Our character emerges from our deepest held beliefs --our deepest held religious beliefs. This is true because who or what we worship is at the root of all our moral choices. So, that’s deep, right? Well, how about an easier test? When we are watching a movie and a character does something that’s disappointing, irritating, or wicked, how do we react? We react against him and inwardly distance … [Read more...] about The “That Kind of Guy” Question
Attempted Wisdom
I Love You, Irene
Christians from "camps" which many in my history would (improperly, I believe) deem entirely hostile have been serving me over the last few years. I now appreciate some books I would have been ashamed and afraid to have had in my house ten years ago. Thank you, God of Abraham, for expanding your influence over me beyond the borders of my ignorant, ungodly biases. … [Read more...] about I Love You, Irene
Your Calling and Your Critics: Chad Pennington a Guaranteed Bust
This is not a post about sports. Chad Pennington emerged as the last guy standing after injuries plagued Marshall University's football team at the quarterback position. Player after player went down and the unheralded freshman from Tennessee debuted. I was there at an early game, watching this guy throw passes that looked like they took ten years to get to the receivers. My verdict was in: … [Read more...] about Your Calling and Your Critics: Chad Pennington a Guaranteed Bust
Occupy Bethany
A short reflection on the beginning of John 12. Judas Iscariot was an advocate for the poor. It was Judas who, thinking of the money he could skim, suggested that the expensive perfume not be wasted on the Lord, but sold and given to the poor. Not everyone who speaks for the poor and against extravagance is righteous. The champions of social justice are heirs of Judas if they are not devoted … [Read more...] about Occupy Bethany
The Best Writing Advice Ever –Seriously
Donald Miller: "I’ve a shelf at home devoted to books about writing. I’d say I might even have two shelves devoted to those books now. I’ve read most of them and some are better than others. But the best writing advice I’ve ever received didn’t come from a book. It actually occurred to me one morning when I was lying in bed, not wanting to get up and do my job. Maybe it came from heaven, I … [Read more...] about The Best Writing Advice Ever –Seriously
Make Believe Makes Believers
My son plays happily. He flits easily between two worlds, the world that is and the world he imagines. His conversation assumes the extraordinary. His play is an adventure in make believe. How like faith. Perhaps nothing is more like faith than play. This “admission” would no doubt make Christians raised in an era of apologetic zeal begin to sweat. It may also delight anti-theist scolds, those … [Read more...] about Make Believe Makes Believers
The Queen of Iowa and New Year Hopes
I wrote this a few weeks back, before I learned of my Papaw's death. Seems very appropriate. It was originally posted at The Rabbit Room. -Sam He gets the words wrong, but his heart is in it as he sings. Andrew Peterson’s “The Queen of Iowa” somehow becomes “The King of Ireland” when sung by our two-year old son. Talk about progressive. His version goes beyond gender-neutrality into categorical … [Read more...] about The Queen of Iowa and New Year Hopes
What Susan Said About Advent
Advent is upon us (as of yesterday). I'm not planning to post a lot about Advent this year (did a little last year), but wanted to share a quick thought. I'm sharing it and it's quick, like a cupcake that takes only moments to eat, but is still a tasty and nutritious to your spleen. Advent is a "Penitential Season." It's also sometimes called the "Winter Lent." This can sometimes freak out … [Read more...] about What Susan Said About Advent