Author: Daniel Tomberlin

BS, MDiv, DMin. Ordained bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN); pastor for 37 years; Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries at Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland TN).
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My Experiences of Racism in the Church

I’ve many conversations in the last several years about racism in the church. There are more than a few in the church that embrace racism by denying its presence. I recently posted on Facebook, 

Our embedded racism is most often demonstrated in the insistence that we are not racist, in the resistance to a serious conversation about racism, and in the failure to listen to the stories and experiences of others. Why does a serious conversation about racism make us so uncomfortable? So angry? Why do we refuse to listen?

I believe that one of the gifts of the Spirit is discernment, the ability to see as the Spirit sees. Therefore, I prefer to see the world as it is, not as I wish it to be. So, let me share with you the world as I’ve seen it.

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The Cave, The Matrix, and the Virtual Church

The Athenian philosopher, Plato (died 348 BC), used an allegory to explain the human condition. He said that humans are imprisoned in a cave, chained against a wall that forces them to see only shadows. These shadows are the only reality they know. Some humans manage to break free of their chains, escape the cave, and discover the realities of the world outside of the cave. The majority of the escaped humans prefer the darkness and shadows of the cave. In the words of John, “men loved the darkness, rather than the Light” (John 3:19).

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COVID-19, Tornados, and Easter Sunday

We are in the midst of a global pandemic in which millions of people are being infected by the COVID-19 virus, and tens of thousands are dying. Some preachers have proclaimed God’s judgement. On Easter Sunday, Christians across the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also, on Easter Sunday a massive storm system moved through the south east United States spawning many tornados. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed, and several lives were lost. In the midst of it all, we struggle to understand the ways of God.

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