As I continue exploring alternative ways of being in this world, I’m excited by people and groups who have moved past theoretical olympics or revolutionary diatribes against what is and into practical applications of what can be. I’m less concerned if these practitioners are perfect in the execution of their ideas. I’m more focused...
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Kingdom of God
Grassroots Economy Festival: My Type of Party
Thinking Differently About Church Organization
One of the first things that I was told when it was known that I would become a pastor was to read the church bylaws. Second to scripture (and in some churches more importantly than the Holy Scriptures) the church bylaws provide information as to how a particular community of Faith chooses to organize...
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Simple Living Update: Biking Works For Me!
About a month ago I shared that I was investigating alternative forms of transportation so that I might decrease the amount of pollution I’m personally responsible for, save some money that would have gone to gasoline, and ultimately worship God by being in greater harmony with The Almighty’s “good” creation. While I’m still looking...
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President Obama spends Palm Sunday praising War in Afghanistan
Photo Credit: Whitehouse.gov Christians around the world began Holy Week yesterday by commemorating Palm Sunday – a day which marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. During his sojourn down from the Mount of Olives into the city, the scriptures record that he stopped and wept over Jerusalem saying in part, “If you,...
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States across the Nation taking a BIG Gamble on the Future
I was on the Marc Steiner show on WEAA 88.9FM (Baltimore) Monday evening talking about the prospect of Maryland expanding its gaming options to include casinos. As predicted by many of us who were decrying slots in Maryland; state lawmakers are now teasing the idea of casinos in an effort to deal with the...
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To Whom Should Christians Pledge Allegiance?
The continuing drama circling Goshen College right now has sparked an internal discussion within me. Goshen College, the private Mennonite school, recently reversed its 114 year history of not singing or playing the National Anthem before sporting events. Paying homage to its Christian roots of nonviolence and pacifism, the Mennonite school viewed the National...
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When Christian Mission Goes Way Wrong (part 2)
Photo Credit: Telegraph.Co.Uk I have an uneasy feeling when it comes to Christian Missionaries. I know that sounds strange coming from a pastor. But anyone who reviews the history of missionaries from the Western, American context will find a deluge of disheartening examples connecting Christian Mission with subjugation, oppression, and the dehumanizing of Indigenous...
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New Year, Same Struggle: Starting 2010 in Solidarity with Palestinians
Technically, I started the year in corporate worship and fellowship at my church. For those not familiar with the Black Church experience, we observe what we call Watch Night Service on New Year’s Eve every year. It’s a night for us to reflect on the past year’s journey and look forward to the coming...
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My mind and library will grow this year thanks to InterVarsity Press
One of my new gigs this year is that I’m a book reviewer for InterVarsity Press. Thanks to this blog, someone from the publishing company contacted me and wondered if I would be interested in reading and writing reviews of their publications. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. I LOVE books! I understand...
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Passing on Paper & Plastic: 1 Step toward Simple Living
As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, one of the books I’m reading these days is entitled Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of our Daily Choices by Julie Clawson. It’s a book that has sensitized me to how some of my lifestyle choices – as innocent as they seem – have an adverse impact...
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