Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
A few days ago, I posted the first blog about the Mere Anglicanism conference. Ross Douthat, an op-ed columnist at The New York Times, was the second presenter. I wanted to write about Douthat’s presentation separately because I was so moved by his story and presentation.
Continue reading “Ross Douthat at Mere Anglicanism”
Hating the church, and all things religious, has become a raging fad among Christians. Daily I read Facebook posts and blogs expressing resentment toward religious institutions of all shapes and sizes. With friends like this, who need enemies?
I recently read through Hosea again. This time I was overwhelmed by the depths of sin and grace expressed in this narrative.
Continue reading “Loving the Great Whore”
As one of my theology professors used to say, “Words mean something.” What he was trying to teach is that we should be careful with the use of words, especially when we are trying to teach or proclaim the truth of the Gospel of Christ. Cases in point are a couple of popular sayings illustrated below:
It seems that the word religion has developed a negative connotation. One would think that to be religious means to be self-righteous, formal, and ritualistic, among others. In fact, religious means: manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality; devoted to religious beliefs or observances; or, to be scrupulously and conscientiously faithful.
Continue reading “So, You Don’t Want to be Religious?”
This post is offered as an answer to many responses to my previous blog – Jesus vs. Religion. Many who are sympathetic to Jefferson Bethke’s poem suggested that his message was a reaction to “man-made” religion. Again, I am sympathetic to the poem, and my brother is undoubtedly a very talented and dedicated believer. But I remain troubled by the poem’s contradictions and naïve theological assumptions. So, let’s discuss the essential nature of the Christian faith.
Continue reading “Man-made vs. God-made Religion”
This video has become “viral” and speaks to the heart of many. While I am somewhat sympathetic to the message, I find it to be uninformed and naive. Before I offer some correction to the message, let me state that this is not an attack upon this young man (Jefferson Bethke), or even a rebuke. Instead, I simply seek to offer some “fatherly counsel.”
Continue reading “Jesus vs. Religion!????”