Author Archives: Chaplainmike

My Highest Recommendation: Love Is An Orientation by Andrew Marin

Here’s a previous IM essay on this topic: “What Do Gays and Lesbians Hear? (When They Are With Evangelicals.)” UPDATE: I appreciate Andrew’s kind words in the comments. I have to confess that I’m a little disappointed that the emphasis of Andrew’s book- relationships and conversations- seems to be lost, and the discussion is drawnContinue reading “My Highest Recommendation: Love Is An Orientation by Andrew Marin”

In The End, God Knows Us (A Meditation for Friends)

But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God…(Galatians 4:9a, English Standard Version) I’ve been teaching Galatians for over a year, and I happened to cross this verse this week, a week marked by the passing of one of my most significant mentors. She exemplified many things inContinue reading “In The End, God Knows Us (A Meditation for Friends)”

Internet Monk Radio Podcast #138

This week: Encouragement for my 21 year old son on his birthday. The Theology Program is enrolling NOW for new classes next week. Check out the best theological education available at the most affordable price. My great sponsors: New Reformation Press. New products available: New music and DVDs. Emmaus Retreat Center. A great place forContinue reading “Internet Monk Radio Podcast #138”

Evangelical Untouchables 4: How Important is Church Membership?

The Evangelical Untouchables are seven diverse evangelicals who will give us a window into what’s happening in evangelicalism today. Who are the Evangelical Untouchables? Michael Patton is the director of Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, blogs at Parchment and Pen and is one of the teachers on The Theology Program. Tony Kummer is on staff atContinue reading “Evangelical Untouchables 4: How Important is Church Membership?”

You Need To Get Rid of Some Of Your Theology

Some of you won’t like what I’m about to say, but trust me, I’m not shooting at you. I’m not shooting at anyone. I’m trying to be pastoral, if there’s any hope that I have any pastoral instincts left. Here’s the word: Some of us need to let go of some of our theology. ***bottleContinue reading “You Need To Get Rid of Some Of Your Theology”

Butter and Cream: Denise’s Tribute To Our Departed Friend and Mentor, Betty Hasty

This morning our school community lost one of its most loved and influential members, Mrs. Betty Hasty. For 21 years she’s been my personal accountability group. No one on the planet has more to do with my passion for the Gospel in the place where I serve than Betty. She was the person responsible forContinue reading “Butter and Cream: Denise’s Tribute To Our Departed Friend and Mentor, Betty Hasty”

My Latest Attempt To Become a Complementarian

If you don’t know what a complementarian is, please do that bit of research first. Thanks. I’ve harped on this subject a bit before while wondering where is the secret book. I’ve not been one to be convinced by a great deal of the exegetical reasoning I’ve heard from complementarians. I assumed the problem mustContinue reading “My Latest Attempt To Become a Complementarian”

Liturgical Gangstas 11: Be Perfect? What?

UPDATE: Alan Creech has added his answer. Welcome to IM’s popular feature, “The Liturgical Gangstas,” a panel discussion among different liturgical traditions represented in the Internet Monk audience. Who are the Gangstas? Father Ernesto Obregon is an Eastern Orthodox priest. Rev. Peter Vance Matthews is an Anglican priest and founding pastor of an AMIA congregation.Continue reading “Liturgical Gangstas 11: Be Perfect? What?”