Why bother with cultural and literary contexts when we can read scripture and understand its “obvious” meaning? In concise terms, shortcuts can be dangerous.
All in Culture
Tattoos, Gibberish, and Homosexuality
When reading Scripture we face some questions: does this text state a principle that transcends time and culture? Or does this text wrap cultural clothing around primary principles?
Why the Church Needs Feminism (Part 3)
Even if we start teaching from the pulpit that women have value, it’s in the pews that a toxic view of women often resides.
Wisdom and the Emperor's New Clothes
What does wisdom theology have to do with questions surrounding same-sex attraction?
What Not to Wear, Deuteronomy, and the Clarity of Scripture
I admit that it’s easier to read a text a quickly assume we know it’s “clear teaching”; after all, the text says what it means and means what it says, right??
Without Hope or One in Christ?
But we were created in Christ Jesus for good works. Created to be reconcilers in a hostile world. Created for God’s beautiful light to shine through.
RuPaul and the Clarity of Scripture
I’m confused these days by statements that speak of “clear Biblical teaching” about same-sex attraction.
Let's Get Real: Eating Disorders in the Church
I am asking you to get real with me. For just a few minutes, let's talk about some ways that eating disorders can hide among us.
The Sin of Sodom? (or America?)
In ancient Israel, to call a place Sodom was a major insult. I want to know why? So, as best we can let’s clear the deck of our assumptions and trace what this place/theme means in the Old Testament.
He Made a Robot, and Then He Married Her (It?)
I think this kind of thing happens way more than we think. People choose to create their own reality. If life does not suit you, create the one you want.
Missional Hospitality: A Beautiful Emptying
Contrary to how it’s regarded in some circles, missional hospitality is not an outreach strategy.
Why the Church Needs Feminism (Part 2)
Society had always told me that, as a woman, my voice was not worth as much as a man’s.
"Mercy" (A Prayer from Jessica Lemmons)
For the child who went to school and will never come home: we mourn. For the mother who stares at the bed that didn't get made that morning, who must now plan it's occupant's funeral: we mourn.
For the Sake of the Gospel
Perhaps, by being humble and gentle, we can learn to extend grace by approaching conversations with a goal of learning and understanding another’s point of view.
If Jesus is the Bread of Life, Why Are We All on a No Carb Diet?
A Jesus Diet is when a company uses Scripture to create diets that attempt to use shame and Scripture as a motivator for change and weight loss.
The Knu Black
I’m so proud of the work a former student is doing to spread positive Christian messages to younger generations through the medium of rap.
Why the Church Needs Feminism (Part 1)
We tend to shy away from the word feminism because there’s a fear of bringing cultural issues into our churches.
Listen, Read, Act on Contemporary Issues Like Immigration
I started listening to immigrants, my views changed to a more collective understanding of what’s happening to us—humans all made in the image of God.
Baptizing an Iranian
During a time when controversy swirled on immigration, travel bans, and border control, I was able to stand before the church and declare, “Joseph, we are glad that you are here.”
My Final Breakup with Diets
I didn't grow up in the church so when I sauntered in at 19, it was the first time I had ever heard that my body was created in the image of God.