Yesterday’s failed assassination attempt might have shocked, but it did not surprise. I am glad former President Trump is relatively unharmed. And it’s fitting we pray for him, and the families who—today—are holding out for loved ones to recover. And pray for those mourning permanent loss. How did we get here? Elected officials and scholarsContinue reading “The Contagion of Violence and Conspiracy”
Category Archives: Faith
The Shock of Palm Sunday
Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Maybe you’re like me and grew up with the Sunday School version of Palm Sunday. You might have flashbacks to palm fronds, a donkey, and yelling “HOSANNA” as loud as you could — to be sure, these are elements of the story. But the meaning—or let’s say shockContinue reading “The Shock of Palm Sunday”
We Are The Times
A post from Australian theologian, Michael Bird (Word from the Bird) got my attention recently. He seemed to visualize that visceral sense of alarm many are living with right now: And one more drop in the bucket: today a NBC News poll showed Trump leading Biden (46/44) nationally for the first time. One crisis after another. There’s a word forContinue reading “We Are The Times”
When The Name Christian Meant Something
I thought I’d share an insight from my research today. I think it helps us resist some of the ways “Christian” has become associated with racism, bigotry, and violence (i.e. with antichrist). In my upcoming dissertation, I have a whole chapter on the label “evangelical” — what it’s meant, where it’s come from, how it’sContinue reading “When The Name Christian Meant Something”
A (New) Lost Generation
In the classic World War I novel, All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Remarque described the effect of the Great War on the men who fought it: “It is the common fate of our generation…We’ve been cut off from real action, from getting on, from progress. We don’t believe in those things any more;Continue reading “A (New) Lost Generation”
The Problem of Pandemic Theology
Everyone is doing pandemic theology, even politicians. Recently, the governor of Mississippi said belief in eternal life was one major explanation for why Mississippians aren’t scared of COVID-19. Incidentally, Mississippi has the second lowest vaccination rate in the US; just 37% of residents were vaccinated as of August 27th. We’re all doing pandemic theology, evenContinue reading “The Problem of Pandemic Theology”
Not So Biblical Manhood
The popular evangelical vision of Biblical manhood is not as Biblical as it might appear. Before I stepped away from pastoring in American evangelical spaces, it wasn’t uncommon to hear manhood attached to cultural expressions (hunting, guns, emotional suppression) and yet it was always cast as “Biblical”. But the vision sure is lucrative. From studiesContinue reading “Not So Biblical Manhood”
In The Shadow of Bonhoeffer
76 years ago today, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by Nazi Germany. His final known words were reported later by a captured RAF pilot: “Today is the end. For me, the beginning of life.” Sometimes, I wonder. What must’ve been on Bonhoeffer’s mind, walking to the gallows that day? His last words hint at his deepestContinue reading “In The Shadow of Bonhoeffer”
The Danger of Faith
Resurrection faith is dangerous. On a day of hope, we need a fresh reminder of the danger inherent in an embrace of Christian faith. It’s true. The risen Jesus offers hope beyond the pangs of death. But the risen Jesus also invites a living confrontation with death. Our life for his. Our ends for his.Continue reading “The Danger of Faith”
The Problem With Purity
I’ve been following Formula One racing for the past few years. The “formula” stands for an ever-changing list of rules that every racing team agrees to follow. From the design of the car, to their pit stop strategy, the whole sport is governed by this formula of rules. Each year, the winning teams (besides havingContinue reading “The Problem With Purity”
Jared Stacy 