Chaplainmike

Who We Are

I have received several emails from various people lately saying how much the “old” InternetMonk is missed. How we have strayed away from the original intent of our founder, Michael Spencer. I need to say right up front that these emailers are correct. Today’s InternetMonk is not the same as yesterday’s InternetMonk. When Michael beganContinue reading “Who We Are”

The Homily

“Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (Exodus 14:12, NIV) “The unclean spirit, which has possessed a man and then goes out of him, walks about the desert looking forContinue reading “The Homily”

Saturday Ramblings 8.3.13

So I walk into my local Hobby Lobby this last week and see they have Christmas decorations stacked to the ceiling. I see the manager, and tell him just how wrong this is. He agrees. But there you have it. Christmas in July, indeed. And now it is August. Next thing you know, people willContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 8.3.13”

Reconsider Jesus – The Seed and the Soil

The following is a small excerpt from Michael Spencer’s upcoming book: Reconsider Jesus – A fresh look at Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. Michael Spencer’s thoughts on Mark Chapter 4 are edited by Scott Lencke. Check out his excellent blog! If you would like to be contacted when Michael Spencer’s book is available for purchase,Continue reading “Reconsider Jesus – The Seed and the Soil”

Another Look: The Day of Salvation?

This was first posted in April, 2010. I remember the day I changed my thinking about when I was “saved.” I had grown up in a mainline Protestant denomination, was baptized and confirmed, attended worship and Sunday School, and dabbled with youth group. However, in my teen years, I was not deeply involved. Then theContinue reading “Another Look: The Day of Salvation?”

Summer Sounds from CM: A Most Entertaining Evening

Concert Review Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, with Edie Brickell Murat Theatre, Indianapolis, IN. July 27, 2013 * * * Start with a talented, Grammy Award-winning bluegrass band. Add one of the funniest men in the world, who also happens to be an accomplished banjo player with a Grammy of his own, toContinue reading “Summer Sounds from CM: A Most Entertaining Evening”

Lady Days

The first fifteen days of August the Orthodox Church dedicates to Mary, the Mother of God. There is a fast, the Dormition fast, that lasts from the first of the month to the fifteenth, which is the Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Mother of God. On this day, the 15th ofContinue reading “Lady Days”

The Importance Of Being A Spear Carrier

We all know them, or rather, we don’t know them but we’re aware they are there. The bit part characters. The ones that fill up the crowd scenes in television and movies. The chorus in operas, where a miscellaneous crowd of villagers or brigands or courtiers ‘tra-la-la’ away in the background (often with the kindsContinue reading “The Importance Of Being A Spear Carrier”

The Real Silence of the Lambs

From David Hayward at The Naked Pastor:

If You Are Not Afraid, You Are Not Human

Hello. My name is Mike, and I am afraid. I am afraid of life, and I am afraid of life’s end. I am afraid of being alone, and I am afraid of being with people. I am afraid of hatred and I am afraid of love. Truth and beauty frighten me even as I delightContinue reading “If You Are Not Afraid, You Are Not Human”