Category: Culture
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Ugly People
It has happened to me many times before. I bump into something, it hurts for a moment, but doesn’t really seem like a big deal. Soon enough though, the area under my skin becomes discolored and gives way to a bruise. Bruises can be unsightly, uncomfortable and just plain ugly. From a different perspective though,…
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Trivial Pursuits
Sunshine. Beaches. Mountains. Wealth. Pleasure. Leisure. Image obsession. World class cities and attractions. What do all these have in common? These are some of the hallmarks of the physical and cultural landscape of where I live. Lately, I have been thinking about the culture here in Southern California. The weather is nice most of the…
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God at Work: How to be Pure without being Snotty
Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel…“Please test us for ten days on a diet…
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Give
Christmas is the season of giving. We are obligated to give to some, happy to give to others and urged to give to causes, organizations and those in need. Whether we like it or not, giving is in season. We all have limited resources. Limited money and limited time. And we might not be able to…
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The Smells of the Season
Yesterday, my family and I spent the day out and about in busy Southern California. Although we had an enjoyable day together, everywhere we went we noticed a strange odor. It wasn’t the fragrance of evergreen, or chestnuts roasting on a fire. It wasn’t hot cocoa or other Christmas treats. It was the raw, offensive odor…
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When Pondering is better than Proclaiming
Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen…Mark 9:9 These were the words spoken as the four figures came trudging down the mountainside. Peter, James and John had just seen Jesus for all He truly was. He was transfigured before their…
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“Whatever Works” for Woody Allen
I was driving home from work this evening listening to Fresh Air on NPR. The interview was with Woody Allen on his 40th film, Whatever Works. Woody Allen, as bawdy as he can be, has a way with words, and there is definitely some understanding into life that quirkily makes its way to the surface when he speaks.…
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tradition
Jesus said: “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition…” (Mark 7:9) This is something my wife and I have been talking about alot lately. As Christians — from mostly protestant, white, non-denominational backgrounds — we have some traditions. Although they may not be as formal as …
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Rise Up: History, Revival and The Word
My latest book I’m reading is A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada by Mark Noll. This was incidentally, the textbook from the class that my wife and I met in almost nine years ago. I love history. It’s fascinating to me. My wife thinks I’m weird. Call me weird, but not…
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a jumbled heart
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd.. Mark 6:34 Jesus saw a whole bunch of people. He didn’t get annoyed that they were in the way. He didn’t say “ah ha — now is my chance to…
Invited & Called 