Since July 1 I have lost twelve pounds. I visit the downtown YMCA four to five times a week. I have tried yoga, bar stretching, and now spinning has become my happy place. I sat with a professional counselor to evaluate my ministry load and stress level. My wife has been invited to clergy spouse events, and … Read more
Thank You, Florida Hospital
A Second Chance in the Age of Facebook?
Originally published on the Opinionators Blog of orlandosentinel.com on September 14, 2012. As I was being fingerprinted for a background check in order to join my child on a school field trip, I was taken with how much business the background check company was doing. I asked, “Are most of your customers parents of school-aged … Read more
Orlando’s Hunger Games
In the pop literary, and now cinematic, sensation, The Hunger Games, a young girl, named Katniss Everdeen, is thrust into a life or death adventure not of her own choosing. The story is set in North America after nuclear war has ameliorated much of the social fabric we know today. As society reestablished itself a … Read more
Fidel & Benedict
Two men. Two ubiquitous names. Two individuals who shape our times and will resonate in the history books. And two very different paths each with their own lessons for the rest of us to observe. The psychologist would point to their family of origin as a reason why these men chose such divergent paths. Perhaps … Read more
David Brooks is Wrong About Jeremy Lin
David Brooks, a columnist I enjoy reading and greatly admire, made the case in Friday’s New York Times that a faith driven athlete is a problem. I have a problem with that. Brooks contends the moral ethos of sport is contradictory to the moral ethos of faith, a term in which he carelessly lumps together … Read more
The Realignment Battle of the Mainline Church, Part II
Last time we looked at the theological divides within the mainline denominations over Christ’s divinity, Biblical authority, and means of salvation. The other major fissure growing within mainline churches is over adaptive change: can you change fast enough to disciple this generation as Jesus followers before its lights out? Surprising to some, denominations as church … Read more
The Realignment Battle of the Mainline Church, Part I
I am writing from the Rosen Shinglecreek resort during the Fellowship of Presbyterians gathering, as reported this week by Jeff Kunerth. I take note of the deep divide and shifting sands being experienced by all the main line denominations in America. Presbyterians aren’t alone in their internal divide over issues of sexuality and ordination. Episcopalians, … Read more
The Trust Deficit
Last night John Huntsman delivered his victory/concession speech (which was it?) for his third place finish in the New Hampshire Republican primary. One of his main points concerned the decrease of trust the American public has for its major institutions. He said, “The people of the greatest nation that ever was, the United State of … Read more
Don’t Outsource Your Values to Presidential Candidates
Last night’s Iowa Caucus result represents an attempted pendulum swing for the country. Senator Rick Santorum’s surprising surge and victory, in spite of a few votes short of Governor Mitt Romney, is reminiscent of Mike Huckabee’s victory four years ago. The conservative base of the Republican Party finds a candidate that speaks to their agenda … Read more
Occupy Human History: Jesus
Time magazine’s Person of the Year is The Protestor. From the Occupy movements to the Arab Spring to Muscovites telling Putin they have moved on, the protestor has made 2011 a memorable year. Rick Stengel writes the following about the protestor: “They literally embodied the idea that individual action can bring collective, colossal change.” Christians … Read more
