This morning I stumbled across Billy Corgan’s “faith” blog (Twitter is a wonderful thing). Being an artistic “child” of the 90s, I have a certain soft spot for Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins. They’re responsible for some amazing musical/emotional moments, some of which will always be hardwired into my soul. It’s also been refreshing to … Continue reading
“The point about Jesus’ resurrection is not ‘He’s alive again, therefore there is a life after death,’… It’s not, ‘Jesus is alive again, therefore we’re all going to go to heaven,’ … The point about the resurrection is, ‘Jesus has been raised from the dead, therefore God’s new creation has begun, and therefore we have … Continue reading
Was thinking this afternoon: what are the basics of Christianity, of discipleship, of apprenticeship to Jesus? I’m sure everyone has their lists, so here’s mine: Allegiance to the risen Christ. Christ is king, to the exclusion of all other pretenders. The pretenders in the 1st and 2nd centuries were Herod and the Roman emperor(s). Christ’s … Continue reading
There is a scene from Thornton Wilder’s play, The Angel That Troubled the Water. A doctor comes to a healing pool every day wanting to be healed of his melancholy and his gloom and his sadness. Finally the angel appears. The doctor goes to step into the water but the angel blocks his path, saying, … Continue reading
This is from a church here in Tallahassee; some friends of mine go here. St. Peter’s is (in my opinion) doing a great job of reaching folks in their 20s and 30s. As an evangelical, I daresay it’s even shocking. My evangelical “programming” has told me for virtually ten years that folks want loud music … Continue reading
Recently, I was reading a favorite author/theologian of mine (I’m very sorry I can’t remember who it was, but if it comes to mind I’ll post it). He was discussing “sermon preparation”, and he wrote something to the effect of, “I’ll struggle through the texts and commentaries so that my congregation won’t have to.” That … Continue reading
In a book I’m reading right now, the author lists six markers of a “city”. public spaces mixed-use zoning local economy beauty and quality in the built environment critical mass presence of strangers I’m somewhat incredulous as to how the capital of Florida can not have — what would be reasonable? — four of these … Continue reading
I just got back from the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta; it was my first time attending the live event, though I’ve watched DVDs from the past 2 years. I thought I’d throw out a few reflections from the event. The Justification Wars Are Hot. Though speakers from different perspectives were there, any anticipated public denouncing … Continue reading
