Christmas Peace, Joy and Forgiveness … dismissed so soon?

> In light of today's news about Saddam Hussein's demise, some may feel like celebrating. Pardon me if I recuse myself from personal signs of exuberance, whether subtle or grandiose. I can still vividly remember the sickening celebrations in the street that accompanied Ted Bundy's execution in Florida. I wondered then, as I do now, … Continue reading Christmas Peace, Joy and Forgiveness … dismissed so soon?

Making Peace in Middle East a Priority

>For the past few years, a few interreligious local leaders in Durham have been working with national leaders to express how important it is that we make peace in this contested region of the world a priority. Here is a link to the most recently composed press release due to come out later this month. … Continue reading Making Peace in Middle East a Priority

Why I am United Methodist – Part III

Conjunction-Junction ... What's your Function? In my first two posts in this series, I have been doing some denominational apologetics for those who wrongly assume that "institutions" and "denominations" are passe and irrelevant. To paraphrase Neuhaus in his book Freedom for Ministry: I have never understood those who want to be rid of the institutional … Continue reading Why I am United Methodist – Part III

Confession and Reconciliation

>The following is a liturgy I have written that can be used by pastors, spiritual guides, confessors, mentors, or by accountability groups that are seeking to take confession seriously in a Protestant context. I have long been convinced that the "all pray in silence" that follows many public prayers of confession is a very pregnant … Continue reading Confession and Reconciliation

The Greatest Lover

>I recently had the privledge of presiding at my brother's wedding in Nashville. It gave me a chance to reflect again on God's triune love, which is the context for all other loves. Below is my wedding sermon for that occasion.*********************************“My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one and come … Continue reading The Greatest Lover

If God has the whole world in God’s hands …

>Why do I often feel like this? ... Especially when I am reading texts that exhort me to "remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." It is one of the reasons I have not blogged in a while - that heavy feeling of being overwhelmed and the accompanying guilt for feeling that way and placing … Continue reading If God has the whole world in God’s hands …