The “evangelical circus” that Michael Spencer wrote about is but one facet of the “American circus.” I don’t think any of these individual stories is worth an entire post, but together, they shine a light on some of the silliness that is shining forth here in the good ol’ USA and among Americans who professContinue reading “Random Thoughts: Monday in the American Circus”
Author Archives: Chaplainmike
Sundays with Michael Spencer: August 23, 2015
A Facebook friend just asked me if I wanted to become a “fan” of Jonathan Edwards. Too bad there’s isn’t a “NOT a fan” option, because I’m not a fan. One of my consistent critics- who is also a respected friend- called to mind a statement I’d made in the past about the problem ofContinue reading “Sundays with Michael Spencer: August 23, 2015”
Saturday Ramblings, August 22, 2015
Hello, friends, and welcome to the weekend. The noose on the Prayer Tower, Ronald McDonald’s decapitated head, and Jewish spy dolphins: Ready to Ramble? Oral Roberts University is known for many things. Mainly its unfortunate name. I mean, really, who names a kid, “Oral”? Was “Nasal” already taken by a cousin? But they are also knownContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings, August 22, 2015”
Wisdom Week: “Who am I?”
Kathleen Norris is one of our wisest contemporary authors. It has been over twenty years since I first read her “spiritual geography,” Dakota, the remarkable contemplative memoir about the power of place and paying attention. It retains its power today. In a chapter about her spiritual journey and the faith of her ancestors, she recallsContinue reading “Wisdom Week: “Who am I?””
Wisdom Week: The Pastoral Wisdom of Small Talk
No one has imparted more wise insights to me about the pastoral life than Eugene Peterson. I’m sad I’ve never met him, even though when I lived in Maryland, his church was right down the road. How different my course might have been had I been introduced to him then! But then perhaps that wouldContinue reading “Wisdom Week: The Pastoral Wisdom of Small Talk”
Wisdom Week: Life is the Farm
To focus on technique is like cramming your way through school. You sometimes get by, perhaps even get good grades, but if you don’t pay the price day in and day out, you never achieve true mastery of the subjects you study or develop an educated mind. Did you ever consider how ridiculous it wouldContinue reading “Wisdom Week: Life is the Farm”
Wisdom Week: Proverbs – Life’s Baseline
When most people think of “wisdom” with regard to the Bible, the Book of Proverbs comes to mind. Proverbs contains observations and instructions about life at its “baseline.” It sets forth general standards of life and living well. Eugene Peterson describes its sapiential message in these terms: “Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditionsContinue reading “Wisdom Week: Proverbs – Life’s Baseline”
Wisdom Week on IM: “Why?” not just “What?”
Wisdom Week on Internet Monk Post One: “Why?” not just “What?” The older I get, the less I focus on what I think and I become more interested in why I think like I do. In my opinion, this is why older people can become cynical and critical of younger generations. Many young folks are still coming toContinue reading “Wisdom Week on IM: “Why?” not just “What?””
Sundays with Michael Spencer: August 16, 2015
If it looks like an evangelical skunk . . . I think Jan Crouch’s hair is the darnest thing since the Tower of Babel. I think Benny Hinn is sincere, but probably unstable. I think T.D. Jakes is preaching gnosticism. TBN in general convinces me television is utterly incompatible with Christianity. Most Contemporary Christian musicContinue reading “Sundays with Michael Spencer: August 16, 2015”
Saturday Ramblings, August 15, 2015
Welcome to the weekend, friends. Ready to Ramble? A few months ago we mentioned that Jim Bakker is still “ministering” these days. The venue? A TV show, natch. And the focus of his “ministry”? Convincing viewers that some sort of apocalypse is right around the corner, and therefore you should buy his prepper food. LotsContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings, August 15, 2015”
The Internet Monk Archives 