Author Archives: Chaplainmike

Thoughts on the origin of sin by RJS (2014)

Thoughts on the origin of sin by RJS (2014) This is the exact conclusion I have reached as well, after years of studying Genesis. Over the last few years I have to say that I have become less than convinced that the Bible intends, anywhere, to portray the origin of sin. We don’t know why,Continue reading “Thoughts on the origin of sin by RJS (2014)”

Sundays in Pentecost: Open to the Spirit (2)

Sundays in Pentecost: Open to the Spirit (2) We are taking the Pentecost season to post a Sunday series of excerpts and reflections from Scot McKnight’s new book, Open to the Spirit: God in Us, God with Us, God Transforming Us. • • • Jesus was a real human being, which means he grew Spirit-uallyContinue reading “Sundays in Pentecost: Open to the Spirit (2)”

The Saturday Monks Brunch: May 26, 2018 — Memorial Day Edition

FOR MEMORIAL DAY From “Sorrowing Spring” by Joel Kurz at Plough Scarcely has a winter departed since childhood that I haven’t journeyed in my soul to Shiloh, that military park along the Tennessee River where, on April sixth and seventh of 1862, roughly one hundred thousand soldiers engaged in a bloody conflict that claimed nearlyContinue reading “The Saturday Monks Brunch: May 26, 2018 — Memorial Day Edition”

Why I am an Ally – Part 1

Why now? Why did I pick this time to publicly declare that I am an ally to the LGBTQ community? There are a number of reasons: In the last number of years I have seen an increasing rise of hate on social media aimed towards homosexuals and other marginalized people. This hate has come primarilyContinue reading “Why I am an Ally – Part 1”

The Lost World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate by Tremper Longman III and John H. Walton, Part 3- Propositions 9

The Lost World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate by Tremper Longman III and John H. Walton Part 3- Proposition 9 We are blogging through the book: The Lost World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate by Tremper Longman III and John H. Walton.  Today we will look atContinue reading “The Lost World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate by Tremper Longman III and John H. Walton, Part 3- Propositions 9”

Wednesday with Michael Spencer: What You Can’t Say Around Other Christians

Note from CM: Here is an excerpt from one of Michael’s posts in 2008. I think it ends up being an excellent summary of some of the reasons this blog exists and what Michael and we in the next generation of Internet Monk try to accomplish. • • • Wednesday with Michael Spencer From WhatContinue reading “Wednesday with Michael Spencer: What You Can’t Say Around Other Christians”

Hauerwas on Individualism

Here’s an intriguing passage from an article I’ve posted on the bulletin board about theologian Stanley Hauerwas. “No task is more important than for the Church to take the Bible out of the hands of individual Christians in North America.” Perhaps the only surer way to enrage an American Christian than threatening to take theContinue reading “Hauerwas on Individualism”

On Resurrection and Eternal Life (7)

Note from CM: As a hospice chaplain, my work revolves around supporting the dying and their families. I officiate many funerals. I deal with questions about death and what happens after people die. I am asked regularly about mysteries beyond our human experience in this life. Today, we come back to see more of whatContinue reading “On Resurrection and Eternal Life (7)”

Sundays in Pentecost: Open to the Spirit (1)

Sundays in Pentecost: Open to the Spirit (1) We begin the Pentecost season with a Sunday series of excerpts and reflections from Scot McKnight’s new book, Open to the Spirit: God in Us, God with Us, God Transforming Us. Scot is the Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, IL,Continue reading “Sundays in Pentecost: Open to the Spirit (1)”