theology – ParanormalChrist

The Daily Confession of Sin, Part I: A very Brief Introduction

It may be news to some that not all Christian traditions embrace a daily routine of confessing sin. Though Forgiveness is part and parcel of Christian teachings, for many, regular prayers of repentance would imply that one is indeed not Christian, or to use an old school nomenclature, that one has “back slid” or “fallenContinue reading “The Daily Confession of Sin, Part I: A very Brief Introduction”

Back to the Future and Syria…some lessons we must unlearn

I’ll never forget one of the opening scenes in the movie Back to the Future. Doc and Marty have gathered in a mall parking lot to experiment with Doc’s new time machine. This is the setting for the first test run of a machine that will travel through time and space. Einstein will be vindicated.Continue reading “Back to the Future and Syria…some lessons we must unlearn”

The Beauty of Love: Learning from Thomas Jay Oord

As the events at Northwest Nazarene University continue to unravel in the coming weeks, I wanted to offer some positive words about my good friend Tom Oord, and perhaps introduce him to those who know the man of the books, but could also benefit from knowing the man behind them. It was the year 2003Continue reading “The Beauty of Love: Learning from Thomas Jay Oord”

God is a Dumb Idea

It is fashionable nowadays to hate on Christianity and theology. Any idiot with a keyboard thinks themselves a philosopher because they can debate an evangelical who’s extent of biblical, philosophical and theological nuances is the dictum “the Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.” SMDH. It’s not that Christianity, or the vehicle ofContinue reading “God is a Dumb Idea”

Sex is Divine: Zizek, Jayadeva and the radicality of Incarnation

When the falsely innocent Christlike figure of pure suffering and sacrifice for oursake tells us: “I want nothing from you!” fails miserably – we should not forget that these are the exact words used by the Priest to designate the court in Kafka’s Trial: “The court wants nothing from you.” When the falsely innocent ChristlikeContinue reading “Sex is Divine: Zizek, Jayadeva and the radicality of Incarnation”

Speaking of Noah

There is nothing that intersects Church and Culture as much as a Hollywood portrayal of a beloved Bible story. The reactions to the recently released Paramount Pictures film Noah has continued to prove this true. Upon hearing of the proposed production of the film many Christians preemptively began to be suspicious, simultaneously anticipating itsContinue reading “Speaking of Noah”

Be Free in Christ, Ditch the Rules

“One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ.” –Luther And Jesus said to the masses, “Come to me all ye who are weary and heavy laden…and be introduced to my list of rules.” (Matthew 11.28)Continue reading “Be Free in Christ, Ditch the Rules”

Jesus is NOT the “reason for the season”

First, there is Christmas… Then, there is farce… The subtle denial of a Holy-day that is held delicately in the balance of adoration and consumption, with the latter giving way to our actions while the former is trapped in our sensibilities. Our very way of celebrating it dialectically usurping its truest image. As weContinue reading “Jesus is NOT the “reason for the season””

Go and Sin…Bravely

As I prepared for seminary after finishing my bachelor’s degree, a well-respected and articulate professor of mine said, “Go to seminary, study hard, but have fun. Theology is pointless if you’re not having fun.” I’d like to think what I have done since then has been a quest in having fun…and reading Sin Bravely hasContinue reading “Go and Sin…Bravely”

Too Scared to Love: an Essay on Fear, Love & the Gaze

FEAR & GOSPEL “Perfect Love Casts out all Fear,” so the writer of the Epistle of 1 John tells us. In a world of so much fear, and so little love, one is left to wonder if there is indeed a perfect love that can handle the level of fear that seems to be inundatingContinue reading “Too Scared to Love: an Essay on Fear, Love & the Gaze”