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”
Category Archives: Faith
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”
Why We Need The Bells on Christmas Day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow sat at his desk, alone. The year was 1863. Christmas Day. The American Civil War raging. In the last few years, he was twice a widower. His oldest son joined the Union cause, only to be wounded and nearly paralyzed. Longfellow, like us, wrestled that Christmas Day over choosing optimism or pessimismContinue reading “Why We Need The Bells on Christmas Day”
How Advent Begins
For most of us, the season of Advent begins with decorations and music. We can settle for the tree, for the tradition, and miss the season. We should embrace Advent as it really is. Advent began when Christ renounced his privilege. Not a moment before. He traded the privilege of heaven, of comfort & security,Continue reading “How Advent Begins”
5 Great Quotes: Corrie ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was a Dutch holocaust survivor, and a follower of Jesus. Before being placed in Nazi concentration camps, she was instrumental in hiding European Jews fleeing the Third Reich. After the war, she became a prolific writer and outspoken Christian leader. I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any moreContinue reading “5 Great Quotes: Corrie ten Boom”
Humility Is Now and Always The Way Forward
What do you do while the world waits for history? Of all the surprises in 2020, this election was actually on the calendar. We circled the date. A big moment in a world of big problems. And now, we’re here, waiting for the outcome. The humility of Jesus can bring healing right now to aContinue reading “Humility Is Now and Always The Way Forward”
Jared Stacy 