Beware the Quick Fix

Photo: Ecummings00

…but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah [40:31] (NRSV) If I can’t get it in two days (with free shipping), I don’t want it. One of my favorite comedy series released […]

Four Ways to Bridge the Political Divide

Photo: Sergey Nivens

I’d like to discuss some of the issues that divide us as Christians. Where should I start? Take your pick: immigration, gun control, abortion, Black Lives Matter, the death penalty. Oh, and there is same sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ persons. I’ve done a lot of thinking and praying about these topics and […]

How to Avoid a Civil War in Your Congregation (or Family)

The “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation” that was announced in January puts The United Methodist Church on a different path than other mainline denominations that have battled over LGBTQ+ inclusion. In previous cases, the progressive wing of the denomination ultimately pushed through legislation allowing for ordination and (later) same sex weddings. This in […]

Principles and Particulars

Photo: artisteer

Principles are great, but sometimes they conflict with the particulars. I got thinking about this when I listed to a three-part series about casuistry on Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast, Revisionist History. Casuistry, literally means “cases of conscience.” It is a form of moral reasoning that contrasts the relationship between moral paradigms and difficult situations, especially those […]