Christianity
Straddling Eternity
As my dad lay in bed Sunday, nearing his final moments on this Earth, I was at church in worship. One of the hymns we sang was “Higher Ground” by Johnson Oatman, Jr., a hymn that longs for “a gleam of glory bright” with the prayer to stand on “Heaven’s tableland.” It seems Oatman had […]
Will You Make a Difference This MLK Jr. Day…and Beyond?
As we are approaching Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, many people are looking forward to time off work. Some will enjoy a short trip to see family or friends. Others, however, may have different thoughts that come to mind, reflecting on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message. The older among us may remember King […]
Trump Said What? (A modern-day parable)
There has been a lot in the news and on social media today about President Trump’s alleged comments about some other countries and their people. If what he said is true (which I can’t say for sure since I wasn’t there and really don’t know the character or integrity of anyone who is making the […]
Christmas Bells: From Despair to Assurance.
Born in 1807, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow became a famous poet and one of the most famous Americans. His life wasn’t all happiness, however. His first wife died in 1835 during a miscarriage. then in 1861, Longfellow’s second wife, Francis, died from injuries received from burns when her dress was ignited when sealing her daughter’s newly […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Here I Sit 