Author Archives: Chaplainmike

iMonk Classic: Subcultural Spirituality or “I know he’s a Christian because I saw it on his bumper sticker.”

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From August, 2004 One of the axioms of my critique of evangelicalism is this: methodology creates theology. By this I mean that when evangelicals have adopted particular methods, such as the evangelistic sales pitch or the powerpoint designed sermon, they will soon develop an accompanying theology, generally morphed inContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Subcultural Spirituality or “I know he’s a Christian because I saw it on his bumper sticker.””

Cheerfulness that Mocks the Devil

Martin Luther regularly gave personal and pastoral counsel to his friends to seek cheerfulness. He himself was subject to discouragement and depression, which he usually attributed to the attacks of the devil. His letters and table-talk have much to say about ways of overcoming dark moods. Luther’s advice is characteristically earthy and bold, while atContinue reading “Cheerfulness that Mocks the Devil”

How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (2)

I continue this overview of how emphases in the historic tradition of Lutheranism have helped me with many concerns I’ve expressed about American evangelicalism. Thus far, I have introduced the following elements… How I came to peace with finding a tradition, How I appreciate the priority of Word and Table liturgical worship in the LutheranContinue reading “How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (2)”

The Splendor of a Higher Nature

Monday Merton Musings, Nov 14, 2011 The Splendor of a Higher Nature All quotes are from The Seven Storey Mountain, by Thomas Merton Today, we meditate on some theological thinking from Thomas Merton. These musings are found at the beginning of part two of his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, and provide an introduction toContinue reading “The Splendor of a Higher Nature”

Sermon: Serving a Generous Master (Matt. 25:14-30)

Today’s Gospel text speaks of a man going on a long journey. The journey that has brought me to this place where I stand today has likewise been long. Picture in your mind a young boy growing up in the Midwest. His family took him to the Methodist church. He loved being in the sanctuary,Continue reading “Sermon: Serving a Generous Master (Matt. 25:14-30)”

iMonk Classic: Mainlines — We’re Having a Moment Here

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer Original post: July, 2007 I wrote this piece in July of ’07. It garnered 70 comments and some grousy updates on my part. (You can read the original here.) I’m reprinting the post with a clear comment thread because I feel the sentiment I expressed in this piece isContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Mainlines — We’re Having a Moment Here”

How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (1)

Last week I wrote about how I have come to peace with my place in the tradition of the Church. My new personal statement of identity is: “I am a Christian, and I practice my faith in the Lutheran tradition.” I am the first to admit that I have a long way to go inContinue reading “How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (1)”

iMonk Classic: Standing on My Own Trap Door? or “I’ll Take My Christocentric Theology To Go, Thank You.”

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From Nov. 29, 2007 Let it be presupposed that every good Christian is to be more ready to save his neighbor’s proposition than to condemn it. If he cannot save it, let him inquire how he means it; and if he means it badly, let him correct him withContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Standing on My Own Trap Door? or “I’ll Take My Christocentric Theology To Go, Thank You.””