Chaplainmike

“The Church’s Richest Jewels”

In 1539, late in his career, Martin Luther wrote “On the Councils and the Church.” One avenue for reformation that Luther and others had regularly called for was a church council. Over the course of time, however, Luther became disillusioned that a “free, Christian council” could be convened that would properly reform the church andContinue reading ““The Church’s Richest Jewels””

Denise Spencer: Leading Music in a Small Catholic Parish

NOTE from CM: One thing I wanted to accomplish during Church Music Month was to let us hear from people who are working week-in and week-out to serve local congregations in music ministry. It’s all well and good to talk about our “theology of worship” or to discuss such matters theoretically. But when it comesContinue reading “Denise Spencer: Leading Music in a Small Catholic Parish”

The Campaign Ad We’ll Never See (Too Bad)

Voiceover: And now for a joint message from President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney… OBAMA: As the election draws near, we thought it would be a good idea to do the right thing in this campaign, and tell the truth to the people of the United States of America. The fact is, despite whatContinue reading “The Campaign Ad We’ll Never See (Too Bad)”

“A Good Christian Is Always an Infant”

Sacramental Thoughts for Sundays Sunday, October 28, 2012 “A Good Christian is Always an Infant,” from Luther: Man Between God and the Devil, by Heiko Oberman * * * …for Luther this constituted a decisive point. Infant baptism revealed the meaning of baptism. From Luther’s standpoint one could not genuinely preserve baptism while repudiating infantContinue reading ““A Good Christian Is Always an Infant””

Saturday Ramblings 10.27.12

Welcome to the annual edition of Saturday Ramblings where we eagerly await those little people all dressed up in strange costumes who come to our door wanting something from us. No, not the trick or treaters. I’m talking about political pollsters. Imagine their surprise when I tell them I’m voting straight party line this year,Continue reading “Saturday Ramblings 10.27.12”

iMonk Book Club

Chaplain Mike is having trouble with his internet connection today. Apparently the hamster that spins the wheel generating ‘lectricity in his part of the world died, and no replacement hamster was available. Thus, it is up to me to come up with something sage and wonderful. Unfortunately, the hamster that turns my “sage and wonderful”Continue reading “iMonk Book Club”

Right Where I Belong

I read Chaplain Mike’s post yesterday afternoon (Get Small) with delight. I had just read that very passage from Tullian Tchividjian’s Glorious Ruin that morning. And it is something the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me for several days. To paraphrase the A Team’s Hannibal Smith, don’t you just love it when God’s planContinue reading “Right Where I Belong”

Pictures Of Fall

My favorite time of year is autumn. I love the colors, the smells, the crispness of the air. Recently my camera and I ventured out to enjoy a fall day in Oklahoma (with one picture from Louisville tucked in). Even if fall is not your favorite time of year, I hope you enjoy.

Get Small

The world tells us in a thousand different ways that the bigger we become, the freer we will be. The richer, the more beautiful, and the more powerful we grow, the more security, liberty, and happiness we will experience. And yet, the gospel tells us just the opposite, that the smaller we become, the freerContinue reading “Get Small”

Interview: Miguel Ruiz (part one)

Note from CM: Miguel Ruiz is one of our most thoughtful commenters here on IM. When Miguel and his wife were on their way east to take a position in a church on Long Island, he stopped here in Indianapolis and we spent some time talking face to face, something I wish I had aContinue reading “Interview: Miguel Ruiz (part one)”