Putting the fun in dysfunction
You’ve heard people say, “Our family puts the fun in dysfunction.” Well, all families do, and mine is no exception. But speaking of dysfunctionality … Whew, let me tell you… I’ve just finished Mary Trump’s […]
During COVID-19, the faithful need to practice humility like never before
[Here’s my religion column for this Sunday’s July 12 Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette. As I’ve thought about what might happen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing challenges between Whites & African-Americans, and the coming elections this November, […]
What will guide our civil discourse in an age of outrage?
When I was a boy my mother would say, “If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all.” She didn’t always follow her own advice. Nor have I. Of this I […]
Oh the questions carried in the bosom of Judas Iscariot’s mother
In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew chapter 10, Jesus chooses the 12 apostles. Simon (Peter) Andrew James John [Peter and Andrew and James and John were brothers.] Philip Bartholomew Thomas Matthew James, son of Alphaeus […]
Mimic the birds!
These days the choir of birds outside my window start warming up about 4:20am. By 4:40am, all birds are present and the concert begins in earnest. Every bird sings loudly and in perfect pitch. Not […]
Water baptism followed by a baptism of fire
In late February during my 8th-grade year, a city-wide church meeting came through Colby, Kansas. The evening meetings featured a 6’5” preacher, a former NFL defensive tackle named Bill Glass. Speaking to all 5 kids […]
The False Self & the True Self
** About 10 years ago I discovered the writing of pastor John Piippo from Redeemer Fellowship Church in Monroe, Michigan. A friend told me about his blog, and I started reading it. I was taken […]
Can our hearts still burn within us?
Last Sunday the Gospel reading used by many churches was the story in Luke 24 of the resurrected Jesus meeting two disciples (Cleopas and his partner) on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. (The painting […]
