Author Archives: Chaplainmike

What did Jesus mean when he said we must “hate” our family?

Luke 14:15 (ESV) When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for theContinue reading “What did Jesus mean when he said we must “hate” our family?”

Internet Monk Radio Podcast #142

This week: My L.I.A.R. Rating (More on technology.) A critique of Driscoll. A first class rant on priestly celibacy in the RCC. Support the IM sponsors: New Reformation Press. New products available: New music and DVDs. Emmaus Retreat Center. A great place for your next group or individual retreat. The Devotional Christian. All the bestContinue reading “Internet Monk Radio Podcast #142”

Open Mic at the iMonk Cafe: Stories of Science/Faith Resolution

This particular open thread is going to be a bit unusual. I am limiting participation to only those readers who are either trained in some area of the sciences or currently work in a science related field (either teaching or practice.) This thread is for this question: How have you resolved the tensions in yourContinue reading “Open Mic at the iMonk Cafe: Stories of Science/Faith Resolution”

On Being Too God-Centered

UPDATE: Interesting column on the paradoxes of Calvinism. Udo Middleman on “The Islamization of Christianity.” This post is, without a doubt, an experiment in exploration and articulation. Many won’t care for where it goes, but I think a basic question must be answered, not just for the sake of answering atheists, but for understanding ourContinue reading “On Being Too God-Centered”

iMonk 101: Gospel Relevance=Gospel Application

We’ve been talking about how the Gospel and good works that aren’t the Gospel line up over at the Boar’s Head. With the announcement that St. Francis never said “Preach the Gospel. Use words when necessary,” but the discovery that Peter told wives to win their husbands “without words” in I Peter 3:1-2, it wouldContinue reading “iMonk 101: Gospel Relevance=Gospel Application”

When All The Answers Weren’t In The Lecture

Some of you may not know that I moderate and contribute at Boarsheadtavern.com, one of the longest running group blogs in the blogosphere. Often, we will have a question addressed to the group as a “Question of the Day.” Yesterday, one of the “fellows” asked a question about how a Christian married couple could resolveContinue reading “When All The Answers Weren’t In The Lecture”

Has Grace Made Me Gracious?

I’m thinking about grace a lot today after a bit of a mystical experience in church Sunday. As we were preparing for communion, I was praying. The Spirit brought to mind a series of dark incidents from my own life where God was miraculously gracious to me. I’m not talking about small matters. I amContinue reading “Has Grace Made Me Gracious?”

Random Thoughts About The Internet: What I’m Doing With It, What It’s Doing To Us, How It’s Changed Me, Etc.

UPDATE: An absolutely great resource on technology and the many ways Christians are affected by it: Don’t Eat The Fruit. Be sure and listen to the Is Technology Neutral? presentation. A bunch of things that occurred to me today, all related to the internet and what we do on it and with it. 1. ItContinue reading “Random Thoughts About The Internet: What I’m Doing With It, What It’s Doing To Us, How It’s Changed Me, Etc.”

The Bible and The Creative Arts: What Is Paul Doing in Galatians 4:21ff?

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the freeContinue reading “The Bible and The Creative Arts: What Is Paul Doing in Galatians 4:21ff?”