Deep Breath

Posted June 30, 2008 at 10:14 am

I’m taking a couple of weeks off from the blog. See you in late July.


UnChristian: Too Political

Posted June 25, 2008 at 11:12 am

Last Sunday I interacted with the perception described in UnChristian that present-day is too political. From what I can understand, the real issue is not that Christians are involved in politics, but rather it’s the way in which we’re involved. When outsiders see Christians misrepresenting the views of their political “enemies” or denigrating the character of those they oppose instead of intelligently interacting with their opponent’s positions, it destroys Christian credibility in our culture.

James Dobson’s comments about Obama are an excellent illustration of this.

Outsiders don’t expect us to stay out of politics, but they do expect us to engage in politics in Christlike way.

For more, check out what Scot McKnight has to say.


Unintentional Nondiscipleship

Posted June 24, 2008 at 10:38 am

I’ve got a new piece called “Unintentional Nondiscipleship” up at Wineskins. Check it out. Come back here and leave a comment if you want to discuss further.


N. T. Wright on Colbert

Posted June 20, 2008 at 10:09 am

Check out N. T. Wright on Colbert


Nemesis Required

Posted June 20, 2008 at 9:59 am

Rusty sent me a link to this post from craigslist. It’s a great idea.

Nemesis required. 6-month project with possibility to extend



I’ve been trying to think of ways to spice up my life. I’m 35 years old, happily married with two kids and I have a good job in insurance. But somethings missing. I feel like I’m old before my time. I need to inject some excitement into my daily routine through my arm before its too late. I need a challenge, something to get the adrenaline pumping again. An addiction would be nice, but, in short, I need a nemesis. I’m willing to pay $350 up front for you services as an arch enemy over the next six months. Nothing crazy. Steal my parking space, knock my coffee over, trip me when Im running to catch the BART and occasionaly whisper in my ear, “Ahha, we meet again”. That kind of thing. Just keep me on my toes. Complacency will be the death of me. You need to have an evil streak and be blessed with innate guile and cunning. You should also be adept at inconsicuous pursuit. Evil laugh preferred. Send me a photo and a brief explanation why you would be a good nemesis.

British accent preferred.


UnChristian: Antihomosexual?

Posted June 18, 2008 at 11:07 am

Check out this interview with David Kinnaman, author of unChristian, over at New Wineskins.

At the bottom of the interview, you can find links to several teachings I’ve recently done that are based on the research in the book. The series is still in progress.

My favorite so far has been They Say We’re Antihomosexual.

icon for podpress  They Say We're Antihomosexual: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Summer Music

Posted June 17, 2008 at 7:39 pm

Looking for some good summer music?

Check out Safetysuit.


Rivalries Never Die

Posted June 6, 2008 at 6:23 am

When I saw this clip last night it gave me chills. It also made me feel a little sad.


Conspiracy?

Posted May 29, 2008 at 9:06 pm

The biggest mystery in sports right now is why did the Grizzlies trade Pao Gasol to the Lakers in what appears to be one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history? It makes no sense. Unless the higher ups in the NBA saw the Celtic sun rising in the east and decided it was time to give the world a Lakers-Celtics match-up in the Finals. So the word came down to the Grizzlies, “Send Gasol to the Lakers no matter what.” After the trade, I bet David Stern was thinking that the Grizzlies could have done a little better job at not telegraphing the pass, but since when have the Grizzlies been reliable? Everything has had to break just right for it to happen, but so far so good. If the Celtics can close out the Pistons, then the NBA gets what it wants (and needs).

If it does happen, don’t kid yourself into thinking that it will compare to the classic Celtic-Laker match-ups in the 80’s. It won’t. There was something special about those battles that won’t be repeated anytime soon. I don’t think that’s just my childhood nostalgia talking either.


Two Problems for Present Day Christianity

Posted May 21, 2008 at 6:28 am

1. Present day Christians are not very good at accepting outsiders (sinners who do not follow Jesus).
2. Present day Christians are far too accepting of sinful behavior from insiders (Christians who have been following Jesus long enough to know better).

Shouldn’t it be just the opposite?

Any thoughts about why this is so?