Don’t Reject. Transcend!
This morning I picked up one of my older journals and started reading through it. I had some impressions: 1. “I like this guy!” Even though I have changed a lot since the writing in this journal and I was quite different back then, I like me back then. I was earnest....
How to be Fruitful
I remember having a discussion with a friend some years ago. Well… it was an argument. He claimed that in order to do real good in the world and bring about true change, you had to be in major centers… cities… and be actively involved in social issues. He believed it...
Protected or Imprisoned?
I am the parent of three adult children. I love them very much. They are an adventurous bunch. They do things like climb mountains, skydive, swim with sharks, and other activities that worry me. I’ve told them, “Why can’t you just get a regular, steady job, marry,...
The True Value of Community
When I left the church in 2010, I left the luxury of ready-made community. I’ve tried other things since, including Toast Masters, but nothing came even close to the quality, depth, authenticity, accountability, and intimacy of community the church potentially...
Some Advice for Being with Family Over Christmas
Some Advice for Being with Family Over Christmas 1. Be confident in your position, even if you’re confused about it. It’s okay. 2. Don’t go where you don’t want to go. Figure out ways of saying, “I don’t want to talk about that.” 3. You don’t have to reveal everything...
Who Are You?
I often think of the passage in the gospels where Jesus asks, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples reported to Jesus all the opinions they’d heard about him. Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” I find this passage fascinating. Even though I...
I Met a Sufi
It’s been a strange week. On the one hand, I have continued to say that Christianity is my home but I have cottages everywhere. I’ve also continued to say that Christian is my family of origin. I have also said that even though I’m out of the church I’m still in the...
Who Turned Up the Heat?
When I decide to ramp up my self-exposure, I always brace myself for a new onslaught of criticism. I first typed “embrace myself”. That too! So, what’s been going on recently? Why the new onslaught of criticism? I noticed a link in my nakedpastor dashboard to a...
What I Don’t Miss
What I Don’t Miss Yesterday, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I was rather alarmed at all the fights and divisions that were taking place. Over what? Predestination. Sin. Heaven and Hell. Authority. Bible. Divine inspiration. And theologians are differentiating...
