What is prayer?
Prayer is an integral practice for adherents of many faiths around the globe. In its broadest sense, prayer is a way to either communicate with and experience the divine, or explore the spiritual side of …
If I could pick my pastor
If I could pick my pastor, I imagine they would be—compassionate, bold, and unapologetically challenging the status quo. Picture a shepherd for the marginalized, embodying the very essence of love and activism. A leader transcending …
Who’s afraid of the Enlightenment?
“Nature and Nature’s laws lay hid in night: God said, Let Newton be! And all was light.” Alexander Pope’s epitaph for the renowned English philosopher and mathematician did not make it to his tomb in …
Philosophy for Theology: A scholar of art & religion
The last part of my Philosophy for Theology project was to discuss my own academic interests. This will certainly give readers a better understanding of what my scholarly agenda is. A Scholar of Art …
Philosophy for Theology: Aesthetics and Theology
Aesthetics and Theology A year ago, I had the joy of reading Aesthetics in a redwood forest in the hills near Santa Cruz. It was a great way to pass the time as my wife …
Recovering from religious trauma: Healing begins with believing
The number of people sharing stories of religious trauma has increased significantly in recent years. Religious cultures in the United States all too often create broken institutions led by broken people, who do everything imaginable …
What does a “Psalm” mean?
“Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your …
What does Jeremiah 29:11 say?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 This is a common …
Me and Mark Driscoll: How Following a Pastor’s Voice Led Me Astray
Driscoll claims to have heard the audible voice of God As well-intentioned Christians, we make claims about how God speaks to us. There is a plethora of sentimental illustrations that seek to bolster our claims, …
Before jackboots recruit them, offer a better way
“I’ve gotten so numb to all of this,” my friend wrote after messaging me a photo of a group of agitators flying Nazi flags outside of Disney World in Florida. I responded that I understood, …