We’ve always had versions of Jesus. In the past, we might have labeled those versions of Jesus by denominational tradition. The Jesus sold in many American churches today solely focuses on personal salvation. Faith and participation in the church are consumer products in which you show up to receive the latest platitudes from a megachurch … Continue reading
I can remember our honeymoon like it was yesterday. We enjoyed a seven-day cruise on the Western Caribbean: Sun, all-you-can-eat food, entertainment, and fantastic excursions with my best friend. All was well until we reached Roatán. An island of Honduras, Roatán is a popular tourist destination for snorkeling, glass boat rides, and more. Except, we … Continue reading
We know the names Fred Rogers and Bob Ross, two staples of PBS television for many decades. But did you ever catch PBS re-airing the BBC’s Sister Wendy’s Odyssey, Sister Wendy’s Grand Tour, or Sister Wendy’s Story of Painting? I can remember thumbing through the limited number of channels before there were countless TV options … Continue reading
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Family-Friendly” in passing from countless Christian radio stations, publications, websites, podcasts, and now streaming platforms. There is a cottage industry dedicated to telling you what is a “family-friendly Christian worldview.” Take a look at the Focus on the Family website, which has an entire team dedicated to rating and reviewing … Continue reading
One of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram is “PreachersNSneakers.” The unique social media influencer captures the image of megachurch pastors’ attire and then researches how much was spent on shoes, jackets, or jewelry. Recently, the “PreachersNSneakers” found that Steven Furtick of Elevation Church was preaching in a $600 sweatshirt. Just doing the Lord’s … Continue reading
What’s your theology on human life? Most of us clearly understand the value of our own lives. Still, have we ever thought about the lives of others, especially those that do not fit into our socio-economic-political worldview? Most American Christians have spoon-fed one conversation on life, pro-life or pro-choice. Abortion has long been one of … Continue reading
Would you know the subtle signs of abuse if it was right in front of you? Unfortunately, most of us cannot recognize the subtle signs but maybe the more overt ones. There is a good chance that someone is experiencing this kind of trauma in our congregations. But how might we be prepared to see … Continue reading
It’s been a while since I was a teenager. So I’ll spare you the years and my embarrassment. Nevertheless, things have changed since my day of awkward pubescents. Teenagers face challenges today that I never faced. One thing hasn’t changed, though, the questions we wrestle with about our identity, belonging, and the Divine. “Life is … Continue reading
The last couple of years has been collectively challenging for all of us. And, if someone has an inclination towards anxiety and depression, this pandemic experience and socio-political tension have amplified the opportunities for people to spiral into challenging mental and emotional stations. One of the most challenging aspects of the worst parts of the … Continue reading
During our childhood and journey into adolescence, not only are our bodies experiencing all sorts of physiological changes but so does our psyche. In this state, identity formation, commitment to intimacy with another person, and generativity take place. At the same time, this is also a critical time in which people of faith are being … Continue reading
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