By Chaplain Mike “When I forget why the gospel matters, I read Frederick Buechner.” (Barbara Brown Taylor) And here is one example of why I agree with that testimony. The following excerpt is the thesis statement of Buechner’s book, Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale. The Gospel is bad newsContinue reading “The Gospel in Literary Terms”
Category Archives: Theologia
“He Descended into Hell”
By Chaplain Mike He descended into hell. • The Apostles’ Creed Today, we present several readings related to this most controversial article of the Apostles’ Creed, which expresses words appropriate for this Holy Saturday. I encourage you to contemplate these perspectives and discuss your understanding of this article of the faith from your own traditionContinue reading ““He Descended into Hell””
Thirty Days and Counting…
By Chaplain Mike “We learn from the Bible that Holy God plans to rescue about 200 million people (that is about 3% of today’s population). On the first day of the Day of Judgment (May 21, 2011) they will be caught up (raptured) into Heaven because God had great mercy for them. This is whyContinue reading “Thirty Days and Counting…”
IM Film Review: Humans 1, Angels 0
By Chaplain Mike My first comment to my wife after watching “The Adjustment Bureau” was, “I don’t think John Piper would like it.” Turns out divine sovereignty is more malleable than we thought. However, on the other hand, free will isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either. There are doors all around us throughContinue reading “IM Film Review: Humans 1, Angels 0”
The Insight of Nuns
By Chaplain Mike Many years ago, I read an article about Bill Leslie, pastor of the inner city Lasalle St. Church in Chicago. This demanding ministry had brought him to a point of exhaustion. On the advice of a friend, he went to a nearby Catholic retreat center that the church had used and spokeContinue reading “The Insight of Nuns”
Transformation a Myth? Clarifications
By Chaplain Mike A relationship with God in Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit will change us. A church grounded in God will be transformed, and it will likely transform its surrounding culture. If living in Christ makes no difference, we of all people are most to be pitied. But my concern aboutContinue reading “Transformation a Myth? Clarifications”
The Evangelical Myth of “Transformation”
By Chaplain Mike Go Galli, go! Mark Galli, senior managing editor of Christianity Today, is one of my favorite authors, and one of the most realistic and theologically grounded commenters writing about the church and Christian life today. Back in 2008, Michael Spencer reviewed his book on worship, Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder andContinue reading “The Evangelical Myth of “Transformation””
“Big” Decisions and God’s Will
By Chaplain Mike When I was a Christian young person, I heard a lot about “seeking God’s will.” This question was especially prominent at Bible college, where young men and women training to go into ministry were trying to discern God’s leading in several key areas. First and foremost, we were trusting God to leadContinue reading ““Big” Decisions and God’s Will”
Liturgy Is Not a “Style”
By Chaplain Mike I hope you will continue to put up with my ongoing journey into understanding the Lutheran way of practicing the Christian faith. In a comment the other day, someone asked if this is now a Lutheran site. Well, no. But since I’m walking on that path, what I’m learning is bound toContinue reading “Liturgy Is Not a “Style””
When Bad Theology Gets Scary
By Chaplain Mike MOD NOTE: Folks, this is not a pro- or anti- Israel or Palestinian post. It’s about dispensational theology and the dangerous mixture of such theology with international politics. I’d prefer that you stick to this subject in your comments. From today’s Jerusalem Post, these strong words from Michael Freund in his column,Continue reading “When Bad Theology Gets Scary”
The Internet Monk Archives 