Here’s a bit from the conclusion of my newly completed (but not yet finished) book. Main writing is done, but there are a lot of assorted tasks to do before it’s ready for printing. For now, though, I celebrate the … Continue reading
My job is teaching and writing theology. But I tend to be moved significantly by movies about artists. I’m not an artist at all, but find resonance in these stories. The movie Rivers and Tides is one of the few … Continue reading
After having said, “Whoever is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!” Jesus says, “From the breast of the one who believes in me, as Scripture says, rivers of living waters will flow.” Rivers of living water will flow … Continue reading
Curiously finding the book of Philemon to be entirely relevant to my current project. Don’t think about Philemon very much, now I find it’s tying a lot together in one distinct package. The liberation of Philemon comes alongside the liberation … Continue reading
Well, another chapter finished (rough though it is) for my present book project. This one was a journey through Scripture, giving an orientation of liberation from key Biblical passages. Word count is 11339 words. It’s a first draft, so editing … Continue reading
Writing task of the day: liberation of the oppressor in light of Luke 22-23. It’s a confrontation between God and human systems. The cross is an expression of obedience and trust, both of Jesus and then by those who trust … Continue reading
My current book project is looking at liberation theology for those who are in a context of domination and control, finding meaning through negating or oppressing others. A lot (certainly not all!) of church work is oriented in a pattern … Continue reading
What does it mean to be a transformative church? Two elements orient my overall purpose. A church is transformative when it engages in the development of people to better reflect the life of Christ in their lives and when this … 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
We are in the mountains, surrounded by forest and forest creatures, yet we are not far from the urban meadows of Los Angeles, which spreads from ocean to desert, with but momentary lapses of attention. The night is dark, only … Continue reading
The River Church Blog