There is an overlooked issue in the Christian church causing massive, wide-spread problems. And it’s simple, really. Men don’t belong in church. — As I sit staring ahead, listening to the sermon, pondering the back of the person’s head in front of me, while he is pondering the back of the person’s head in front […]
When the World’s Vision Turns to Us
At 9:30 Saturday morning, I’ll lace up my shoes and walk. I probably won’t say a word. I’ll gaze up a bridge at gorgeous surroundings — sun, clouds, and shimmering water — at the breathtaking horizon that greets me, I’ll place a tread-worn Adidas running shoe on a strip of pavement, and I’ll walk. It’s […]
The Forbidden Fruit: An Apple…or Welch’s Grape Juice?
Today, I’m going to blow your mind. Actually, I’m going to take on one of the most deeply rooted, commonly accepted social standards in the Christian faith. My goal is to blow your mind. I will probably succeed in sincerely offending you. I am not trying to offend. I don’t want to. But it’s likely unavoidable […]
What Your Kid Thinks of Church
The lights lower. The video screen darkens and people hurry to their seats. It’s time for church. A man steps to the podium and begins. Man: Blah, blah, blah — blah, blah, blah — of the blah, and the blah, and the blah. Aa-blah. What?? You’ve come to church for years. But you’ve probably never imagined […]
The New Holy Land…Tampa?!?
It is 2 am, and time to wake up. A late get up for the rest of our journey to the Holy Land where the time is 7 hours ahead, but we figure it will help with jet lag. My wife and I are not experienced international travelers. The longest plane ride she has ever […]
If I Talked to My Wife Like the Church Liturgy Talks to God
Me: Enter the family room with excitement and the living room with thanks! Wife: Ok… Me: Most beautiful and ever loving wife, we are gathered here today to have a conversation. In this conversation our hearts will be opened and all our communications known, and from each other no secrets hid. Hear the thoughts of […]
All the Single Ladies, NOW PUT YOUR HANDS UP!
I think it’s the one song that as a single girl we get excited about and rush to the dance floor at a wedding. “If you liked it then you shoulda’ put a ring on it.” Then we’re like “YEAH! I’m single! Whoah oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh.” Then […]
10 Ways to Make the World Love You
This world is a tough place to be a Christian. We’re criticized and looked down on. We’re criticized for criticizing and looking down on. We’re too stupid to be considered human, yet barely non-vegetative enough to still be bigots. And if you’ve followed my ten ways to make Christians love you (and a few people still do), there’s a good chance non-Christians […]
The Secret to Stopping Lust: Don’t Do It!
Don’t think of a pink elephant! I bet I can guess what you are thinking about. In the movie Inception, a character addressed the easiest way to plant an idea in a person’s mind…tell them not to think about it. Don’t look down! Who hasn’t been up high and heard someone shout this never followed […]
A Crisis of Hero and Villain Within
You shouted, “Yes!” and fist pumped. Peyton Manning threw his second interception. Your heart leapt for joy. Richard Sherman lay writhing in a heap. You alternately rejoiced or mourned as superhumans on display rose or toppled in glorious, otherworldly fashion. In the Colliseum of our day. The altar of pop culture achievement. The Super Bowl. […]