I recently realized that “born again” was the perfect description of my deconstruction and reconstruction. My faith doesn’t look much like it used to; it’s been such a dramatic change that it really feels like being reborn. But being born again is an ongoing process – “be being born again,” continually.
Be Being Born Again Read More »
The idea of finding safety in the long history of doctrine from the time of the Gospels until today is a false hope. The history of Christianity is much more messy and shaped by secular forces than I would like. I have to be comfortable with what the Holy Spirit is doing in my own mind and heart, even if it requires me to step away from a place of perceived safety, and to set aside some doctrine that my tribe was taught was immutable and eternal.
Safety in Numbers? Read More »
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 »
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.
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 »
The Bible is full of apparent inconsistencies. What do we do with them, and is it possible that God actually is just fine with an imperfect collection of writings about the relationship between God and mankind? I think so, and here are some thoughts about why that is.
A Perfectly Imperfect Bible Read More »
