Author Archives: Chaplainmike

The Most Discussed Posts on IM in 2011

I have said it before and will keep on saying it because I’ve learned I can count on our faithful IM community: YOU make Internet Monk the great conversation that it has become. We had 17 posts that generated over 200 comments each this year. Of course, not every post gets that much discussion. SomeContinue reading “The Most Discussed Posts on IM in 2011”

Frederick Buechner: “Christmas Itself Is by Grace”

Some writers take my breath away. Whenever I read Frederick Buechner, I can’t stop gasping for air. Buechner is simply one of our best American authors. You can see his biography HERE, at the Buechner Institute’s website. Born in 1926, young Frederick experienced a tragic and profoundly formative event when his father committed suicide. AfterContinue reading “Frederick Buechner: “Christmas Itself Is by Grace””

David Lose on “The Absurdity of Christmas”

David Lose holds The Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary, where he also serves as the Director of the Center for Biblical Preaching. David led the creative team that developed Working Preacher, one of my favorite resources on the Internet. There he writes a weekly column on the upcoming lectionary texts. HeContinue reading “David Lose on “The Absurdity of Christmas””

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all here at the iMonastery: First Lady Denise Spencer, Chaplain Mike, Damaris Zehner, Lisa Dye, Martha of Ireland, Joe Stallard, Adam Palmer, Joe Spann, Craig Bubeck, and your grateful publisher. We extend glad tidings to one and all. Thank you for making InternetMonk your home for great conversation, encouraging words, and theContinue reading “Merry Christmas!”

Saturday Ramblings 12.24.11

Merry Christmas Eve, iMonks! Lisa has put out the milk and cookies for Santa, Martha and Damaris have hung the stockings by the chimney with care, and the Synonymous Rambler is playing carols on the harpsichord. Meanwhile, Chaplain Mike and Adam are trying to remember all of the reindeers’ names, and Joe Stallard is still tryingContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 12.24.11”

The Magnificat vs. Today’s Gospel (3)

Today we conclude our posts on Mary’s Magnificat. In the first post, we contrasted Mary’s song with the “soterian” gospel that focuses primarily (if not solely) on personal salvation. In contrast, we affirmed that in the Magnificat, “Mary proclaims the Gospel. As we will see, it is no mere ‘personal plan of salvation,’ no ‘steps’Continue reading “The Magnificat vs. Today’s Gospel (3)”