Why We Better Call Saul

The series “Better Call Saul” wraps this week on AMC. Over the last 6 seasons “Better Call Saul”—with its tale of Jimmy McGill turned con-man lawyer Saul Goodman—took on a life of its own. It was more than a spin off of the original “Breaking Bad”. It steps out from the shadow of Walter WhiteContinue reading “Why We Better Call Saul”

What Bonhoeffer Said When Hitler Survived

Today marks 78 years since the failed 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler. 78 years ago, and nearly 500 miles away, Dietrich Bonhoeffer sat in Tegal prison. He was waiting for news. He knew his suspicious associations (which had landed him in prison) would turn treasonous if the plot failed. When no news came, BonhoefferContinue reading “What Bonhoeffer Said When Hitler Survived”

The Moral Problem Of Seeing Nazi Germany Everywhere

The Third Reich is everywhere in today’s political pandemic rhetoric. This rhetoric warns that the pandemic is turning America into Hitler’s Germany. A constant comparison to Nazi Germany is a dangerous theological ethical move, not because the Holocaust didn’t happen, but precisely because it did. Today we are more influenced by Hollywood in our moralContinue reading “The Moral Problem Of Seeing Nazi Germany Everywhere”

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”

Jesus, Marx, and Systemic Sin

Can sin be systemic? The Christian Scriptures teach that sin is both a human condition & concrete action. Sin as a condition refers to the posture of the human spirit in relation to God, namely one of antagonism and total rejection of his rule. Sin as concrete action (also “sins”) are specific manifestations of sin,Continue reading “Jesus, Marx, and Systemic Sin”

Prophets or Patriots?

Being Christian Before Being American My ancestor, William Stacy, fought in the Revolutionary War. Legend holds he tore up his British commission papers in the town square & organized a militia. Grateful as I am for this incredible heritage alongside the pride it gives me, I cannot deny that American Christianity grows more patriotic when itContinue reading “Prophets or Patriots?”