Dec
20
Liberal collegiate rhetoric.
Filed Under general, academics, Christianity, learning, grace, theology, faith, Brethren in Christ, SALT House, Barack Obama | 3 Comments
It’s been a tough couple of weeks, both academically and personally. Since the return from Thanksgiving Break, I’ve cranked out more than forty pages of writing and two in-class presentations. I’ve been humbled in more ways than one, and found myself thinking deeply about a really important issue. Meanwhile, in the great big world out […]
Nov
10
Still, all my song shall be…
Filed Under general, academics, Democrat, Christianity, Garrison Keillor, learning, grace, theology, politics, faith | Leave a Comment
A lot has changed since last I wrote. The U.S. elected a new leader, a strong man with moral convictions that transcend the myopic concerns of a cluster of Christian conservatives; a thoughtful man who moves the masses with his words; a gracious man whose embrace acknowledges the full diversity of our nation. Katie came […]
Apr
19
Father, Father, Father—help us.
Filed Under general, Philadelphia, government, Christianity, learning, grace, politics | 4 Comments
One of Anne Lamott’s favorite prayers is “Help me, help me, help me.” It is a plea that has certainly entered into my own repertoire since I moved to north Philadelphia: not just because my mother fears for my life on these mean (or, in my own mind, merely disgruntled) streets, but because almost everywhere […]
Apr
16
“In the face of suffering, there is no doubt in my mind that God calls us to respond.”
Filed Under general, Democrat, government, Christianity, theology, Hillary Clinton | 2 Comments
Until about four months ago, I was a die-hard Hillary Clinton supporter. I’d always been a fan of Barack Obama since his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, but Hillary had something compelling about her strength, her determination, her ability to move successfully and progressively within the confines of the (inevitably corrupt) U.S. political […]
Mar
4
We have our beliefs, but we don’t want our beliefs. God of peace, we want you.
Filed Under general, Messiah College Philadelphia Campus, government, Christianity, theology | 1 Comment
This morning in Practical Theology of the Urban Church, a class I find occasionally boring and more-than-useful in my current intentional setting, a guest speaker from Palmer Theological Seminary shared about the early church and the pacifist roots of Christianity. Drawing on the writings of post-apostolic theologians of the second, third, and fourth centuries — […]
Oct
24
What my own apathy has wrought.
Filed Under general, Republican, Democrat, government, Christianity, Garrison Keillor | 5 Comments
I understand that it’s rather a cop-out to blog about somebody else’s blog, but I’m a vigilant reader (and long-time fan) of Garrison Keillor. I get my mid-week fix (his equally great radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, is on Saturday nights) by reading Keillor’s column, “The Old Scout.” It’s available on the APHC website […]