(Spoiler alert…this blog reveals the plot of the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things. Stop now if you want to wait and experience the beauty of that show yourself without knowing the end.) re·demp·tion (rəˈdem(p)SH(ə)n/) n. the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil; “God’s plans for the redemption of his world”; the action … Read more
Redemption in ‘Stranger Things’ (2 of 3)
7 Traps for Pastors Living in a Bubble
I just concluded a three month sabbatical graciously and generously offered by my elders. Half way thru I realized how refreshing and odd it was to be outside my church bubble. As pastors we live, breathe and breathe-more the life of our faith community. We get so sucked in to our own echo-chamber and perspective, … 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
Rollins College: Illiberal Education?
Rollins College recently booted Intervarsity Christian Fellowship off campus. ICF is a 136 year old ministry founded by students at Cambridge, England, known more for its laborious lectures and academic publications than any sense of extremism or cultic behavior. This decision by the Rollins College administration is one that is being increasingly adopted by universities … Read more
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
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
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
