Christianity
Gates, Walls and Parades: A Biblical Approach? (Another Necessary Response to Nazarenes United for Peace)
“You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means” is a quote that came to mind when I saw the new post by Nazarenes United For Peace. This quote was said by Inigo Montoya in the movie Princess Bride, to Vizzini in response to his continued use of […]
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2017 for the Densfords
If you’re not a Densford, or related to us, you’re likely to have very little interest in this post but here it is anyway! 2017 had its share of ups and downs for us, fortunately mostly ups. Sometimes, we look back at the fond memories while other times we’re glad to see the year end. […]
A Sensible Response to Nazarenes United for Peace, “An Altar Call”
Many are quick to politicize events that happen in the news. This politicizing can even be in the form of a call to the so-called Way of Christ. The trouble is, too often these calls are fraught with assumptions and mis-interpretations, as is a recent statement posted by Nazarenes United for Peace.
On Flags, Allegiance and Idolatry
With the recent hubbub over our National Anthem and respect for the flag of the United States, other discussions have sprouted up, some about the presence of the national flag in places of worship which have often led to conversations about perceived empire worship or misplaced allegiances. I’ve appreciated the discussions I have read about these […]
Go Ahead and Kneel
As I have read posts from both “sides” of the current cultural conflict, it has become clear to me that there are a variety of views on this whole kneeling protest thing. Some view kneeling during the National Anthem as showing disrespect to our flag, country, military, etc. While others view it, not as an […]
What It All Boils Down To
This evening after church my wife and I stopped by our local grocery store to pick up a few things we had run out of during our busy week. As we turned down the aisle toward the toilet paper, we nearly ran into another shopper who was making a choice at the end of the […]
On Monuments and Honor
I’ve been in the military for about 15 years now but have always been interested in history (except during high school when I failed my American History class!). Not long after I came into the Army as a chaplain, I began to wonder about Army posts like Fort Hood, Fort Hill, Fort Bragg and seven […]
Why This Racism?
Racism is sin. There’s no question about it, racism is destructive to a society and seeks to divide rather than unify. Racism is the antithesis to community. There is no place for it in a country that once boasted being a melting pot with immigrants from nearly every nation on earth. As the events in Charlottesville, […]
Rhetoric, Non-Violence and War
Another day, another dozen Facebook posts about how wrong the President is. I keep reading how he is bringing us to the brink of War with nK. I’m curious what people think would happen if he remained silent. Would Kim suddenly back down? Would he stop developing nuclear weapons? Would he stop threatening his neighbors? […]
The Gift of Oddity
I invite you to open your heart and mind to what he has to say about our church (the Church of the Nazarene in particular), worship and the sacraments.
What I’m Not Celebrating on Independence Day
I am an American. I am a Patriot. I celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July. By far, the majority of Americans will be celebrating the independence of the United States as well. Even with our many differences on political, social and religious issues, most people living in America are here because they want […]
