The talking heads on cable news are a microcosm of the American conversation. It’s either a scenario of a multi-personality dialogue, where they are all talking over each other, or it’s an overwhelmingly one-sided perspective of all that is going wrong with the opposition. The far-right has its ideology, and the far left joins them … Continue reading
By Andy Hale We’ve all been there before. We felt passionate about something happening in our world, thumbed a sternly written rant about it, and then hit “Post.” There is a fantastic sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when you have put into words what you felt inside about this thing or that. Except, your thoughts … Continue reading
By Luke Perrin A few weeks ago in my preaching class, our small group precept spent some time focusing on the story of the Golden Calf from the book of Exodus. It’s tale with vivid imagery, juxtaposing God with what the Israelites quite literally forged to be God. It’s a tale that has been used … Continue reading
By Andy Hale “You are just preaching a Democratic agenda,” a former church member told me. Puzzled by such a bold and accusatory statement, I asked a few clarifying questions. This person insisted that they’d rather me stick to the Bible than a political agenda from the pulpit. I tried my best to pastorally explain … Continue reading
By Andy Hale Do you remember that incredible scene from 2008’s “The Dark Knight,” in which the Joker and Batman sit down from a rather heated conversation? For three minutes and twenty-four seconds, these paragon of opposing virtues sit across the table at an impasse. Batman used his fists and guile, while Joker wielded his … Continue reading
By Andy Hale Married Priests, Iranian Conflict, China Trade War and Global Warming are just a few of the topics that Father Thomas Reese has written on in the last few months for the Religion News Service. We are a long way away from the days of writing about simple theological matters. Today’s religion contributors … Continue reading
On March 28, a fax came into our church office addressed to me by name. The fax was a letter signed “From Concerned Christians”. The letter began by quoting 2 Samuel 23:3. It went on to say, “There is a man, with the ambition to become a ruler, proselytizing among the towns and villages of North … Continue reading