Over the last few months, there’s been a flurry of folks stating they are no longer Evangelicals, leaving behind that label for supposedly better appellative pastures. Almost all that I’ve heard doing this are responding to the recent election in … Continue reading
What do you see when you think about pursuing God? I remember the professor in my first theology at Wheaton asking a similar question. He asked what image of God do we find most appealing: lord, king, savior, and so … Continue reading
People assume religion has something to do with having a deity. Not all religions have that. In teaching a world religions class, every so often I would start a class by asking what a religion is. At the beginning of … Continue reading
We are easily seduced by the forces who emphasize division and anxiety to rally against those who share our common confession of faith. This political season exemplifies how easy we become Cain, or Joab, or Judas. Left and Right both … Continue reading
Anyone who is online and involved in segments of the opinionated classes–religion, politics, academia, etc.–quickly realizes the minefield that is public conversation. The goal isn’t necessarily to contribute to the gathered understanding, but rather to establish yourself on a side, … Continue reading
As my PhD in theology is still somewhat fresh, and my career is in what might be best called a nebulous phase, I think a lot about what it means now to be a “theologian.” I’m a professional at that, … Continue reading
Just finished reading Niklas Luhmann’s Introduction to Systems Theory. First, I’ll say this might be the most difficult book I’ve read. Partly because I don’t have a background in sociology, mostly because Luhmann is a very dense and meandering writer. … Continue reading
Jane McGonigal has a very interesting book called Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World. McGonigal is a video game designer. What does she know about getting people involved? Well, 174 million … Continue reading
As I’m studying for my comprehensive exams, I’m getting back into reading my major research from the last few years on topics of church history. My first major study focused on Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, and George Fox, trying to … Continue reading
This past Saturday, Amy and I had our first shared creative event. We celebrated my book release and her CD release at Two Rivers Church in Oak Grove, Oregon. I’m hoping to post some more pictures and such from the … Continue reading
