Category Archives: Michael Spencer

iMonk Classic: Leaving Behind the Church-Shaped Life

Since it has been a rather post-evangelical week here on Internet Monk, I think it only fitting that the last words I contribute to the subject, before turning things over to Mike Bell tomorrow, come from Michael Spencer. The following is an excerpt from Michael’s book, Mere Churchianity: Finding Your Way Back to Jesus-Shaped SpiritualityContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Leaving Behind the Church-Shaped Life”

Another Look: What About the Flag in the Sanctuary? (Or How To Get Fired Really Fast.)

A Classic iMonk Post for Memorial Day, 2014 Sometime when I was in seminary, I first heard the term “civil religion” and started to understand that some people had a problem with the American flag in a church sanctuary. The flag- and its companion, the “Christian” flag- have been in every church sanctuary I’ve everContinue reading “Another Look: What About the Flag in the Sanctuary? (Or How To Get Fired Really Fast.)”

iMonk Classic: On Being Too God-Centered

Note from CM: This week we will be exploring some themes related to the idea of “ordinary Christianity” or “quiet Christianity” — what Michael called here, “Christian humanism.” This essay will provide a good introduction to the week. Read also: Interesting column on the paradoxes of Calvinism. Udo Middleman on “The Islamization of Christianity.” *Continue reading “iMonk Classic: On Being Too God-Centered”

iMonk Classic: Grace Is As Dangerous As Ever

A classic Michael Spencer post from May, 2007. The last few weeks of my men’s morning Bible study has been about “Texts That Will Get You In Trouble,” and we spent two sessions on John 8, and Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”Continue reading “iMonk Classic: Grace Is As Dangerous As Ever”

iMonk Classic: Icebergs, Onions and Why You’re Not As Simple As You Think

From April 24, 2008. “My theology is simply what I read in the Bible.” Sure it is. “What I believe and practice is simply what the Bible teaches and nothing else.” Of course. What else could be simpler? I’m sure several of you won’t be surprised at all to learn that I meet with aContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Icebergs, Onions and Why You’re Not As Simple As You Think”

iMonk Classic: I’m Right on This One

Now we come to something very important. The constant emphasis on the victorious life or the good Christian life is the Antichrist as it pertains to the gospel. Here’s why. If I am _________ (fill in your favorite victorious-life terminology), then will I be in a position to be grateful for what Jesus did whenContinue reading “iMonk Classic: I’m Right on This One”

iMonk Classic: Looking For An Exit From The Journey With Jesus

First published in March 2009 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? TheContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Looking For An Exit From The Journey With Jesus”

iMonk Classic: What Is Jesus-Shaped Spirituality?

Note from CM: Recently, a reader suggested we reiterate and shore up our understanding of Michael Spencer’s iconic phrase: “Jesus-shaped Spirituality.” Here is Michael’s post from February 2009 in which he outlines its characteristics. * * * What Is Jesus-Shaped Spirituality? A Classic Michael Spencer Post, from Feb. 2009 The past year and a halfContinue reading “iMonk Classic: What Is Jesus-Shaped Spirituality?”

My Favorite Post from Michael Spencer

Note from CM: I try to publish this about once a year. The truth is, I need it about once a week, if not more often. Of all that Michael Spencer wrote, this was the piece that convinced me of the genius of Mike’s spiritual insight and his ability to present that in plain-spoken terms.Continue reading “My Favorite Post from Michael Spencer”