Category Archives: Morals & Manners
Forgiving Forward
Photo by Tim Hüfner on Unsplash “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” At first blush, it appears that Jesus is excusing his executioners—as in, “They are really not at fault because they don’t understand what they … Continue reading
A Humbling Lenten Prayer
This litany that has been meaningful to me, and it’s especially appropriate for Lent: Jesus! Meek and humble of heart, Hear me. From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire … Continue reading
What Moral Leadership Looks Like
The following is the transcript of my video contribution for the Convention on Founding Principles, held August 24 to 27, 2020. ***** We’re not electing a pastor-in-chief. That was one of the main criticisms of my now … Continue reading
After the Protests, Now What?
After absorbing the video of George Floyd gasping for breath under the knee of a policeman, the country erupted in protest. The anger and frustration of blacks especially, but also of people of all races in many nations across the … Continue reading
There Is More than One Gospel
The current riff about it is a distraction from urgent matters. For a few years now, certain players in the evangelical stratosphere—John Piper, Trevin Wax, N.T. Wright, Scot McKnight, among others—have been arguing about “the gospel.” Each in turn wonder, … Continue reading
My Latest Book Just Released
That book would be When Did We Start Forgetting God? The Root of the Evangelical Crisis and Hope for the Future. Regarding the book, there is some good news and bad news. The book is (as of this writing) #1 … Continue reading
Who Made Us God?
I failed to note this article in the National Catholic Reporter when it was first published. Unfortunately, it is perennially timeless. Some readers have been concerned I’ve been hard on the religious right and have gone easy on the left. … Continue reading
‘Essentials’ in a Pandemic
Perhaps you are aware of the “essential controversy”—meaning the umbrage some Christian leaders have taken because the state has determined that only grocery stores, medical facilities, gas stations, and the like are considered “essential” services. By implication (it is argued), … Continue reading
Why I Believe Mr. Trump’s Caustic Speech Is Not Mere Bad Manners
[I’m reposting this from a year ago because of its obvious relevance this week–mg] As I watched a recording of the Evangelicals for Trump rally on January 3 in Miami, I couldn’t help but admire one speaker who has worked … Continue reading