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Times of crisis reveal what dwells deep within our souls. The ongoing crisis of COVID-19 has shined an uncomfortable light upon our private and communal lives, putting our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual competencies on trial. When communal calamities occur, our weaknesses are exposed, and long ignored wounds surface. Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, Stop AAPI Hate, gun control, immigration, voting access, creation care, and other failings are symptoms of much deeper issues. Our collective response becomes a gauge for our social and moral health. As with all such crucibles we discover a mix-bag of fellowship and division, hope and horror, and anxieties and affirmations.

A version of this article first appeared at Word&Way November 3, 2021 The story of how Netflix replaced Blockbuster is a well-documented and prominently cited tale of warning. The documentary The Last Blockbuster can of course be streamed on Netflix. The fall of a video rental empire is the foundation narrative to the popular TV show Schitt’s Creek… …

Physical Media, Streaming, and Ministry as Metaphor Read More »

This reflection first appeared at Word&Way Unsettled Advent Series December 19, 2021 “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.” (Luke 1:51) Advent calls us to live in the tension of already and the not yet, a season between. We progressively welcome the light one week, one …

Unsettled Advent Read More »

My first book reflection for 2022 is the new collection of essays entitled The Pharisees edited by scholars Joseph Sievers and Amy-Jill Lavine. This book is a much needed addition to any pastor or professor who desires to have a more accurate understanding of Pharisees in their historical and religious context. Originally collected as the presentations from a 2019 conference …

Book Reflection: The Pharisees Read More »

I enjoy reading and writing. However, I have not written about reading in a while. Beginning in 2022 I anticipate writing helpful summaries of the insights I gain from the many books I consume every year. The format of these upcoming articles will not be to provide formal reviews but simply share the most helpful …

2021 Reading List in Review Read More »

A version of this article first appeared in Christian Citizen Dec 14, 2021 There are so many holidays on our annual calendar it is might be easy to forget a few throughout the year. Minor banking holidays like Columbus Day or Presidents Day might go unnoticed if we did not also get the nearest Monday off …

Holidays: well-practiced tradition, present reality, and future hope Read More »