That They All May Be One
That They All May Be One Perspective on strong spiritual culture at a congregational level Why culture? It’s the only recorded prayer Jesus made for us who would follow him later: that we all would be one (John 17:21), that we would find the same unity among us that he … Read More
Phones, Meditation, and the Modern Christian
Now that technology has become such an ubiquitous part of our daily lives, it seems nostalgic to imagine life any other way. The past decade has seen rapid acceleration in society’s adaptation to a virtual lifestyle. Technological changes have been par for the course for a couple of centuries now, … Read More
Covid—and What Happened to Christianity
We’re all tired of hearing about Covid-19 by now. In the U.S., restrictions are lifting, and everyone is ready for the social effects of the pandemic to end. But even while it was in its heyday, I tried not to talk about it much. Few issues divide the church more, … Read More
Lessons from the Classroom
I can still remember all too well the familiar clench in my stomach as I sat at my desk, watching the hand of the clock as it inched slowly but inexorably towards 8:10, the fateful moment when the buzzer would ring and fourteen twelve-year-olds would come trooping through the door. … Read More
A Feast in the Wilderness
Feast and wilderness. These two words create an antithesis. Two words that create confusion in our minds through their dissonance. A wilderness is “an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.” A feast is “something that gives unusual or abundant enjoyment.” We only think about them simultaneously when we are longing for … Read More
Of Rumormongers, Scalding Coffee, and Gossip
“Now everyone knows, and I don’t even know how to act anymore.” She lifted her blue eyes to meet mine and a pained expression crossed her brow. I looked down, wrapped my fingers tighter around my coffee mug, and swallowed hard. I love this woman in front of me. She … Read More
Holy Spirit as Agent of Creation and New Creation
Weirdly enough, the Holy Spirit is often a divisive topic among Christians. It is sad that I can categorize your entire theological “bent” by how much you emphasize the Holy Spirit. If you rarely mention the Holy Spirit, you’re probably a “thinking” type that is into doctrine and deep study, … Read More
When Thinking Is Not Enough
I’m convinced that people don’t think enough. Bad thinking permeates every sphere of our society—the church is certainly not immune. Pursuing a more vibrant understanding of truth is a worthwhile cause and something that needs to be emphasized more in our churches. Naturally, we can’t pursue truth—whether it’s knowledge about … Read More
A Defense of Philosophy
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2, ESV) Those who have spent time in the discipline of philosophy often get … Read More