Christianity
In Defense of Thanksgiving
Within hours of getting up this Thanksgiving morning, I was faced with a Facebook post that instead of celebrating the work of God in our lives and all that He has blessed us with, it condemned Americans for the things we are thankful for today and nearly apologized to the millions who we have mistreated […]
Loyal Soldier or True Christian?
As a chaplain, I am often engaged in conversations with Soldiers about life, death and their spiritual journey. Most Soldiers expect that a chaplain will talk about eternal things while most chaplains hope that Soldiers will be receptive to their concern. This exchange between chaplain and Soldier is not new. I recently came across a […]
To Those Who Are Afraid After the Election…
I’ve noticed that posts and comments since election day have been only mildly less vitriol than before the election. The difference now, however, is that instead of warnings about the damage so-and-so would cause the country if he or she is elected, they now revolve around what seems to be a personal fear about what […]
And the Best Candidate is . . .
Based on many of the Facebook posts that I see, it appears that many people are either choosing their candidates solely on the basis of their party or else because they despise the opposing candidate so much. Others have latched onto one issue and are choosing the candidate they’re going to vote for based on […]
We Don’t Need To Fight
I have said very little this election season unlike the last two presidential elections. Mainstream as well as social media have already been inundated with toxic posts that seem more like personal attacks than arguments about the issues. Comments on many of these posts are similarly nasty as supporters of the various candidates are attacked […]
My Other Brother . . .
“My other brother Darryl.” Back in the eighties there were three characters on The Newhart Show who were brothers. Larry was the oldest and the only one who ever spoke. Whenever they would enter a scene, Larry would say, “Hi, I’m Larry. This is my brother Darryl and this is my other brother Darryl.” I used […]
The Sin of Patriotism?
It’s the 4th of July, Independence Day for the United States of America. Here in Korea (where I currently live), you wouldn’t know it from any other day (unless, of course, you’re on a U.S. military installation). But with the benefit of the Internet, there’s no escaping it…though personally I wouldn’t want to. I celebrate […]
To My Progressive Friends
Here’s a good “open letter” to “progressives” in the Church of the Nazarene, but applies to “progressive” Christians of any brand. It’s an honest but humble appeal. To My Progressive Friends A few days ago I received Rob Renfroe’s article “Three Requests of My Centrist Friends: An Open Letter.” Rev. Renfroe is the Pastor of […]
Political Defeat as an Opportunity
I think I’ve done pretty good not commenting on politics this election season (either original posts or on others’ posts) like I have in past presidential elections. But while I’ve been relatively silent, I’ve been amazed at the wide range of feelings I’ve seen in my FB feed from both sides of the political and […]
I Cry
At the risk of being perceived as less-than-masculine or even a wimp, I have a confession to make: I cry. That’s right, I admit it, I cry. Sure, I cry at times when you would expect me to, like when a family member dies or when the Holy Spirit moves in a worship service. But […]
Here I Sit 