Can I start with a big mind-blowing idea we discussed in the Gotham Fellowship, and then explain? Ok, good. Big Idea: The purpose of the Church is to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28 by participating with God in the fulfillment of the cultural mandate of Genesis 1. Wow.. Any brain cells left? Let … Read more
Culture Makers on God’s Behalf
And Boehner Cried
I was away from the Gotham Fellowship this week, and unfortunately poor technology prevented me from joining the class discussion. Yet, there is much still to say given Pope Francis’ visit to the United States this week as it relates to the concepts we are learning in the Gotham Fellowship, and Christian faith in general. … Read more
Look to the Pope to Rise Above Persecution
This editorial originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on September 20, 2015. As a huge fan of Pope Francis and an evangelical, Protestant pastor, I raise the eyebrows of many in my church who find my interest odd, amusing or a non sequitur. Last year on a whim, I invited the pope to speak at … Read more
Culture: Critique it, Change it, or Create it?
Critique it, change it, or create it? These are the three categories that Andy Crouch names as reactions to culture Christians in the 20th century have had in his seminal work, Culture Making. The book summary notes: It is not enough to condemn culture. Nor is it sufficient merely to critique culture or to copy … Read more
Seriously, Gotham?
Gotham: [goth-uh m, goh-thuh m for 1; got-uh m, goh-thuh m for 2] noun 1. a journalistic nickname for New York City. 2. an English village, proverbial for the foolishness of its inhabitants. Related form Gothamite, noun or… 3. a nine month journey in public theology, worldivew, vocation, cultural transformation and … Read more
Easter Means Hope
This editorial originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on Easter morning, Sunday, April 5, 2015. Two Christian saints died this week, and I can only imagine the Easter they are experiencing this morning in heaven. The first, Dr. Robert Schuller, was the renowned preacher of what critics called a ‘soft Gospel’. He started the megachurch … Read more
A Fierce Faith: What I Have in Common With ISIS
Did the title capture your attention? Good. Allow me to explain. Recently, I participated in an interesting discussion on Facebook, related to a post about my calling as a pastor. When you receive over 100 “likes” for a post that isn’t cute pictures of your kids, it gives you pause. In the online discussion, I … Read more
In a Democracy, We All Need Christmas
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel, December 21, 2014. Christians celebrate God becoming human in Jesus on Christmas day. Much of the world also celebrates Christmas, but does so by giving other meaning to the holiday. Love and compassion, serving others, and world peace are a few of those secular hallmarks. Christians … Read more
IDignity: Easing the Ferocity of the Voter ID Debate
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel on December 31, 2013. Healthy democracies demand elections that are secure, trusted, and corruption free. The problem comes with the government setting a voting requirement that the government is unwilling, or unable, to help its most vulnerable citizens meet. Across the U.S. states are increasingly requiring state-issued photo ID to vote. For … Read more
Bold Papal Gestures, Past & Future
Benedict XVI begins to consider his legacy as pope while the cardinals prepare for their conclave in which the next pope will be chosen. As the conclave considers its future leader the question remains: will they choose a pope from the Southern Hemisphere where clearly the future of Christianity lies? Papal actions and, likewise papal … Read more
