Pride, by definition, is the exaltation of self above rightful authority. Small wonder that Christian theology has traditionally regarded pride as the deadliest of the deadly sins, for it alone among sins denies that God is God. Pride does not merely disobey God....
After the Western ideal of unlimited freedom, after the Marxist concept of freedom as acceptance of the yoke of necessity, here is the true Christian definition of freedom. Freedom is self-restriction! Restriction of the self for the sake of others.
This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of...
We Christians paint such a fragile picture of Jesus when we act as though his will is somehow threatened by every political and cultural shift. We Christians paint such a codependent picture of Jesus when we act as though he needs a political party, a president, and a...
Right now, there are people literally considering leaving their homes to gather with others for worship, wondering: -If I go, can I stand or sit in that area of the sanctuary where we sat together for 18 years before his passing without sobbing so loud I'll distract...
The truth of the matter is, we all come to prayer with a tangled mass of motives altruistic and selfish, merciful and hateful, loving and bitter. Frankly, this side of eternity we will never unravel the good from the bad, the pure from the impure. God is big enough to...
I still love the church. I love the church universal, as well as the church local (red brick, white-columned with deacons smoking in the parking lot). With all of its dysfunction and flesh marks, with all of its confusion and humanity, it is still the best thing God...
Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.
Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, others over self.
Christianity is a lifestyle--a way of being in the world that is simple, non-violent, shared, and loving. However, we made it into an established "religion" (and all that goes with that) and avoided the lifestyle change itself. One could be warlike, greedy, racist,...