Monthly Archives: August 2009

What do doctors say about healthcare reform?

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Rick

For the record… No. I have a better idea. Let me just ask. At what point have I actually stated whether I support or oppose Obamacare? Go ahead. Take your time. Need some more? No problem. I can wait. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Politics | Comments Off

"The Gospel According to Puccini" (SERMON – August 30, 2009)

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Rick

Preface (partly for William): I have for months been planning on at least two long posts on “The Gospel According to Puccini”. (Remotely similar to Donald Miller’s Christian interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare.) One interpreting “Turandot” terms … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Sermons, Theology | 1 Comment

"As long as it takes" -> Washington Rebel

Posted on August 29, 2009 by Rick

Been watching “Constantine” this evening. Utter rubbish theologically. But strangely compelling. There is a scene that I thought both interesting and illustrative. Angela wants to see what her twin sister saw. So Constantine has her get into a bathtub filled … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies and film, Politics | 1 Comment

God and politics for me – but not for thee

Posted on August 27, 2009 by Rick

Losing respect for people with whom I used to identify is painful. And I am beginning to despair for the future of rationality and honesty in our nation. Where does one even begin? I made the mistake of following a … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Healthcare, Politics, Propaganda, Religion, Rhetoric | 1 Comment

Excuses that cannot bear the weight of facts

Posted on August 25, 2009 by Rick

(This is the busiest time of the year for me. Might not be posting an whole lot until middle of October. Will try to put up at least one item per week.) It is always someone else’s fault. “This woman … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Issues, Logic and Reason, Media, Politics, Propaganda | Comments Off

Theology as snapshots of a slowly moving river

Posted on August 17, 2009 by Rick

This is one of the busiest times of the year for Church of the Nations. I do not have much time or energy this month for posting. But since I appreciate people coming here I do want to post something. … Continue reading →

Posted in Orthodoxy, Personal, Theology | Comments Off

"You are not merely wrong – you are stupid and evil so shut up"

Posted on August 13, 2009 by Rick

I am deeply troubled by the emerging contours of public discourse – particularly since… oh… 2008. Consider this fact. That we are debating the nature and character of those who come to recent town-hall meetings to ask questions and even … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Politics, Rhetoric, Society and Culture | Comments Off

Church as visible concrete reality versus(?) overly-realized eschatology

Posted on August 12, 2009 by Rick

What and where is the Church? Is there only an ideal Church off somewhere/somewhen in heaven? Or can we see and experience and participate in the Church here and now? Metropolitan Ware writes: The Church is accomplished on earth without … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptists, Christianity, Ecclesiology, Orthodoxy, Theology | Comments Off

"Perfect and Continuously Becoming" (SERMON – August 09, 2009)

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Rick

Please note – I do not normally post my sermons partly because they are seldom worth posting. But I got strong positive feedback yesterday so decided to share it. ********* “Perfect and Continuously Becoming” (Ephesians 4) Richard M. Wright Church … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecclesiology, New Testament, Sermons | Comments Off

Charles Krauthammer – we *do* have a healthcare reform plan (you just don't like it)

Posted on August 7, 2009 by Rick

To me the healthcare reform debate is not just or even primarily about healthcare reform. It is about logic and rhetoric – about how people think and speak. I might completely disagree with your views on healthcare reform. But can … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Logic and Reason, Media, Politics | Comments Off