Author Archives: admin

Luke 24 as paradigmatic text (or) This story is our story

Notes from Evensong talk on Emmaus narrative from Luke 24 last night May 15 2011. Newly called co-pastors Mike Massar and Griff Martin were present. Got a lot of strong positive feedback on this. Paradigmatic texts of the Bible – … Continue reading

Posted in Baptists, Bible, Ecclesiology, Internationals, Ministry, New Testament, Sermons, Worship and Liturgy | Comments Off

The president’s new high score (or) Morning coffee

Remember Tucson? How heated political rhetoric was somehow responsible for the shootings? How even mentioning targeting could give someone ideas? Remember the fine (seriously) words President Obama spoke at the memorial service? Charles Krauthammer once again helps us understand better … Continue reading

Posted in Internationals and immigrants, Issues, Media, News, Politics | Comments Off

Holy liberation (or) Sabba-, part V

First published in The Window (November 2006) Sabba- (or) Holy Liberation, part V Richard M. Wright (The Sabba- is going somewhere…) Last week I suggested that Sabba- in part represents the opposite of slavery. Perhaps liberation. And therefore asked, If … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Christian Practice, Culture, Hebrew Bible, Sabbath | Comments Off

Two of “them”? Reconsidering the Emmaus pericope in Luke 24

Two of them? Observe this remarkable painting by Michelangelo Caravaggio. Notice anything different or strange about it? Apparently people criticized it partly because (1) the risen Christ has no beard and (2) the fruit on the table is the wrong … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Bible, Hermeneutics (Interpretation), New Testament, Women | Comments Off

Holy Liberation (or) Sabb-, part IV

Originally published in The Window (November 10, 2006) Holy Liberation (or) Sabb-, part IV by Richard M. Wright (The Sabb- is going somewhere…) Are we slaves? (Say whaaa-?) That is an offensive question but bear with me. One of the … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Christian Practice, Hebrew Bible, Law and Justice, New Testament, Sabbath | Comments Off

Nonsense and solipsism (or) Morning coffee

Even if we disagree with an idea – even find it repellent – we must try to understand it on its own terms. In other words understand it as the person who holds that idea understands it. Otherwise we are … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Environment, Ethnicity and race, Logic and Reason, Media, News, Politics, Propaganda | Comments Off

Are people seeing it? (or) Morning coffee

I was impressed by the astute observations Andrew Malcolm of the Los Angeles Times makes in his recent article “The increasingly odd political optics of Barack Obama”. The former state senator may, in fact, be slaving away on 18-hour policy … Continue reading

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

SERMON – “Who?” (Mark 14)

Received very strong positive feedback on this short meditation for our Maundy Thursday service. “Who?” Mark 14 Richard M. Wright University Baptist Church / Church of the Nations Maundy Thursday April 21, 2011 Great pizza last Saturday evening. After we … Continue reading

Posted in Literature, Mark, New Testament, Sermons | Comments Off

Holy Snugglebunnies (or) Sab-, part III

Originally published in The Window, October 30 2006. Sab- (or) Holy Snugglebunnies, part III Richard M. Wright (Warning: This article contains mature content.) (The Sab- is going somewhere. Trust me.) There is a theological theme that has been… Play. Many … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Practice, Family, Judaism, Sabbath, Sexuality | Comments Off

Holy Play (or) S-, part I

Originally published in The Window, October 10 2006 Holy Play (or) S-, part I Richard M. Wright (The S- is going somewhere. Trust me.) There is a theme – a theological theme that requires a change in how we live … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Christian Practice, Personal, Sabbath, Society and Culture, Travel | Comments Off