>For those who don't know, the U.S. House of Representatives has recently experienced a new first. Rep. Keith Ellison from Minnesota is Congress' first Muslim. His recent election has caused something of a stir, primarily because he chose to place his hand on a Koran in his private swearing-in ceremony. (the mass, public ceremony in … Continue reading Bashing Judeo-Christian values in the name of Judeo-Christian values
Author: gkevinbaker
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
A few more Colbert reports
>Truth or lack there of ...and the Christian Coalition, Jesus, and the Poorhttp://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/syndicated_player/index.jhtmlhttp://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/syndicated_player/index.jhtml
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
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