Author Archives: Chaplainmike

When Asking a Question Is Itself a Problem

Here is an exceedingly wise word from Samantha Field, in an interview she gave at the her.meneutics blog called, “Finding Faith after Spiritual Indoctrination.” I recommend the entire article. However, this part is essential reading, and I pull it out for our consideration and discussion today. * * * Spiritual abuse is so much moreContinue reading “When Asking a Question Is Itself a Problem”

David Fitch Recommends Taking “No Position” on LGBTQ Relations

Introduction from CM A couple of pastors I admire in my denomination have impressed me with how they have responded as church leaders in light of the ELCA’s decision regarding homosexuality in 2009. This is going to sound counter-intuitive, but they both basically decided to ignore it. They did not make a big deal aboutContinue reading “David Fitch Recommends Taking “No Position” on LGBTQ Relations”

Marcus Felde: Alfa Church? Bravo Church? Charlie Church!

NOTE: The first time I met with the pastor with whom I’m working now, he shared some thoughts that I found extraordinarily wise and helpful. I asked if he would consider putting them in post form so I could share them with you, and he graciously agreed. Rev. Marcus Felde is the pastor of BethlehemContinue reading “Marcus Felde: Alfa Church? Bravo Church? Charlie Church!”

Frederica Mathewes-Green on the Orthodox View of Sin

I saw this on Frederica Mathewes-Green’s Facebook page yesterday and thought it worthy of our consideration and discussion: The Orthodox view of sin is as an infection that pervades Creation and causes suffering for all (rather than bad deeds that demand punishment). It’s a new idea and hard to grasp, for converts. But one ofContinue reading “Frederica Mathewes-Green on the Orthodox View of Sin”

Sundays in Easter: Not What You Might Expect

Not What You Might Expect A Series for Sundays in Eastertide God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, notContinue reading “Sundays in Easter: Not What You Might Expect”

iMonk: Hunger and Thirst after [Christ’s] Righteousness

A classic Michael Spencer post from April, 2007 And that’s about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don’t mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don’t mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry — so here goes. Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, allContinue reading “iMonk: Hunger and Thirst after [Christ’s] Righteousness”

A Friend Who Saved My Life

On August 26, 2008, at twenty four minutes past midnight, I left my first comment on a fascinating blog I had started reading called, “Internet Monk.” An article with the intriguing title “Wretched Urgency” had been re-posted, and I found it compelling. Here was my response to the post’s author, Michael Spencer: You tell the truth.Continue reading “A Friend Who Saved My Life”

The Abbey And Finding Our Peace Upstairs Or Down

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?” —RomansContinue reading “The Abbey And Finding Our Peace Upstairs Or Down”

Is Jeff Cook on to something here?

I read a thoroughly thought-provoking post by Jeff Cook over at Jesus Creed today. He suggests (though he is not yet at the point of conviction about this) that the inclusion of Gentiles and the way that happened in the early church might provide guidance for the Church today with regard to our homosexual sistersContinue reading “Is Jeff Cook on to something here?”