Category: Spiritual Growth
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“Holy Curiosity” – Part 5 of 5 (Finally!), of Developing an “Opposable” Theology
Even the most absolute, clearest of truths can be understood in deeper, richer, more complex and applicable ways.
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“Thinking like a Mystic” – Part 4 of 5, of Developing an “Opposable” Theology
The mystics demonstrate a path that begins and ends with seeking God – God, not information about God – and accept the complexities, paradoxes, and inscrutable qualities of God merely as a mystery worthy of continuing pursuit.
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Developing an “Opposable” Theology: Part 3 of 5 “The Power of Paradox”
The God of Scripture is not manageable, controllable or predictable. Understanding biblical paradox requires holy imagination, comfort with mystery, and a willingness to accept the infinitude of God. God refuses to fit into our boxes. God can’t be quantified or categorized. God is too big for that. God is too…
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Developing an “Opposable” Theology: Part 2 of 5
What if a deeper theological comprehension results not from our ability to learn, comprehend and articulate a single doctrinal position, but from our ability to continuously wrestle with multiple theological perspectives, even as we lean one direction or another?
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Developing an “Opposable” Theology: Part 1 of 5
What if, rather than taking sides, theologically, claiming which belief or doctrine is right, or Truth, while declaring everything else false, or even heretical, what if deeper theological comprehension results from the “dynamic tension” of holding and pressing two or more theological concepts in prolonged tension?
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Adding, Subtracting, Replacing, or Integrating?
Learning – via reading, watching instructional videos, taking a class, attending a lecture, by trial and error – is more than simply adding information to what you already know. Ideally, what you already know is improved, deepened, corrected, or enhanced by new, nuanced information or inspiration. We aren’t merely data…
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It is what it is: complaining, coping, or becoming through hardship
I don’t believe God caused Covid-19, so I also can’t say “God has a purpose for Covid-19.” But, I DO believe God will uniquely work in EVERY situation if God finds willing and able partners in us. If we’re willing to patiently endure this difficult season, submitting it to God,…
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If You Don’t Have Something Nice to Say…
Where did we learn to be critics? Where did we learn to be fault finders? And, what makes us the experts? Why did we forget the childhood lesson, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all?” Did we forget the Bible’s frequent admonition not to…
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“I press on” – a message to pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone else struggling with uncertainty and insecurity in the face of a global pandemic
Above all, the most pervasive feeling I’m wrestling with, these days, is uncertainty.
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“I will lift my eyes” – a Facebook Live sermon, based on Psalm 121, preached for The First United Methodist Church of Orlando, on March 29, 2020
Last Sunday morning, before worship, a First Church friend sent me a beautiful YouTube video of the University of British Columbia Choir, singing a choral arrangement of Psalm 121, called “I will lift my eyes,” that literally moved me to tears.
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