Chaplainmike

Pete Enns: The scientific consensus is not something to “have faith in”

I like what Peter Enns wrote the other day. He points out that creationists badly miss the point when arguing against the scientific consensus about the evolutionary model. They frame the question as “Do you believe in science, or do you believe in the Bible?” as though they were equal options in the same epistemologicalContinue reading “Pete Enns: The scientific consensus is not something to “have faith in””

The Problem with “Safe, Legal” Abortion

This absolutely horrifying story from The Atlantic about Dr. Kermit Gosnell, now standing trial for murder in Philadelphia, gives the lie to the traditional argument that making and keeping abortion legal ensures that it will be done safely and with concern for the health and well being of the mother. As the grand jury report states:Continue reading “The Problem with “Safe, Legal” Abortion”

Put the Top Down and Put This On

Spring arrived in full glory in Indianapolis today. The long drive home from church required an appropriate soundtrack. What better than one of the greatest albums of all time? It’s all sunshine and great grooves. It will come back to you.

In the Garden

I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear The Son of God discloses. Jesus said to her, “Mary!” Just one word from his lips, and forgotten the heartaches, the long dreary hours….all the past blotted out in the presence ofContinue reading “In the Garden”

Brennan Manning

Brennan Manning April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013 “Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.” Richard Francis Xavier Manning, better known to legions of faithful readers as author, speaker, and contemplative BrennanContinue reading “Brennan Manning”

Lillian Daniel: Every Spiritual Home (a Riff)

Excerpt from the chapter, “Every Spiritual Home” From: When “Spiritual but Not Religious” Is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places, Even the Church by Lillian Daniel Jericho Books, 2013 * * * These days, very few people who join our church were raised in the denomination or tradition we are a part of, and we areContinue reading “Lillian Daniel: Every Spiritual Home (a Riff)”

Saturday Ramblings 4.13.13

It is Saturday again? Already? We just had Saturday a week ago. And we will most likely have another one next week. Well, why not? I mean, we have to have Mondays every week. It’s only fair we have Saturdays as well. As I matter of fact, I propose we have two Saturdays for everyContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 4.13.13”

iMonk: Doing the Math

A classic Michael Spencer post from April, 2009. I’m not very good at math, and I’m worse at being a Jesus follower, but even a stopped clock is right twice a day. I starting doing some personal math this morning as I started my day, and I made a discovery. I could no longer denyContinue reading “iMonk: Doing the Math”

When The Pain Becomes Too Much To Bear

“Just the pain, the excruciating pain, was just too much.” These were the words of a friend of Matthew Warren when he learned that Warren, the son of Rick and Kay Warren, took his own life last Friday. I know that pain all too well. I have been honest with you about my battle withContinue reading “When The Pain Becomes Too Much To Bear”

Mistakes We Make about Faith

We mistakenly understand faith when we… Confuse having faith with having certainty. Forget Jesus said faith that is only the size of a mustard seed avails much. Fail to recognize how much our fears shape our faith. Think that having a hearty or mature faith means I have strong opinions about lots of different issues.Continue reading “Mistakes We Make about Faith”