In December, as part of our observance of Advent, I offered a sermon series entitled “Christmas Deconstructed.” I attempted to share with my congregation a synopsis of how we got to where we are in our celebration of the birth of Jesus—from the varied birth narratives of Matthew and Luke; back further into Paul’s and … Continue reading “Sabbatical Reflections
Preparations Part III—
Deconstruct to Reconstruct“
Category: Christian ethics
Sabbatical Reflections
Some Beliefs/Behaviors Are Wrong!
A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post about why I claim to be a “Progressive Christian.” I wrote a sentence that confused some people: “Progressive” is not the same as “liberal.” Progressive is neither liberal nor conservative, and both at the same time. A progressive theology and faith is one that views … Continue reading “Some Beliefs/Behaviors Are Wrong!”
Family as Idol
I’m pausing for a moment in my sabbatical reflections (check out my latest in the January 2020 edition of UPC NEWS & Current Events) to share an important op-ed I read in the January edition of The Christian Century by Peter W. Marty, the editor in chief, entitled in the print edition “Family as Idol.” … Continue reading “Family as Idol”
The Church Politic
I’ve been hearing it again lately. Those words that baffle me when I consider all that the prophets of the Hebrew scriptures said, what Jesus said and did, and what his disciples said and did. They named, called out, and engaged the broken social systems around them that oppressed and marginalized God’s children (here, defined … Continue reading “The Church Politic”
First World Problems
I got hooked again. It happens all the time. Something happens or someone says something, and I get all bound up in knots. I’m not necessarily trying or able to rectify anything. It just sticks to me like wet toilet paper on my shoe, and I carry it around with me, often without even knowing … Continue reading “First World Problems”