After World War II, through the 1950’s and especially in the 60’s-70’s and since, America’s culture has been more and more dominated by youth and youth-oriented themes, fashions, preferences, and images. An entire “youth culture” was created and its energy has filled the land. Churches, especially those who have bought in to church growth philosophies,Continue reading “The Problem with Grandpa’s Church”
Category Archives: Meditations
Wanted: An Adult Faith in a Youth Culture
It struck me the other day that one of the reasons I have returned to mainline religion is because it’s so, well, adult. Contrary to what I hear around me so often, I want my grandfather’s church. I know, I know… there are characteristics of that old, traditional church that are not desirable: many hadContinue reading “Wanted: An Adult Faith in a Youth Culture”
A Rich World of Life and Stories and Friends and Imagination
They say you can’t go home again, and they’re right. But you can visit, and sometimes that’s enough. Last weekend, I went back to Galesburg, Illinois for the first time in over forty years. Our family lived there from the time I was a baby until I completed fourth grade. We lived in three differentContinue reading “A Rich World of Life and Stories and Friends and Imagination”
A Few Thoughts from Friends
Browsing around last night, I found several thoughts too good not to share. * * * Michael Newnham at Phoenix Preacher — “Things I Think” America could completely collapse and even cease to exist and Jesus still might not be at the door. The Christian era has seen the collapse of a few empires. Jesus prayed forContinue reading “A Few Thoughts from Friends”
As in the Beginning, so the End
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth,Continue reading “As in the Beginning, so the End”
Sunday Morning Meditation: Think On These Things
This week Damaris Zehner and Martha of Ireland will be helping us to walk with Dame Julian of Norwich. Two years ago I had the privilege to visit Norwich and sit in the cell (small room attached to small church) Julian called “home” for many years. The presence of God was overwhelming. I’m really excitedContinue reading “Sunday Morning Meditation: Think On These Things”
Sunday Morning Meditation: Think On These Things
In Chaplain Mike’s absence, I’m going to share some words from others to give us something to think on as we prepare for our worship services on Sunday mornings. Today we’ll hear from Frederich Buechner. If the world is sane, then Jesus is mad as a hatter and the Last Supper is the Mad TeaContinue reading “Sunday Morning Meditation: Think On These Things”
I Am Hoi Polloi
Here’s the Monday routine now. I wake up a little after 2 a.m. I stumble to the bathroom where a hot shower washes some of the numbness away. Returning to the bedroom, I dress in the dark, then lean over and kiss my slumbering wife goodbye. Down the stairs to the kitchen I go, makingContinue reading “I Am Hoi Polloi”
Monday Morning Thoughts
Beloved, let us love. Lord, what is love? Love is that which inspired My life, and led Me to My cross, and held Me on My cross. Love is that which will make it thy joy to lay down thy life for thy brethren. Lord, evermore give me this love. – Amy Carmichael, If *Continue reading “Monday Morning Thoughts”
Just above the Horizon (with Bubblegum)
Another moment I have always remembered was walking out on deck one night after supper and finding a young red-haired officer peering into the dark through binoculars. He told me he was scanning the horizon for signs of other ships, and the way to do that, he explained, was to look not at the horizonContinue reading “Just above the Horizon (with Bubblegum)”
The Internet Monk Archives 