Monthly Archives: March 2010

Does the resurrection mean Ecclesiastes has nothing to say?

Posted on March 24, 2010 by admin

I do not think I did very well teaching Ecclesiastes last Sunday. Several people have said they disagree. In a nutshell have been emphasizing what Qohelet aka Ecclesiastes says is hebel. Human beings are finite. No one knows the future. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecclesiastes, Personal | 1 Comment

The insulting incoherence of the “blame the media” argument

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

A high school classmate (great guy by the way) with whom I reconnected via facebook wrote: [I am] shocked that so few people have any real understanding of the healthcare bill other than what they get from the media. The … Continue reading →

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

Why the Episcopal Church obsession over property?

Posted on March 19, 2010 by admin

A recent development in the ongoing disintegration of the Episcopal Church prompted me to address something that has been on my mind for a few years. Quick summary. Problems in the Episcopal Church. Largely disagreements over faith and practice. More … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglicanism, Ecclesiology, Law and Justice, Logic and Reason, News, Same-sex | 2 Comments

Capitalism and Christian faith (or) Why Obama is a closet(?) capitalist

Posted on March 18, 2010 by admin

I have started listening to more podcasts while driving. Do not care for much of what passes for “music” these days. And often the times I am driving are when NPR is not broadcasting the news. Plus trying to find … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, History, Media, Orthodoxy | Comments Off

Low budget eye candy and debates over worship

Posted on March 17, 2010 by admin

What hath the dreadful Star Wars prequel “The Phantom Menace” to do with current debates over worship style? A few months ago my friend Joshua Villines directed my attention to a critical review of “The Phantom Menace” that is biting, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministry, Movies and film, Worship and Liturgy | 2 Comments

John Leo and the deep dark secret of language (or) “Code words”

Posted on March 17, 2010 by admin

There has been some hullabaloo of late over Glenn Beck urging Christians to leave churches (read congregations) that preach social justice. Did Jesus not preach social justice? Is Glenn Beck against Jesus? Please understand I am not a fan or … Continue reading →

Posted in Language, Rhetoric | 3 Comments

Ecclesiastes: Preacher of Surprising Joy 1/4

Posted on March 11, 2010 by admin

For years I have looked forward to teaching the book of Ecclesiastes in a church wide Bible study. Here are the PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat files for the first presentation. Ecclesiastes study presentation 1/4 Ecclesiastes study presentation 1/4 – PDF

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Hebrew Bible | Comments Off

They ask the questions we avoid (or) Why does God save yet not prevent?

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Rick

I have one of the best jobs on the planet. Pastoring a small church whose primary ministry is with international students and scholars. Most of whom are here for a limited period of time. Many of whom are studying the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Hebrew Bible, Internationals, Personal, Theology, Tolkien | 2 Comments

What's so bad about national health care anyway?

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Rick

People are willing to pay more for good care. Talking with a friend from South Korea during our monthly fellowship meal yesterday. Cannot remember how we got onto the subject. In a nutshell he wondered why so many Americans are … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Politics | 3 Comments

Senator Alexander should have quoted the president

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Rick

Driving home yesterday listening to National Public Radio “All Things Considered”. Michele Norris interviewing Senator Lamar Alexander concerning the recent push to pass health-care reform in the Senate. She pressed him on the reconciliation issue. Basically “gosh you Republicans did … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Media, News, Politics | Comments Off