Chaplainmike

The Heroic Journey

But what are you going to do with your now resurrected life? That is the heroic question. – Richard Rohr Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life * * * One traditional way of thinking about the course of life has been through the stories of journeys made by heroes or heroines.Continue reading “The Heroic Journey”

Saturday Ramblings – February 22, 2014

Note from CM: Pastor Dan is enjoying the weather in Arizona and driving me crazy by being right in the neighborhood where the Cubs have started spring training. Meanwhile here I sit in the Midwest. Oh well. As Dan rambles ’round the desert, I asked our friend Adam Palmer to pinch-hit for Dan today. Thanks,Continue reading “Saturday Ramblings – February 22, 2014”

Elder Qualifications: Difficult Issues in Translation and Interpretation

I have been having a wonderful experience leading a small group through the Sermon on the Mount. We got side tracked a couple of weeks ago when we started talking about how we interpret the Bible, and so we spent one evening going through Michael Patton’s Biblical Interpretation in a Nutshell This is an excellentContinue reading “Elder Qualifications: Difficult Issues in Translation and Interpretation”

An Ordinary God

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?’ For from him and through himContinue reading “An Ordinary God”

Site Update – Feb. 2014

As most of you know, we’ve had some major changes around Internet Monk this winter. Foremost among them was the departure of our friend and mentor Jeff Dunn. Jeff and I met around the time of Michael Spencer’s death. He had helped Michael with his book, and when Michael knew he would be leaving thisContinue reading “Site Update – Feb. 2014”

A Surprising Implication of the New Perspective

We haven’t talked much about biblical scholarship lately. I know it’s not necessarily high on the agenda for a number of our readers, but perhaps others might wish we would discuss such matters more often. Honestly, too much time was spent in my former fundamentalist and evangelical circles arguing about who wrote what book ofContinue reading “A Surprising Implication of the New Perspective”

The Least of God’s Holy People

As I reflect on my life today, many years after my ordination to the priesthood and that season of monastic life at the Abbey of Genesee, I still feel like the least of God’s holy people. Looking back over the years, I realize that I am still struggling with the same problems I had allContinue reading “The Least of God’s Holy People”

Miguel Ruiz: A Response to “Annoying Things in Worship Songs”

Note from CM: Miguel is a regular reader and commenter on Internet Monk. I appreciate his personal and theological insights as one who is working in a congregational context and share his passion for worship and for the music that is such an important ingredient in our worship. Today, Miguel responds to a recent articleContinue reading “Miguel Ruiz: A Response to “Annoying Things in Worship Songs””

Don’t Even Think about Preaching on That

I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen. – Job 40:3-5, MSG * * * The other day I drove by a church with which I’m familiar and noticed that they were doing a sermon seriesContinue reading “Don’t Even Think about Preaching on That”

Saturday Ramblings, February 15, 2014

Did you miss the Christian Oscars? Okay, that is not their official name, but The Annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. This year’s big winners included Duck Dynasty, Frozen, Iron Man 3, Grace Unplugged and The Bible. Quote of the night goes to Mark Burnett (producer of The BibleContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings, February 15, 2014”