Category Archives: Spiritual Formation

Christ’s Rabble, or Regular Folks?

David Bentley Hart has written a challenging piece at Commonweal, called “Christ’s Rabble,” in which he asks “whether in our wildest imaginings we could ever desire to be the kind of persons that the New Testament describes as fitting the pattern of life in Christ.” How does the New Testament describe such persons? Hart speaks of them generally inContinue reading “Christ’s Rabble, or Regular Folks?”

Another Look: Profoundly Human

In the story of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14), we hear a story from Jesus’ lips about how the trappings of religion can keep us far from God. Oddly, the benefits of the religious life that enhance our thoughts, words, and actions, that re-order our relationships and priorities and bring us new purposeContinue reading “Another Look: Profoundly Human”

Another Look: Seasons and Paths of Formation

Note from CM: I’m starting a class tonight at our local United Methodist church, based upon my book, Walking Home Together. The first lesson will be about the various seasons of our lives and what characterizes them. I thought of this post as I was preparing. ❦ Little children, I’m writing to you because yourContinue reading “Another Look: Seasons and Paths of Formation”

Damaris Zehner: At the Mercy of an Undisciplined Mind

At the Mercy of an Undisciplined Mind By Damaris Zehner Have you ever sat in church with your mind a hundred miles away?  You look out the window and think about what you need to do in the yard when you go home.  You stare at the outrageous hairdo of the woman in the pewContinue reading “Damaris Zehner: At the Mercy of an Undisciplined Mind”

Another Look: Paul’s Disappointing Approach to the Christian Life

 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. • 1Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT) • • • This may beContinue reading “Another Look: Paul’s Disappointing Approach to the Christian Life”

Another Look: I can’t get no…

Dallas Willard once wrote: “It is spiritually formative to be dissatisfied and unable to resolve it.” Hmm. Read that again. Slowly. Again. Now let’s talk. My first thought is, I am not sure I have ever been anything other than “dissatisfied.” How about you? For people my age, dissatisfaction, restlessness, and ennui came as natural as breathing.Continue reading “Another Look: I can’t get no…”

Another Look: How the Bible Works in Our Lives Today

Today we take another look at a post from 2013 about how I think Scripture “works” in our lives today — we who live so far removed from the events it records and who live in a vastly different time and culture. • • • First of all, we must be willing to recognize that anyone who beginsContinue reading “Another Look: How the Bible Works in Our Lives Today”

Supernaturally Natural

Early in my adult life, I listened to teaching from a Bible teacher who used to say that God made us to live “supernaturally natural” lives. I’ve always liked that phrase. To all appearances, and in truth, those who follow Jesus are no different from anyone else in the world. However, God’s declaration that “ChristContinue reading “Supernaturally Natural”

Another Look: Seasons and Paths of Formation

Little children, I’m writing to you because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus’ name. Parents, I’m writing to you because you have known the one who has existed from the beginning. Young people, I’m writing to you because you have conquered the evil one. Little children, I write to you because you know the Father. Parents,Continue reading “Another Look: Seasons and Paths of Formation”