Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
Christ has called His church to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). “Into all the world” includes culture. Culture is language, music, food, architecture, politics, morality, and religion. In fact, culture is the habitation of the gods. Music, architecture, and politics reflect the gods of any given culture.
Continue reading “Eros, Mammon, and the Light of the World”
I have read Phil Robertson’s remarks. I have watched the subsequent responses from A&E and the gay community.
The truth is that crude language about sexuality is common. People tend to refer to themselves in an “earthy” way. Phil talks like my dad and granddad did. My reading of the prophets reveals that even they, under divine inspiration, spoke with crude words to emphasize the depths of Israel’s sin. Too often our proper English translations of the Scriptures rob the inspired words of their intended grit. That is the language which is being suppressed. How dare we speak of one’s sexuality as sinful! How dare Phil Robertson associate homosexuality with bestiality? How dare we define marriage as a civil covenant between one man and one woman?
Continue reading “Words from a Bearded Man”
The propaganda war rages as December 25 grows near. How should we celebrate? What is the role of the civil religion? Should this seasonal holiday be secular, pagan, or Christian? No, I’m not writing about Christmas in the 21st century, but Christmas in the 4th century.
Continue reading “The Christmas Propaganda War”
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”
I’ve watched a few episodes of “Snake Salvation” on the National Geographic Channel. I’ve watched the first episode of “Preachers of LA.” I’ve read John MacArthur’s Charismatic Chaos, but not his latest book Strange Fire. However, I am very familiar with MacArthur’s views of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. As I have often said, I am an unapologetic Pentecostal. But that does not mean that I lack the ability to critically view my own tradition with eyes wide open.
Continue reading ““Snake Salvation,” “Real Preachers,” and Strange Fire”
Is tithing a biblical practice? Is tithing a practice of the apostolic church? Should we practice tithing today? Some teachers suggest that tithing is a practice that was limited to the Old Testament and was not a practice of the New Testament church. Others insist that the tithe is required.
Continue reading “Tithing is Child’s Play”
I recently read a blog that posed the question “What if Your Church Marketed Like Starbucks?”
Full disclosure demands that I confess that I am an avid and loyal customer of Starbucks. Even as I can appreciate their marketing strategy, and affirm the intent of the blog, I would like to offer a more discerning reflection (I hope).
Continue reading “Starbucks and the Gospel”