in _____ we trust
thoughts on the first commandment
Much of the 'news' (i.e. political commentary disguised as news) these days surrounding the events of the world is inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. For example, reading news from one source can lead us to believe that COVID-19 is the greatest threat to humanity since the dark ages while another news source leads us . . .
Luther on studying God's Word
In his preface to the Large Catechism, Martin Luther anticipates the objections of those who think they are too learned, too wise, or too mature to daily read God's Word. In our time, we might certainly add the objections of those who are too busy or find Scripture too boring or whatever other objection might be raised. . . .
eighth Sunday after Trinity (2021)
contemplating collects
Grant to us, Lord, we beseech Thee, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without Thee, may by Thee be enabled to live according to Thy will; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world . . .
Posted in: collects
making a mockery of worship and life
This video makes me ashamed to point out the fact that I worship in a United Methodist parish. Come one, come all, to our three ring circus!
I realize that most of the criticism on this video focuses on homosexuality. It is an entirely relevant criticism with which I completely agree. Focusing only on that, however, . . .
Posted in: theology
seventh Sunday after Trinity (2021)
contemplating collects
O God, Whose never-failing Providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech Thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without . . .
Posted in: collects
relevance: a failed experiment in American Christianity
Since the end of the 1950s, American Christians across the entire denominational spectrum have been enamored with 'relevance,' most commonly touted as a means by which to keep youth in the church and attract the unchurched. At its best, this goal was pursued to make Christianity more understandable to outsiders. At its . . .
sixth Sunday after Trinity (2021)
contemplating collects
LORD of all power and might, Who art the Author and Giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of Thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one . . .
Posted in: collects
