Chaplainmike

Saturday Ramblings 11.5.11

Hi-ho, fellow ramblers. It is I, your trusty news broadcaster, back from a recent trip to the local Shady Rest for some tests on the ol’ ticker. It ticks still. The nurses were nice—until, that is, I started arranging wheelchair races. I thought the “Southcrest 500” had a nice ring to it. I suppose theContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 11.5.11”

Wilderness Update

I have had thoughts lately again about vocational matters in my life. A number of different circumstances have come about in which I’ve considered making a few changes — nothing related to my full-time employment at this time, but to things which may determine direction in the future. These kinds of situations come up aContinue reading “Wilderness Update”

Do You Smell Something Burning?

Nothing like a little “eternal condemnation” humor to make the neighbors want to come to church.

Bad Monk in Paradise

Gethsemani Journal 2011 (3) Part three of my journal from a five-day silent retreat at The Abbey of Gethsemani. • • • Wednesday, October 13 What a terrible monk I would make! I would need to wear one of those armbands a football quarterback wears. You know, the ones that list all the plays soContinue reading “Bad Monk in Paradise”

Naked Emperor, Part Two: The Americanization Of God

I started a series last week called The Naked Emperor. It is one man’s look at the empty shell of evangelicalism. I said that I have been intimately involved in what I call the “evangelical circus” for way too long. And while others have said, “What lovely clothes the emperor is wearing,” I have seenContinue reading “Naked Emperor, Part Two: The Americanization Of God”

I’m Still Here

Well my friends, it has been a week. Since so many of you have been kind enough to write to me asking how I am doing health-wise, I thought I would give you a bit of an update. If this is boring to you (and I don’t blame you if it is), I suggest youContinue reading “I’m Still Here”

Good News is Just the Beginning

Over the past decade, a cottage industry has grown and and is now flourishing among American Christian leaders and teachers that has focused on defining the Gospel. Many factors account for this. We live in a decidedly non-doctrinaire age, and the “Gospel” discussion has formed in response to that. Through the influence of the churchContinue reading “Good News is Just the Beginning”

Why Have I Come Here?

Gethsemani Journal 2011 (2) This is from a journal of my experiences on my second day (and first full day) at Gethsemani Abbey. • • • Tuesday, October 12 I did not sleep well. The bed was fine, but I am used to sleeping with two pillows and I could not find the right position.Continue reading “Why Have I Come Here?”

When Christians Won the Culture War

I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died, and the very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. (Romans 7:9-10, NRSV) • • • There was a time in the United States when Christians got deeply involved in the political process overContinue reading “When Christians Won the Culture War”

Into the Silence

Gethsemani Journal 2011 (1) During my days at Gethsemani, I kept a journal of my thoughts, observations, and reflections. This week, I will share excerpts from these daily notes. • • • Monday, October 10 Getting away from home is never easy. In addition to normal packing chores — simple for this trip — IContinue reading “Into the Silence”