If the Protestant church had saints I’d nominate Phil Hissom, founder and president of the Polis Institute, for canonization. Today Phil wrote a My Word editorial entitled, “Relationships count in poverty fight,” conveying to the community that relationships are the core of sustainable people-development. Did you catch that? Relationships, not more money, not efficient methods, … Read more
St. Phil of Polis
Voting Patterns Based on Faith: We Need Honest Media Portrayal
The presidential campaigns of Mitt Romney and John Huntsman have raised the specter of a first for a US president: one who is a Mormon. Certainly after 44 presidents of Protestant faith affiliation, with exception for the lone Roman Catholic in John F. Kennedy, this would be a marked difference for our country. As well, … Read more
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, Mohammed and Vishnu
A 34 year old radio-disc jockey overthrows a democratically, twice-elected president. The ousted president just happened to be the vice-president of a large Christian denomination. Now, the pastors and members of that denomination, the second largest church body in the country, are harassed, jailed, even killed as the new dictator solidified his control. You’ve never heard … Read more
Place for a Republican’s Faith in Tonight’s Debate?
Tonight the Republican candidates for president will appear in another debate held here in Orlando. In this presidential cycle there are more diverse faiths represented among Republicans than ever: Mormon, Roman Catholic, evangelical Christian, and main-line Protestant. The role of faith is dissected by the media more often than addressed by the candidates themselves, unless, … Read more
What I’ve Learned as a Pastor Since 9/11
I slept late the morning of 9/11. A caller on the phone alerted me to turn on the TV; supposedly a small twin engine plane had veered off course and crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. Within minutes, I witnessed live on NBC’s Today Show as the second plane hit, this time … Read more
For 9-11, Bloomberg Can Learn from MLK Memorial
Quick, name the seven leaders memorialized on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.? I’ll give you a hint: five are U.S. presidents, one is a founding father, George Mason, and the newest member is a Christian pastor: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The MLK Memorial, which opened to the public this week, honors the vision … Read more
Alabama Clergy Teach the Chinese
Alabama clergy, as diverse as Southern Baptists and Roman Catholics, are rising up to protest, change and explicitly disobey coming changes in state immigration law. Starting September 1 experts say the law (HB56) makes it illegal for individuals to intentionally rent to, transport, harbor, or have a contract with an illegal immigrant. A lawsuit has … Read more
Timeless Truth of “Wicked”
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel on April 6, 2011. The Broadway musical “Wicked” recently concluded a successful run in Orlando, offering an essential question about our humanity. In the opening song, Glinda, the good witch of the north, presents the musical’s thematic exploration with the following questions concerning Elphaba, the wicked witch of … Read more
Trust in Appropriate Theology
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel on January 28, 2010. I had to look up the word ersatz. The term appears often in newspaper editorials, academic works and other erudite publications. Ersatz, according to my iPhone dictionary app, means an inferior substitute. In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, many are seeking … Read more
Neuhaus’ Influence Felt Far and Wide
Richard John Neuhaus (1936-2009) was a Canadian become American, Lutheran pastor become Catholic priest, political liberal become conservative, and all around intellectual. His life journey made for an interesting mix of convictions and perspectives that, frankly, speak the language of so many post-moderns being dubbed the O-generation (hint: O for Obama). Neuhaus engaged evangelical Protestants … Read more
