Author Archives: Rick

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

Charter schools and teacher bashing – Conservatives take heed!

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Rick

Having a family member who teaches in a public school gives one a new perspective on the debate over how to reform public education in America. Can we agree on the following generalizations regarding how politicians on the left and … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics | Comments Off

Health Care Summit – finally an open debate

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Rick

Remember when many conservatives said that Republicans should stay away from the Health Care Summit called for by President Obama? Because it would be a sham? Because the president was not really interested in open debate? Oh. My. Jonah Goldberg … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, News, Politics | Comments Off

Another blog worth noting – "Afroconservative"

Posted on February 21, 2010 by Rick

The way the “racism” charge has been thrown around since oh January 2009 has been deeply troubling to me. Just this week was listening to a very enjoyable interview on National Public Radio with singer Dee Dee Bridgewater who mostly … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethnicity and race, Politics | Comments Off

Spare us the lame and contradictory (liberal) excuses!

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Rick

[This new version of WordPress the "insert media" function does not work. Sorry no illustrations until that gets fixed.] Man – National Review Online was just swimming with powerful articles this morning. Where to start? Charles Krauthammer on whether America … Continue reading →

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

Chaim Potok and sermons

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Rick

Was listening to NPR in car this morning (yeah yeah I know) and “Writer’s Almanac” with Garrison Keillor came on. It was more interesting than most days. Ah yes a poem about cleaning up after the dog. Guess who walks … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Judaism, Literature, Media, Personal, Sermons | Comments Off

My Who Dat? post (or) Why sports?

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Rick

[I tried to add a good picture here but this just updated version of WordPress for some reason will not allow me to do that.] Donald Miller in his excellent book Searching for God Knows What? wonders what would happen … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Hebrew Bible, Sports | Comments Off

Is this what it takes to attract young Baptists?

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Rick

From one of the coordinators for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Louisiana I received by email a link to a recent opinion piece published through the Associated Baptist Press: “Why 20- and 30-year-olds are leaving the Baptist church” by Carra … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptists, Christian Practice, Ecclesiology, Ministry, Society and Culture | Comments Off