Author Archives: Chaplainmike

“That Pitch Seems A Bit Up In The Strike Zone”

What pitch? This one, from the NAE President Leith Anderson article I’m not responding to. Everything depends on definitions. My short definition of an evangelical is someone who takes the Bible seriously and believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. That pitch. Now excuse me while I take a swing. By this definition, allContinue reading ““That Pitch Seems A Bit Up In The Strike Zone””

Riffs: 04:26:09: Is My Evangelicalism Collapsing?

Several of you sent me links to a quote from National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson saying that yours truly was 1) somehow like Hugo Chavez (??) and 2) was in the midst of my own personal evangelical collapse. (“Autobiographical.” Unfortunate word choice.) I decided not to respond, mostly because I know that keepingContinue reading “Riffs: 04:26:09: Is My Evangelicalism Collapsing?”

We Interrupt This Religion To Recognize….All The Ugl….Unattra…..Uh, “Ordinary” Christians

I don’t really care for Susan Boyle’s voice. But I’m very interested in her looks. I’ve always had a thing about ugly rock stars. Tom Petty. Bob Dylan. That guy in The Cars. The drummer in Cheap Trick. Willie Nelson. Ugly men. Seriously ugly. Do you remember Dave Roever, the preacher who had most ofContinue reading “We Interrupt This Religion To Recognize….All The Ugl….Unattra…..Uh, “Ordinary” Christians”

Internet Monk Podcast #137

This week: Garbage and Baggage We Put With The Gospel. (This is a redo of 136) My great 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 best online devotional resources in one place. FergusonContinue reading “Internet Monk Podcast #137”

Where Is Church Discipline When You Need It? (Part 4): Does Church Discipline Always Look Like Church Discipline?

My posts so far have carried an agenda. I would like readers to consider what church discipline looks like when it is the church’s compassionate ministry to those who are suffering, rather than primarily a punitive action toward those who are sinning. I am aware that, according to a full understanding of church discipline, itContinue reading “Where Is Church Discipline When You Need It? (Part 4): Does Church Discipline Always Look Like Church Discipline?”

The Love Of Jesus Is Enough: A Meditation on Morality

NOTE: I have chosen not to post a larger number of comments than usual. If you want to know why comments aren’t posted consult the IM F.A.Q. where this is addressed in one of the questions. I could have posted some perfect examples of moral reasoning following our love, but I think the point isContinue reading “The Love Of Jesus Is Enough: A Meditation on Morality”

Where Is Church Discipline When You Need It? Part 3: Who Needs It?

It’s interesting to read the comments of the previous two posts and see how many people immediately see church discipline as…. -about public sins, usually sexual -hopelessly prone to be a tool of abusive leadership -unable to make needed distinctions -destined to ignore some kinds of sin entirely This is rather typical of the discussionsContinue reading “Where Is Church Discipline When You Need It? Part 3: Who Needs It?”

Where is Church Discipline When You Need It? Part 2: What does Matthew 18 Teach?

Without any intro, I’d like to get right into what I would be saying about Matthew 18 if I were lecturing on the “What does Matthew 18 tell us about church discipline?” I’d begin by noting that the church discipline material in I Corinthians 5 predates Matthew 18 in composition. Assuming Markan priority, it’s safeContinue reading “Where is Church Discipline When You Need It? Part 2: What does Matthew 18 Teach?”

Where Is Church Discipline When You Need It? Part 1: A Better Approach

Down through the years, I’ve been part of a few in-church discussions about church discipline. They were all memorable. Almost everyone was against it and treated me like I was going off the deep end for bringing it up. Being against church discipline was an issue worth yelling over, and I’ve been yelled at moreContinue reading “Where Is Church Discipline When You Need It? Part 1: A Better Approach”