What’s the difference between a powerful testimony, and a sad story that we perceive as condemning the one who experienced it? Often, it’s only our dogma. We listen and swing from “that’s amazing” to “that’s horrible” in moments, based on our preconceptions of how valid that story is. Maybe, though, we can learn quite a bit from people whose stories don’t fit our existing framework of understanding.
The Conditional Power of Testimony Read More »
P.T. Barnum is famously reputed to have said “there’s a sucker born every minute.” I’d add a modern corollary that says “there’s a grifter born every minute to feed those suckers,” especially in today’s social media world. The recent bridge collapse in Baltimore brought plenty of Barnum’s minions out of the woodwork. What can we learn from this?
The Minions of P.T. Barnum Read More »
Americans seem to worship efficiency and scale – and American Christians seem to apply Henry Ford’s innovations to building Christians, just like he built the Model T. But maybe that’s not the best way to advance the Kingdom of God.
Henry Ford Christians Read More »
Many Christians think of their church as a complete independent body. Thinking of it instead as a cell in a larger body – with all the corresponding interdependencies and diversity – could bring a much-needed overhaul to the Church.
Organic Church: The Death of Churchianity Read More »
Is God’s salvation truly limited to those with right beliefs? Or is Gal 2:20 better translated as living within the faithfulness of God’s son? One puts the burden on us to believe correctly. The other rests in the completed work of Jesus. And that covers everyone, not just those who believe the right things.
An interesting feature of universal reconciliation is God’s utter determination to win back every soul God has created, no matter the cost or time. But humans can also be incredibly stubborn.
Every Created Thing Read More »
I wrote a four-part series on the various Christian doctrines of the afterlife. Any evangelical has a pretty solid idea of heaven versus hell, and streets of gold versus fire and brimstone, but I’ve learned that the verses supporting those positions are not quite what I thought.
New Series: A Discussion of Individual Eschatology Read More »
Dogmatism is often used to build a tribe, and strengthen its borders, often by threatening shunning for those who so much as question the dogma. But doctrinal humility and cheerfully welcoming uncertainty will ultimately build the Kingdom in ways that dogmatism cannot.
Dogmatism and Shunning – An Unholy Pair Read More »
I interview a close friend about dualism and simplicity versus mystery and complexity, and how we can mature beyond the easy, simple faith we start believing.
Enjoy this interview with a close friend about deconstructing our understanding of tithing.
Interview: A Conversation about Tithing Read More »
