all with the imperative to
Divided By Faith | Reflections & Notes
Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith. Divided By Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America. Oxford University Press, 2000. (212 pages) REFLECTIONS When I finished this book, the first thought that came to mind was a deep regret
Divided By Faith | Reflections & Notes
Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith. Divided By Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America. Oxford University Press, 2000. (212 pages) REFLECTIONS When I finished this book, the first thought that came to mind was a deep regret
Christ and the Powers | Reflections & Notes
Hendrik Berkhof, John Howard Yoder [translator]. Christ and the Powers. Herald Press, 1962. Originally published in 1953 under the title Christus en de Machten, by G. F. Callenbach N. V. of Nijkerk, The Netherlands. (79 pages) REFLECTIONS Christ and the Powers was
Christ and the Powers | Reflections & Notes
Hendrik Berkhof, John Howard Yoder [translator]. Christ and the Powers. Herald Press, 1962. Originally published in 1953 under the title Christus en de Machten, by G. F. Callenbach N. V. of Nijkerk, The Netherlands. (79 pages) REFLECTIONS Christ and the Powers was
Nothing Sacred | Reflections & Notes
Douglas Rushkoff. Nothing Sacred: The Truth About Judaism. Crown Publishers, 2003. (265 pages) REFLECTIONS Douglas Rushkoff is one of my favorite thinkers, writers, philosophers, commentators, and prophets. I’ve been using his content for over two decades in my work to help
Nothing Sacred | Reflections & Notes
Douglas Rushkoff. Nothing Sacred: The Truth About Judaism. Crown Publishers, 2003. (265 pages) REFLECTIONS Douglas Rushkoff is one of my favorite thinkers, writers, philosophers, commentators, and prophets. I’ve been using his content for over two decades in my work to help
Paul and the Giants of Philosophy | Reflections & Notes
Joseph R. Dodson and David E. Briones, eds. Paul and the Giants of Philosophy: Reading the Apostle in Greco-Roman Context. IVP Academic, 2019. (177 pages) [Download all the tables here] REFLECTIONS In the decades of reading and studying the Bible,
Paul and the Giants of Philosophy | Reflections & Notes
Joseph R. Dodson and David E. Briones, eds. Paul and the Giants of Philosophy: Reading the Apostle in Greco-Roman Context. IVP Academic, 2019. (177 pages) [Download all the tables here] REFLECTIONS In the decades of reading and studying the Bible,
How Fossil Fuel Money Made Climate Change Denial the Word of God
How Fossil Fuel Money Made Climate Change Denial the Word of God, Brenden O’Connor [Splinter], August 8, 2017 In 2005, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Evangelicals was on the verge of doing something novel:
How Fossil Fuel Money Made Climate Change Denial the Word of God
How Fossil Fuel Money Made Climate Change Denial the Word of God, Brenden O’Connor [Splinter], August 8, 2017 In 2005, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Evangelicals was on the verge of doing something novel:
Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls | Reflections & Notes
John Bergsma. Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls: Revealing the Jewish Roots of Christianity. Image, 2019. (256 pages) REFLECTIONS The Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) are the greatest archeological find of the 20th century. (For more on the history and story of
Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls | Reflections & Notes
John Bergsma. Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls: Revealing the Jewish Roots of Christianity. Image, 2019. (256 pages) REFLECTIONS The Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) are the greatest archeological find of the 20th century. (For more on the history and story of
Here All Along | Reflections & Notes
Sarah Hurwitz. Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There). Spiegel & Grau, 2019. (307 pages) REFLECTIONS I began this book intrigued. In reading, I grew to like it. I finished
Here All Along | Reflections & Notes
Sarah Hurwitz. Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There). Spiegel & Grau, 2019. (307 pages) REFLECTIONS I began this book intrigued. In reading, I grew to like it. I finished
Out of Many Faiths | Reflections & Notes
Eboo Patel. Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity & The American Promise. Princeton University Press, 2018. (215 pages) There is but one destiny … left for us, and that is to make ourselves, and be made by others a part of
Out of Many Faiths | Reflections & Notes
Eboo Patel. Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity & The American Promise. Princeton University Press, 2018. (215 pages) There is but one destiny … left for us, and that is to make ourselves, and be made by others a part of
The End of White Christian America | Reflections & Notes
Robert P. Jones. The End of White Christian America. Simon & Schuster, 2016. (321 pages) REFLECTIONS This is an incredibly insightful and helpful read for two specific audiences. First, for anyone wondering and/or despondent about our current socio-political state of affairs,
The End of White Christian America | Reflections & Notes
Robert P. Jones. The End of White Christian America. Simon & Schuster, 2016. (321 pages) REFLECTIONS This is an incredibly insightful and helpful read for two specific audiences. First, for anyone wondering and/or despondent about our current socio-political state of affairs,
The Very Good Gospel | Review & Notes
Lisa Sharon Harper. The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right. Waterbrook, 2016. (224 pages) REVIEW I really, really, wanted to like this book. I can only say that I appreciate this book and its overall goal, message, and ethic.
The Very Good Gospel | Review & Notes
Lisa Sharon Harper. The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right. Waterbrook, 2016. (224 pages) REVIEW I really, really, wanted to like this book. I can only say that I appreciate this book and its overall goal, message, and ethic.
A Confession, Lament, and Hope in Showing Up | Reflections From My Public Protest
#CaravanToClint On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in response to the news of the migrant crisis at the US border, a friend and I got on a plane and headed to Clint, TX to join the #CaravanToClint protest group organized by Julie
A Confession, Lament, and Hope in Showing Up | Reflections From My Public Protest
#CaravanToClint On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in response to the news of the migrant crisis at the US border, a friend and I got on a plane and headed to Clint, TX to join the #CaravanToClint protest group organized by Julie
The Cross and the Lynching Tree | Reflections & Notes
James H. Cone. The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Orbis Books, 2011. (202 pages) To the memory of Black People whose lives were lost on the Lynching Tree REFLECTIONS I once participated in a small group that was intentional about discussing
The Cross and the Lynching Tree | Reflections & Notes
James H. Cone. The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Orbis Books, 2011. (202 pages) To the memory of Black People whose lives were lost on the Lynching Tree REFLECTIONS I once participated in a small group that was intentional about discussing
Charis | Notes
Preston Sprinkle. Charis: God’s Scandalous Grace For Us. David C. Cook, 2014. (192 pages) NOTES Foreword Grace is irrational in the sense that it has nothing to do with weights and measures. … Grace is one-way love– Paul Zahl Grace
Charis | Notes
Preston Sprinkle. Charis: God’s Scandalous Grace For Us. David C. Cook, 2014. (192 pages) NOTES Foreword Grace is irrational in the sense that it has nothing to do with weights and measures. … Grace is one-way love– Paul Zahl Grace
Boy Erased | Reflections
Boy Erased [R], 2018. Reflections The most important events in our lives are rarely just about one thing. That which is most significant to us is also most complicated, intermixing with multiple aspects of our existence. So it is with Boy
Boy Erased | Reflections
Boy Erased [R], 2018. Reflections The most important events in our lives are rarely just about one thing. That which is most significant to us is also most complicated, intermixing with multiple aspects of our existence. So it is with Boy
The Myth of Certainty | Reflections & Notes
Daniel Taylor. The Myth of Certainty: The Reflective Christian & The Risk of Commitment. InterVarsity Press, 1992. (158 pages) MYTH-excerpt-pdfs-copy REFLECTIONS There is no other book I’ve read that has captured my spiritual journey and process as clearly as this one.
The Myth of Certainty | Reflections & Notes
Daniel Taylor. The Myth of Certainty: The Reflective Christian & The Risk of Commitment. InterVarsity Press, 1992. (158 pages) MYTH-excerpt-pdfs-copy REFLECTIONS There is no other book I’ve read that has captured my spiritual journey and process as clearly as this one.
I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye | Reflections
https://www.isurvivedikdg.com What if you gave millions of people the wrong advice? Reflections I can’t even imagine the emotional journey it must be to begin rethinking and apologizing for the work that so characterized the majority of one’s professional reputation. In
I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye | Reflections
https://www.isurvivedikdg.com What if you gave millions of people the wrong advice? Reflections I can’t even imagine the emotional journey it must be to begin rethinking and apologizing for the work that so characterized the majority of one’s professional reputation. In
The Triumph of Christianity | Reflections & Notes
Rodney Stark. The Triumph of Christianity: How The Jesus Movement Became The World’s Largest Religion. HarperOne, 2011. (506 pages) REFLECTIONS Religion is often stereotypically dismissed as myth. But what if the academic history told about religion is actually itself the myth? My
The Triumph of Christianity | Reflections & Notes
Rodney Stark. The Triumph of Christianity: How The Jesus Movement Became The World’s Largest Religion. HarperOne, 2011. (506 pages) REFLECTIONS Religion is often stereotypically dismissed as myth. But what if the academic history told about religion is actually itself the myth? My
Why Buddhism Is True | Review & Notes
Robert Wright. Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment. Simon & Schuster, 2017. (321 pages) REVIEW There still exists in some fundamental circles a fight for the validity of one’s religion over another. This “apologetic” ethic is quite
Why Buddhism Is True | Review & Notes
Robert Wright. Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment. Simon & Schuster, 2017. (321 pages) REVIEW There still exists in some fundamental circles a fight for the validity of one’s religion over another. This “apologetic” ethic is quite
Reversing Roe | Reflections
Netflix. Reversing Roe. [NR, 2018] 99 minutes. Movie Info (from Rotten Tomatoes) Forty-five years after it revolutionized abortion law in America, the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade is once again at a crossroads. In their timely new
Reversing Roe | Reflections
Netflix. Reversing Roe. [NR, 2018] 99 minutes. Movie Info (from Rotten Tomatoes) Forty-five years after it revolutionized abortion law in America, the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade is once again at a crossroads. In their timely new
Disunity in Christ | Reflections & Notes
Christena Cleveland. Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart. IVP Books, 2013. (220 pages) Reflections Reading this book was an exercise in feeling a continuous sense of despairing hope. First, this book was published in 2013, which means
Disunity in Christ | Reflections & Notes
Christena Cleveland. Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart. IVP Books, 2013. (220 pages) Reflections Reading this book was an exercise in feeling a continuous sense of despairing hope. First, this book was published in 2013, which means
Costly Grace | Review & Notes
Rob Schenck. Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister’s Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love. Harper, 2018. (324 pages) Review I really love this book, for several reasons. First, the question that is American Evangelicalism–what it has become, and why it continues in
Costly Grace | Review & Notes
Rob Schenck. Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister’s Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love. Harper, 2018. (324 pages) Review I really love this book, for several reasons. First, the question that is American Evangelicalism–what it has become, and why it continues in
Oriented to Faith | Review & Notes
Tim Otto. Oriented to Faith: Transforming the Conflict over Gay Relationships. Cascade Books, 2014. (132 pages) REVIEW Is it possible to not “take sides?” Is it reasonable to avoid polarizing conclusions for a higher value of unity, and charity in the
Oriented to Faith | Review & Notes
Tim Otto. Oriented to Faith: Transforming the Conflict over Gay Relationships. Cascade Books, 2014. (132 pages) REVIEW Is it possible to not “take sides?” Is it reasonable to avoid polarizing conclusions for a higher value of unity, and charity in the
The Passion of the Western Mind | Reflections & Notes
Richard Tarnas. The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas That Have Shaped Our World View. Ballantine Books, 1991. (544 pages) REFLECTIONS This may be my top favorite book ever. The mere scope of the project is astonishing, and
The Passion of the Western Mind | Reflections & Notes
Richard Tarnas. The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas That Have Shaped Our World View. Ballantine Books, 1991. (544 pages) REFLECTIONS This may be my top favorite book ever. The mere scope of the project is astonishing, and
The Armor Of Light | Reflections
The Armor Of Light, 2015 [PG-13] http://www.armoroflightfilm.com/. I was reminded of this film because of Rob Schenck’s new book Costly Grace that was featured on a recent NPR broadcast, Once Militantly Anti-Abortion, Evangelical Minister Now Lives ‘With Regret’. THE ARMOR OF LIGHT follows
The Armor Of Light | Reflections
The Armor Of Light, 2015 [PG-13] http://www.armoroflightfilm.com/. I was reminded of this film because of Rob Schenck’s new book Costly Grace that was featured on a recent NPR broadcast, Once Militantly Anti-Abortion, Evangelical Minister Now Lives ‘With Regret’. THE ARMOR OF LIGHT follows
Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God | Review & Notes
Brian Zahnd. Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God: The Scandalous Truth of the Very Good News. WaterBrook, 2017. (209 pages) Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, post. REVIEW I have great appreciation for what Zahnd has produced,
Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God | Review & Notes
Brian Zahnd. Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God: The Scandalous Truth of the Very Good News. WaterBrook, 2017. (209 pages) Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, post. REVIEW I have great appreciation for what Zahnd has produced,
Rocks of Ages | Reflections & Notes
Stephen Jay Gould. Rocks of Ages: Science and Religion in the Fullness of Life. The Ballantine Publishing Group, 1999. (241 pages) Reflections I have been perplexed at the disdain that many have towards Gould’s construction of NOMA. As such, I may
Rocks of Ages | Reflections & Notes
Stephen Jay Gould. Rocks of Ages: Science and Religion in the Fullness of Life. The Ballantine Publishing Group, 1999. (241 pages) Reflections I have been perplexed at the disdain that many have towards Gould’s construction of NOMA. As such, I may
I And Thou | Notes & Reflections
Martin Buber. I And Thou. Scribner Classics, 1958. (126 pages) REVIEW It is understandable why this book is a classic. It is both deeply profound and literarily esoteric. It is also a poetic tragedy to review this book, rather than to
I And Thou | Notes & Reflections
Martin Buber. I And Thou. Scribner Classics, 1958. (126 pages) REVIEW It is understandable why this book is a classic. It is both deeply profound and literarily esoteric. It is also a poetic tragedy to review this book, rather than to
Jesus and the Disinherited | Notes & Reflections
Howard Thurman. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon Press, 1976. (102 pages) Foreword …this richly endowed, seminal work (vii) can be more accurately and helpfully described as a profound quest for a liberating spirituality, a way of exploring and experiencing those crucial
Jesus and the Disinherited | Notes & Reflections
Howard Thurman. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon Press, 1976. (102 pages) Foreword …this richly endowed, seminal work (vii) can be more accurately and helpfully described as a profound quest for a liberating spirituality, a way of exploring and experiencing those crucial
Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission | Critical Reflections
Read the oral arguments here. Listen to the oral arguments here. Download my highlighted copy of the decision here. Critical Reflections The comments thus cast doubt on the fairness and impartiality of the Commission’s adjudication of the Phillips’ case. – Syllabus
Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission | Critical Reflections
Read the oral arguments here. Listen to the oral arguments here. Download my highlighted copy of the decision here. Critical Reflections The comments thus cast doubt on the fairness and impartiality of the Commission’s adjudication of the Phillips’ case. – Syllabus
Why On Earth Did Anyone Become A Christian in the First Three Centuries? | Notes & Critical Review
Larry Hurtado. Why On Earth Did Anyone Become A Christian in the First Three Centuries? Marquette University Press, 2016. (144 pages) Larry Hurtado’s blog; For one thing the question as posed by Stark and most other scholars who have addressed earliest
Why On Earth Did Anyone Become A Christian in the First Three Centuries? | Notes & Critical Review
Larry Hurtado. Why On Earth Did Anyone Become A Christian in the First Three Centuries? Marquette University Press, 2016. (144 pages) Larry Hurtado’s blog; For one thing the question as posed by Stark and most other scholars who have addressed earliest
Good Christian Sex | Critical Review & Notes
Bromleigh McClenghan. Good Christian Sex: Why Chastity Isn’t the Only Option–And Other Things the Bible Says About Sex. HarperOne, 2016. (240 pages) CRITICAL REVIEW It is with the topic of sex, the most challenging and taboo of all human phenomena,
Good Christian Sex | Critical Review & Notes
Bromleigh McClenghan. Good Christian Sex: Why Chastity Isn’t the Only Option–And Other Things the Bible Says About Sex. HarperOne, 2016. (240 pages) CRITICAL REVIEW It is with the topic of sex, the most challenging and taboo of all human phenomena,
Damaged Goods | Critical Comments and Reflections
Dianna E. Anderson. Damaged Goods: New Perspectives on Christian Purity. Jericho Books, 2015. (210 pages) There is perhaps no other taboo more revered than that of sex. As a result, permissions and prohibitions both come with significant challenges risking the danger
Damaged Goods | Critical Comments and Reflections
Dianna E. Anderson. Damaged Goods: New Perspectives on Christian Purity. Jericho Books, 2015. (210 pages) There is perhaps no other taboo more revered than that of sex. As a result, permissions and prohibitions both come with significant challenges risking the danger
eChurch Summit 2018 | Reflections & Notes
https://echurch.com/summit/ We love Elevation Church. – Overheard pre-conference conversation. REFLECTIONS In full transparency, I did not attend this conference to attend, to learn, to grow, to personally develop, to learn how to use social media better, or to enhance my leadership.
eChurch Summit 2018 | Reflections & Notes
https://echurch.com/summit/ We love Elevation Church. – Overheard pre-conference conversation. REFLECTIONS In full transparency, I did not attend this conference to attend, to learn, to grow, to personally develop, to learn how to use social media better, or to enhance my leadership.
Leaving My Father’s Faith | Reflections
campolofilm.com. Tony Campolo’s influence in my life has been a tremendous life-giving, eye-opening, faith-challenging presence. I have appreciated his words–sometimes comforting, many times discomfortingly prophetic–as he spoke about a Christian faith so unlike the one I had acquired. The dry,
Leaving My Father’s Faith | Reflections
campolofilm.com. Tony Campolo’s influence in my life has been a tremendous life-giving, eye-opening, faith-challenging presence. I have appreciated his words–sometimes comforting, many times discomfortingly prophetic–as he spoke about a Christian faith so unlike the one I had acquired. The dry,
Moral Combat | Review & Notes
R. Marie Griffith. Moral Combat: How Sex Divided American Christians & Fractured American Politics. Basic Books, 2017. (395 pages) REVIEW I would consider categorizing this book as a “journalistic lamentation.” Griffith’s research and reporting is quite incredible. I can only imagine
Moral Combat | Review & Notes
R. Marie Griffith. Moral Combat: How Sex Divided American Christians & Fractured American Politics. Basic Books, 2017. (395 pages) REVIEW I would consider categorizing this book as a “journalistic lamentation.” Griffith’s research and reporting is quite incredible. I can only imagine
What’s Wrong With Religion? | Notes & Critical Review
Skye Jethani. What’s Wrong With Religion? 9 Things No One Told You About Faith. Skypilot Media, 2017. (119 pages) NOTES Intro: Religion Is A Game Chapter 1 Everyone Is Religious The idea that all spiritual paths lead to the same destination
What’s Wrong With Religion? | Notes & Critical Review
Skye Jethani. What’s Wrong With Religion? 9 Things No One Told You About Faith. Skypilot Media, 2017. (119 pages) NOTES Intro: Religion Is A Game Chapter 1 Everyone Is Religious The idea that all spiritual paths lead to the same destination
Silence | Reflections & Select Quotes
Silence [R] 2016. Wikipedia page. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, “Martin Scorsese’s Strained ‘Silence’”; John Patterson, The Guardian, “Silence: Scorsese’s new film is not worth making a noise about”; Emma Green, The Atlantic, “Martin Scorsese’s Radical Act of Turning Theology Into
Silence | Reflections & Select Quotes
Silence [R] 2016. Wikipedia page. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, “Martin Scorsese’s Strained ‘Silence’”; John Patterson, The Guardian, “Silence: Scorsese’s new film is not worth making a noise about”; Emma Green, The Atlantic, “Martin Scorsese’s Radical Act of Turning Theology Into
Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus | Review & Notes
Lois Tverberg. Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus: How a Jewish Perspective Can Transform Your Understanding. Baker Books, 2017. (285 pages) REVIEW The third installment of Tverberg’s series (after Sitting and Walking), Reading is similar in tone and approach, and is yet again, another
Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus | Review & Notes
Lois Tverberg. Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus: How a Jewish Perspective Can Transform Your Understanding. Baker Books, 2017. (285 pages) REVIEW The third installment of Tverberg’s series (after Sitting and Walking), Reading is similar in tone and approach, and is yet again, another
Boston Declaration | Full Text & Reflections
A PROPHETIC APPEAL TO CHRISTIANS OF THE USA Nov 20 THE BOSTON DECLARATION Occasion As followers of Jesus, the Jewish prophet for justice whose life reminds us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) we hear the cries of women
Boston Declaration | Full Text & Reflections
A PROPHETIC APPEAL TO CHRISTIANS OF THE USA Nov 20 THE BOSTON DECLARATION Occasion As followers of Jesus, the Jewish prophet for justice whose life reminds us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) we hear the cries of women
TED | Gus Casely-Hayford: The powerful stories that shaped Africa
Now, Hegel — he very famously said that Africa was a place without history, without past, without narrative. Yet, I’d argue that no other continent has nurtured, has fought for, has celebrated its history more concertedly. The struggle to keep African narrative alive has been one
TED | Gus Casely-Hayford: The powerful stories that shaped Africa
Now, Hegel — he very famously said that Africa was a place without history, without past, without narrative. Yet, I’d argue that no other continent has nurtured, has fought for, has celebrated its history more concertedly. The struggle to keep African narrative alive has been one
Church Clarity | Critique
On October 18 2017, Jonathan Merritt of Religion News Services (RNS) published this article, giving a broader reach to the organization, Church Clarity (CC). From their website, they state “the problem” and “our solution”: The Problem There are millions of churches
Church Clarity | Critique
On October 18 2017, Jonathan Merritt of Religion News Services (RNS) published this article, giving a broader reach to the organization, Church Clarity (CC). From their website, they state “the problem” and “our solution”: The Problem There are millions of churches
People To Be Loved | Critical Review
Preston Sprinkle. People To Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just An Issue. Zondervan, 2015. (223 pages) Promo video; Missio Alliance review; Andrew Wilson review; Sean McDowell interview; Anne Paulk (TGC) review; CRITICAL REVIEW I picked up People To Be Loved because
People To Be Loved | Critical Review
Preston Sprinkle. People To Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just An Issue. Zondervan, 2015. (223 pages) Promo video; Missio Alliance review; Andrew Wilson review; Sean McDowell interview; Anne Paulk (TGC) review; CRITICAL REVIEW I picked up People To Be Loved because
The “Nashville Statement” | Exhortations & Critical Reflections
In short… To my LGBTQ friends who are deeply hurt yet again at the words of condemnation, marginalization, and exclusion, I say, “I’m so deeply sorry,” and I weep with and for you. To my post-evangelical friends who are angry
The “Nashville Statement” | Exhortations & Critical Reflections
In short… To my LGBTQ friends who are deeply hurt yet again at the words of condemnation, marginalization, and exclusion, I say, “I’m so deeply sorry,” and I weep with and for you. To my post-evangelical friends who are angry
Searching For Sunday | Reflections & Notes
Rachel Held Evans. Searching For Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church. Thomas Nelson, 2015. (268 pages) The Atlantic: Is Christianity Dark Enough For Millennials?; Huffington Post, Zach Hoag interview; Mike McHargue review; Patheos review by Ben Witherington; Crossway’s promo video;
Searching For Sunday | Reflections & Notes
Rachel Held Evans. Searching For Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church. Thomas Nelson, 2015. (268 pages) The Atlantic: Is Christianity Dark Enough For Millennials?; Huffington Post, Zach Hoag interview; Mike McHargue review; Patheos review by Ben Witherington; Crossway’s promo video;
Not In God’s Name | Notes & Reflections
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Not In God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence. Schocken Books, 2015. (305 pages) I: Bad Faith 1. Altruistic Evil Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. – Blaise Pascal Religion
Not In God’s Name | Notes & Reflections
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Not In God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence. Schocken Books, 2015. (305 pages) I: Bad Faith 1. Altruistic Evil Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. – Blaise Pascal Religion
Bitten By A Camel | Notes, Reflections, & Critical Review
Kent Dobson. Bitten By A Camel. Fortress Press, 2017. (158 pages) [These notes and review is of a pre-publication copy.] 1. Spiritual Mountaineering If you want to be shaken to your core, if you want to eat amazing food, if you
Bitten By A Camel | Notes, Reflections, & Critical Review
Kent Dobson. Bitten By A Camel. Fortress Press, 2017. (158 pages) [These notes and review is of a pre-publication copy.] 1. Spiritual Mountaineering If you want to be shaken to your core, if you want to eat amazing food, if you
The Folly Of God | Reflections & Notes
John D. Caputo. The Folly Of God: A Theology of the Unconditional. Polebridge Press, 2016. Richard M. Allen of Religious Theory review; CRI article by Hank Hanegraaff; Currents in Catholic Thought review; Derek Rishmawy review. Reflections I have considered–through personal contemplation
The Folly Of God | Reflections & Notes
John D. Caputo. The Folly Of God: A Theology of the Unconditional. Polebridge Press, 2016. Richard M. Allen of Religious Theory review; CRI article by Hank Hanegraaff; Currents in Catholic Thought review; Derek Rishmawy review. Reflections I have considered–through personal contemplation
The New Testament And The People Of God | Reflections & Notes
N.T. Wright. The New Testament And The People of God: Christian Origins and the Question of God, vol. 1. Fortress Press, 1992. (535 pages) REFLECTIONS This read and post was most definitely one of my most engaged labors of love in
The New Testament And The People Of God | Reflections & Notes
N.T. Wright. The New Testament And The People of God: Christian Origins and the Question of God, vol. 1. Fortress Press, 1992. (535 pages) REFLECTIONS This read and post was most definitely one of my most engaged labors of love in
Honest To God | Notes
John Arthur Thomas (A.T.) Robinson. Honest To God. Westminster, SCM Press, 1963. (143 pages) NTWright Page’s Doubts About Doubt; Not Nearly Radical Enough: The Irony of John Robinson’s ‘Honest to God’ by Geoff Thompson; BBC News: When did people stop thinking God lives on
Honest To God | Notes
John Arthur Thomas (A.T.) Robinson. Honest To God. Westminster, SCM Press, 1963. (143 pages) NTWright Page’s Doubts About Doubt; Not Nearly Radical Enough: The Irony of John Robinson’s ‘Honest to God’ by Geoff Thompson; BBC News: When did people stop thinking God lives on
Jesus Didn’t Eat A Seder Meal | Critical Reflections
CT published, Jesus Didn’t Eat a Seder Meal: Why Christians shouldn’t either, on April 6, 2017. April 10, they published Why Christians Can Celebrate Passover, Too. Given that our church has held seders for years, (the last four of them, in a
Jesus Didn’t Eat A Seder Meal | Critical Reflections
CT published, Jesus Didn’t Eat a Seder Meal: Why Christians shouldn’t either, on April 6, 2017. April 10, they published Why Christians Can Celebrate Passover, Too. Given that our church has held seders for years, (the last four of them, in a
Christ Actually | Notes & Critical Reflections
James Carroll. Christ Actually: Reimagining Faith in the Modern Age. Penguin Books, 2014. (352 pages) LA Times Review, ‘Christ Actually’ argues for belief through imitation by Scott Korb; America: The Jesuit Review by Kevin Spinale; Washington Post review by Kate Moos; Boston Globe
Christ Actually | Notes & Critical Reflections
James Carroll. Christ Actually: Reimagining Faith in the Modern Age. Penguin Books, 2014. (352 pages) LA Times Review, ‘Christ Actually’ argues for belief through imitation by Scott Korb; America: The Jesuit Review by Kevin Spinale; Washington Post review by Kate Moos; Boston Globe
Jim Wallis: Bridge to a New America | Live Notes & Reflections
Thank you, Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church for hosting. LIVE NOTES Thank you for being among us, and being a prophet in our midst. – Karin Hejmanowski Racism is not a topic that people want to talk about. And yet, here you
Jim Wallis: Bridge to a New America | Live Notes & Reflections
Thank you, Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church for hosting. LIVE NOTES Thank you for being among us, and being a prophet in our midst. – Karin Hejmanowski Racism is not a topic that people want to talk about. And yet, here you
The Divine Magician | Notes & Critical Reflections
Peter Rollins. The Divine Magician: The Disappearance of Religion and The Discovery of Faith. Howard Books, 2015. (189 pages) Gladys Ganiel review; Jeremy Jernigan review; The Divine Magician introduction videos on YouTube; The Sanctuary was empty and the Holy of Holies
The Divine Magician | Notes & Critical Reflections
Peter Rollins. The Divine Magician: The Disappearance of Religion and The Discovery of Faith. Howard Books, 2015. (189 pages) Gladys Ganiel review; Jeremy Jernigan review; The Divine Magician introduction videos on YouTube; The Sanctuary was empty and the Holy of Holies
Divided States Of America | Review & Reflections
PBS Frontline. Divided States of America. 2017. Synopsis: FRONTLINE investigates the partisanship that gridlocked Washington in the Obama era, and the polarized America that Donald Trump inherits as president. —review— In good Frontline fashion, this two-part documentary is a measured
Divided States Of America | Review & Reflections
PBS Frontline. Divided States of America. 2017. Synopsis: FRONTLINE investigates the partisanship that gridlocked Washington in the Obama era, and the polarized America that Donald Trump inherits as president. —review— In good Frontline fashion, this two-part documentary is a measured
Boxers & Saints | Reflections
Gene Luen Yang. Boxers & Saints. First Second, 2013 (336 pages) Seattle pi review by Jeff Provine; NYTimes review by Wesley Yang; Download a Teacher’s Guide; National Book Review lecture and trailer; I’ve included a significant portion of the NPR
Boxers & Saints | Reflections
Gene Luen Yang. Boxers & Saints. First Second, 2013 (336 pages) Seattle pi review by Jeff Provine; NYTimes review by Wesley Yang; Download a Teacher’s Guide; National Book Review lecture and trailer; I’ve included a significant portion of the NPR
Thy Kingdom Come | Notes & Review
Randall Balmer. Thy Kingdom Come: An Evangelical’s Lament. How the Religious Right Distorts the Faith and Threatens America. Basic Books, 2006 (265 pages) LA Times Op-Ed (August 23, 2017); Journey With Jesus review; Jews On First review; The Strange Case of
Thy Kingdom Come | Notes & Review
Randall Balmer. Thy Kingdom Come: An Evangelical’s Lament. How the Religious Right Distorts the Faith and Threatens America. Basic Books, 2006 (265 pages) LA Times Op-Ed (August 23, 2017); Journey With Jesus review; Jews On First review; The Strange Case of
The Righteous Mind | Notes & Review
Jonathan Haidt. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. 2012. (419 pages) I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, not to hate them, but to understand them. –
The Righteous Mind | Notes & Review
Jonathan Haidt. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. 2012. (419 pages) I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, not to hate them, but to understand them. –
Michelle Higgins: Seeing Past the Color Line in the Bay Area | Notes
The following are a few notes from a talk that Michelle gave at the University of AME Zion church in Palo Alto, November 12, 2016 hosted by TBC. You can see her talk here, read her CT article here, and
Michelle Higgins: Seeing Past the Color Line in the Bay Area | Notes
The following are a few notes from a talk that Michelle gave at the University of AME Zion church in Palo Alto, November 12, 2016 hosted by TBC. You can see her talk here, read her CT article here, and
Okay. Let’s Talk About It.
“Seek first to understand.” – Socrates “Shema (שמע)” – Deuteronomy 6:5 Okay, friends. Let’s talk about it. A Pastor, The Pulpits, and Politics: A Lament Over this political season, a tremendous–and painful–quandary has arisen. As clergy, I am bound by
Okay. Let’s Talk About It.
“Seek first to understand.” – Socrates “Shema (שמע)” – Deuteronomy 6:5 Okay, friends. Let’s talk about it. A Pastor, The Pulpits, and Politics: A Lament Over this political season, a tremendous–and painful–quandary has arisen. As clergy, I am bound by
Jesus Feminist | Notes & Review
Sarah Bessey. Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible’s View of Women / Exploring God’s Radical Notion That Women Are People Too. Howard Books, 2013. (235 pages) Sarah’s website. CT article: ‘I’m a Feminist Because I Love Jesus So
Jesus Feminist | Notes & Review
Sarah Bessey. Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible’s View of Women / Exploring God’s Radical Notion That Women Are People Too. Howard Books, 2013. (235 pages) Sarah’s website. CT article: ‘I’m a Feminist Because I Love Jesus So
Finding God In The Waves | Notes & Review
Mike McHargue. Finding God In The Waves: How I Lost My Faith and Found It Again Through Science. Converent, 2016. (273 pages) The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will turn you into an atheist, but at the
Finding God In The Waves | Notes & Review
Mike McHargue. Finding God In The Waves: How I Lost My Faith and Found It Again Through Science. Converent, 2016. (273 pages) The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will turn you into an atheist, but at the
God In The White House | Notes & Review
Randall Balmer. God In The White House: A History – How Faith Shaped the Presidency from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush. HarperOne, 2008. (243 pages) Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, Riches take wing, and only character
God In The White House | Notes & Review
Randall Balmer. God In The White House: A History – How Faith Shaped the Presidency from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush. HarperOne, 2008. (243 pages) Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, Riches take wing, and only character
The White Helmets | Reflections & Quotes
Netflix Documentary, 2016. In the White Helmets, we have a motto. “To save a life is to save all of humanity.” It’s hard to put into words the depth of emotion that I felt watching this. There’s the mere destruction,
The White Helmets | Reflections & Quotes
Netflix Documentary, 2016. In the White Helmets, we have a motto. “To save a life is to save all of humanity.” It’s hard to put into words the depth of emotion that I felt watching this. There’s the mere destruction,
The Evolution of Adam | Notes & Review
Peter Enns. The Evolution of Adam: What the Bible Does and Doesn’t Say About Human Origins. Brazos Press, 2012. (172 pages) Gospel Coalition review by John Collins; The Aquila Report by Rachel Miller; Direction review by John Brubacher; Disoriented. Reoriented
The Evolution of Adam | Notes & Review
Peter Enns. The Evolution of Adam: What the Bible Does and Doesn’t Say About Human Origins. Brazos Press, 2012. (172 pages) Gospel Coalition review by John Collins; The Aquila Report by Rachel Miller; Direction review by John Brubacher; Disoriented. Reoriented
The Making Of Evangelicalism | Notes & Reflections
Randall Balmer. The Making of Evangelicalism: From Revivalism to Politics and Beyond. Baylor University Press, 2010. (89 pages) Journal of Southern Religion review. Interview with Scot McKnight, Patheos. INTRODUCTION As I will argue later, the American strain of evangelicalism is
The Making Of Evangelicalism | Notes & Reflections
Randall Balmer. The Making of Evangelicalism: From Revivalism to Politics and Beyond. Baylor University Press, 2010. (89 pages) Journal of Southern Religion review. Interview with Scot McKnight, Patheos. INTRODUCTION As I will argue later, the American strain of evangelicalism is
Reconcile | Notes & Reflections
John Paul Lederach. Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians. Herald Press, 2014. (191 pages) Christian Piatt interview, Patheos; Christian Piatt YouTube interview; The Heart of Reconciliation, a Conversation, Baylor. Preface Deep conflicts are stressful and painful. At worst, they are
Reconcile | Notes & Reflections
John Paul Lederach. Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians. Herald Press, 2014. (191 pages) Christian Piatt interview, Patheos; Christian Piatt YouTube interview; The Heart of Reconciliation, a Conversation, Baylor. Preface Deep conflicts are stressful and painful. At worst, they are
The Sin of Certainty | Notes & Review
Peter Enns. The Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires our Trust More Than Our “Correct” Beliefs. HarperOne, 2016. (230 pages) Chapter 1 – I Don’t Know What I Believe Anymore My soul is full of troubles, and my life draws
The Sin of Certainty | Notes & Review
Peter Enns. The Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires our Trust More Than Our “Correct” Beliefs. HarperOne, 2016. (230 pages) Chapter 1 – I Don’t Know What I Believe Anymore My soul is full of troubles, and my life draws
Homoeroticism In The Biblical World | Notes
Martti Nissinen. Homoeroticism In The Biblical World: A Historical Perspective. Augsburg Fortress, 1998. (208 pages) Preface Whether the texts I studied were biblical or Jewish, Assyrian, Greek, or Roman, the term “homosexuality” was absent from them and the concept alien.
Homoeroticism In The Biblical World | Notes
Martti Nissinen. Homoeroticism In The Biblical World: A Historical Perspective. Augsburg Fortress, 1998. (208 pages) Preface Whether the texts I studied were biblical or Jewish, Assyrian, Greek, or Roman, the term “homosexuality” was absent from them and the concept alien.
Saudi Arabia Uncovered | Transcript
How James Jones Uncovered a Rarely Seen Side of Saudi Arabia; 5 Ways Ordinary People Are Challenging the Saudi Government. WRITTEN, PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY James Jones YASSER: [through interpreter] In Saudi, they say “Be careful. The walls have ears.
Saudi Arabia Uncovered | Transcript
How James Jones Uncovered a Rarely Seen Side of Saudi Arabia; 5 Ways Ordinary People Are Challenging the Saudi Government. WRITTEN, PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY James Jones YASSER: [through interpreter] In Saudi, they say “Be careful. The walls have ears.
My Exodus | Highlights and Reflections
Alan Chambers. My Exodus: From FEAR to GRACE. Zondervan, 2015. (222 pages) When the men [in John 8:1f.] chose not to condemn–because they were unable to when faced with their own humanity–they walked away and left the woman alone with
My Exodus | Highlights and Reflections
Alan Chambers. My Exodus: From FEAR to GRACE. Zondervan, 2015. (222 pages) When the men [in John 8:1f.] chose not to condemn–because they were unable to when faced with their own humanity–they walked away and left the woman alone with
Hellbound? | Review
Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? – Genesis 18:25 Hellbound? Kevin Miller, 2012. For many people, belief in hell as a place of eternal torment for the wicked is an indisputable tenet of Christian orthodoxy. In
Hellbound? | Review
Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? – Genesis 18:25 Hellbound? Kevin Miller, 2012. For many people, belief in hell as a place of eternal torment for the wicked is an indisputable tenet of Christian orthodoxy. In
God And The Gay Christian | Notes & Critical Review
Matthew Vines. God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships. Convergent Books, 2014. (213 pages) Reclaiming Our Light – an Introduction My core argument in this book is not simply that some Bible passages have
God And The Gay Christian | Notes & Critical Review
Matthew Vines. God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships. Convergent Books, 2014. (213 pages) Reclaiming Our Light – an Introduction My core argument in this book is not simply that some Bible passages have
vialogue 