Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
No, I’m not talking about President Obama, who has been insisting that Islam is a religion of peace (like President Bush before him). I’m talking about Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who has called for a “religious revolution” within Islam.
Continue reading “The President’s Islam Speech”
As a child I thought Ash Wednesday was part of the anti-smoking campaign of the government. Pentecostals didn’t observe Lent, but every year I noticed “Ash Wednesday” on the calendar. It was during this time that the government began to encourage people to quit smoking. So, in my childlike mind ash corresponded to cigarettes.
Continue reading “Ash Wednesday is Not about Smoking”
I often read stories of believers who “flirted” with Pentecostalism only to “marry” a different Christian tradition. Some of these people were reared in Pentecostalism, only to defect later in life. To be fair, I understand their stories. But, I am disappointed. After a lifetime of ministry in the Pentecostal movement I have many criticisms. But I remain an unrehabilitated Pentecostal.
Continue reading “I Still Believe in Speaking in Tongues”
I want to be a friend of God. “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God (James 2:23; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8). I want to be a person after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). I want to follow after God’s word with integrity of heart and mind (Joshua 1:8). I want to live a blessed life.
Continue reading “Friend of God, Friend of Sinners”
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”
I recently attended the Mere Anglicanism conference in Charleston, South Carolina. Why would a Pentecostal attend an “Anglican” conference? At first, I registered to attend because of the speakers – all world class Christians seriously engaged in the mission of God. Also, the theme was intriguing – “Salt and Light: The Christian Response to Secularism.”
Continue reading “Encountering the Spirit at Mere Anglicanism”
Several years ago I wrote the following editorial in favor of changing the Georgia flag.* This letter generated a great deal of hostile response. I offer it in token of an ongoing struggle for justice.
A few years ago I attended an assembly at the elementary school where my children were attending. At the opening of the assembly everyone stood, placed their right hand over their heart and recited the pledge to the American flag. Then, without missing a beat, I watched and listened as the students pledged their allegiance to the Georgia flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands – wisdom, justice, and moderation.” I watched as scores of young black children saluted and pledged their allegiance to a flag which bares the symbol of their ancestor’s oppression, a flag which is supposed to stand for justice.
Continue reading “Symbols are Important”