Kingdom of God
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... »
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... »
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... »
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... »
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... »
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... »
Embracing the Spirit of Advent 2009
Last Sunday, I decided to attend an Advent Prayer Service sponsored by Pax Christi Baltimore and other associated groups. I’m doing all I can to ensure that I slow down enough during this time of year to embrace the spirit of Advent. This season moves so fast. (It was just Thanksgiving wasn’t... »
I’m 7 days away from burying Black Friday
Ok, so I don’t do Black Friday anyway. I hate malls, shopping traffic, and spending money on stuff I don’t really need. But this year, I’m burying Black Friday for more principled reasons. As I shared earlier this week, I’m allowing God to liberate me from my cultural addiction to... »
Christmas is around the corner so you know what that means: Let’s celebrate JESUS by plunging deeper in DEBT!
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Two weeks ago for our church’s Bible Study which we call Transformation Tuesdays, I began a class centered around a movement called Advent Conspiracy. The effort in a nutshell is to encourage Believers during the Season of Advent to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. It’s a message... »
Freeing the Emerging Christian Movement from White Captivity
The more I read about the Emerging Church, the more I find that I identify with many of its distinct pillars. While I’m cautious about labeling myself as a member of the Emerging Church (I have a thing with labels…I get claustrophobic); I certainly embrace and enthusiastically so – its emphasis on... »
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