Category Archives: culture

Do not be afraid

Posted on January 5, 2017 by jim

As a year ends and another begins, I pause to reflect upon the year gone by and consider the year to come. The Roman god Janus was the god of gates, halls, doors, and doorways. The god of beginnings and … Continue reading →

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Is Christ really in your heart?

Posted on December 17, 2016 by jim
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Turning the other cheek at Christmas

Posted on December 16, 2016 by jim
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Saint Nicholas’ Day

Posted on December 5, 2016 by jim

Last weekend at the Mall of America in Minnesota, Larry Jefferson donned his Santa apparel, talked with children, and posed for photos. The internet trolls turned out in force because jolly old St. Nicholas was being portrayed by a black … Continue reading →

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Where do some Christians draw the line?

Posted on November 5, 2016 by jim

Where do some Christians draw the line? Evidently at sexual assault. Making fun of handicapped people, overweight people, immigrants, Hispanics, prisoners of war, Muslims, women, reporters, and blacks, isn’t enough to dissuade some Christians from claiming Donald Trump is the … Continue reading →

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“We’re here in the neighborhood talking with people about the Bible.”

Posted on October 28, 2016 by jim

I answered the knock at my door to find a pair of elderly ladies clutching well worn Bibles. “We’re here in the neighborhood talking with people about the Bible.” “That’s a great,” I said. “I have a Master of Divinity … Continue reading →

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Q & A – Fundamentalist family fun

Posted on October 24, 2016 by jim

Q: Any ideas about how to convince half of the people I care about not to soak their children in fear culture, not to hate or abuse people who aren’t like them, and not to support the destruction of the … Continue reading →

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A letter to a local church

Posted on October 8, 2016 by jim

I sent this e-mail to an area church this week. I’ve redacted the church’s name for reasons that will be apparent. To XXX XX and the leadership of XXX XX XXX : My family lives less than two miles from … Continue reading →

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Losing our religion

Posted on September 30, 2016 by jim

A new study seeks to shed light on why people are leaving religion in the United States. From the summary, “The American religious landscape has undergone substantial changes in recent years. However, one of the most consequential shifts in American … Continue reading →

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“When there is a conflict, Jesus is Lord”

Posted on September 26, 2016 by jim
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Allegiance

Posted on September 3, 2016 by jim

Colin Kaepernick had a long week. The professional football player refused to stand during the playing of the National Anthem, last week. Thursday night he compromised, and “took a knee.” Responses have varied. Kaepernick explained his reason after the game: … Continue reading →

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Tim Kaine – A good and faithful servant

Posted on July 23, 2016 by jim

While he was Governor of Virginia, I interacted with Tim Kaine on many occasions. Here are a few personal reflections on the faith of Sen. Kaine, the Democratic candidate for Vice President of the United States. After the Virginia Tech … Continue reading →

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Understanding Christians in Fowler’s Stages of Faith

Posted on June 29, 2016 by jim

Ask a seven year-old what it’s like to be 70. Get angry when a 16 year-old new driver doesn’t understand how to disassemble a car engine. Speak with a pair of 15-year-olds about the hermeneutic that informs their theology to … Continue reading →

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All, all, are sleeping on the hill

Posted on June 9, 2016 by jim

When Muhammad Ali is laid to rest Friday, it will be in Cave Hill Cemetery, in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. At nearly 300 acres, it’s the largest cemetery in Louisville. My mother learned to drive on the narrow, isolated … Continue reading →

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