Author Archives: Chaplainmike

IM Book Review: The Complete Psalms

So the first question we must ask is: Do we really need another new translation of the Psalms? If you are a scholar looking for word-for-word accuracy or you are going into philology, then Pamela Greenberg’s The Complete Psalms: The Book of Prayer Songs in a New Translation is definitely not for you. But if youContinue reading “IM Book Review: The Complete Psalms”

My Issues with Evangelicalism: (1) Worship

By Chaplain Mike Part two of a four-part series. The most important issue to us in our journey from evangelicalism has been that of corporate worship. For thirty years now, this theme has always been at or near the center of our thinking and practice in ministry. In the last post, I summarized my critiqueContinue reading “My Issues with Evangelicalism: (1) Worship”

My Issues with Evangelicalism

By Chaplain Mike NOTE: You can read an earlier statement on this subject, called, “My Post-Evangelical Wilderness,” here. IM has been long known for its pointed critiques of evangelicalism. In less than a month, Michael Spencer’s book, Mere Churchianity, will be released, and I guarantee it will make a huge splash in this ongoing conversation.Continue reading “My Issues with Evangelicalism”

What I Like about Lutheran Baptism

By Chaplain Mike Michael Spencer was a Southern Baptist. A reader recently wrote and asked what I, as a Lutheran, believe about baptism. I thought you might like to have a chance to hear how I responded. Before I talk about baptism, let me first say that I am a “Lutheran in progress.” Denominationally, IContinue reading “What I Like about Lutheran Baptism”

IM Book Review: The Divine Commodity

By Chaplain Mike Darn that Skye Jethani! He has written the book I wanted to write: an insightful, stern, yet gracious critique of evangelical culture, illustrated by the works and stories of Vincent van Gogh, and linked with the wisdom of spiritual practices. And he did it well. It’s called The Divine Commodity: Discovering aContinue reading “IM Book Review: The Divine Commodity”

Open Mic: The Fading Glow of External Experience

By Chaplain Mike While I’m reading Skye Jethani’s superb book, The Divine Commodity, and preparing to review it, I thought I’d post this Open Mic question that grows out of a post on his blog, “What Should Worship Look Like? And why that question completely misses the point.” Jethani is responding to some who haveContinue reading “Open Mic: The Fading Glow of External Experience”

iMonk Classic: Pentecost — The Third Great Day

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer Originally posted May 26, 2007 Act 2:1-8 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. (2) And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (3) And divided tongues asContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Pentecost — The Third Great Day”

Sunday’s Gospel: You Have Received a Spirit of Adoption

By Chaplain Mike On this great feast day of the Church, Pentecost Sunday, we bring to your attention one of the great passages in the Bible on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the church. No comments from me today. No sermon. Just God’s words. May the SpiritContinue reading “Sunday’s Gospel: You Have Received a Spirit of Adoption”