Chaplainmike

Another Look: God’s Good Creation (and a preview of things to come)

Note from CM: I am reading a wonderful book about the Genesis 1 creation account by Michael Lefebvre, a local minister here in Indiana, called The Liturgy of Creation: Understanding Calendars in Old Testament Context. I hope to share more about it next week. His study yields remarkable insights about how the first creation storyContinue reading “Another Look: God’s Good Creation (and a preview of things to come)”

Henri Nouwen: “You must keep looking for a new order”

“You must keep looking for a new order” By Henri Nouwen And yet you are Christian only so long as you look forward to a new world, only so long as you constantly pose critical questions to the society in which you live, and only so long as you emphasize the need for conversion bothContinue reading “Henri Nouwen: “You must keep looking for a new order””

Thoughts on COVID-19 data and where we might be headed

Welcome to another stream of consciousness edition. I have been doing a lot of thinking this week about the COVID-19 data that I have seen to this point, what it means, and what the future might bring. For those not familiar with who I am, I make a living doing data analysis, and am especiallyContinue reading “Thoughts on COVID-19 data and where we might be headed”

Brueggemann: Virus as a Summons to Faith (2)

Walter Brueggemann has published a book during this Covid-19 pandemic to encourage and challenge believers. In the second chapter, “Pestilence…Mercy? Who Knew?” he considers the strange story about David in 2 Samuel 24:1-14. Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, ‘Go, count the people ofContinue reading “Brueggemann: Virus as a Summons to Faith (2)”

The IM Saturday Monks Brunch: Quarantine Reflections

The IM Saturday Monks Brunch Quarantine Reflections I have a new favorite band. They remind a lot of the energy and joy we enjoyed with our kids when they were young. The Clarks are putting up videos every day on YouTube during the pandemic shutdown. I have had so much fun watching these — andContinue reading “The IM Saturday Monks Brunch: Quarantine Reflections”

Christina Rossetti: A Better Resurrection

A Better Resurrection By Christina Rossetti I have no wit, no words, no tears; My heart within me like a stone Is numb’d too much for hopes or fears; Look right, look left, I dwell alone; I lift mine eyes, but dimm’d with grief No everlasting hills I see; My life is in the fallingContinue reading “Christina Rossetti: A Better Resurrection”

Does God Guide Evolution?

Does God Guide Evolution? Loren Haarsma is a frequent speaker and writer for BioLogos. He is the husband of Deborah Haarsma, the current president of BioLogos. Last year he wrote an article entitled “Three Misunderstandings About God-Guided Evolution”. Loren said: When I talk about evolutionary creation I am sometimes asked, “Why not just say, ‘God-guidedContinue reading “Does God Guide Evolution?”

Bonhoeffer on “Thy Kingdom Come”

Bonhoeffer on “Thy Kingdom Come” The following is from a 1932 retreat lecture given by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In it, he critiques two inadequate and harmful understandings of God’s kingdom that believers hold. First, he rejects the other-worldly, pietistic view of those who long for a kingdom in another realm beyond this one. This is escapistContinue reading “Bonhoeffer on “Thy Kingdom Come””

Tuesday with Michael Spencer: The God of Job’s Complaints

Tuesday with Michael Spencer The God of Job’s Complaints (2008) Job 10 ‘I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, Do not condemn me; let me know why you contend against me. Does it seem good toContinue reading “Tuesday with Michael Spencer: The God of Job’s Complaints”

The Consummate Cockburn Collection – Part Two

Mike: If you joined us last week, you would have read about the first five albums in our Consummate Cockburn Collection. This week we bring you albums six to ten. I am again joined by my good friend Peter Heath. Peter: It is challenging to capture Bruce Cockburn and his work in a couple ofContinue reading “The Consummate Cockburn Collection – Part Two”