Louisiana State University recently shared an image of the Painted Posse in the school's e-mail newsletter that has generated significant controversy. Rather than using the original image, the school shared an edited image that removed the small cross painted on each man's chest. When questioned, the following explanation was offered: We don't want to imply we are making any religious or political statements, so we air-brushed it out. Later, the University reversed Read More …
Tomorrow’s Church (#0894)
Diana Butler Bass, author of Christianity After Religion (read my review), recently sat down with Chris Yaw (check out my conversation with Yaw on mainline decline) to discuss what the church of tomorrow will look like. This fifty-five minute conversation is a rich resource for those who care about the church, and want to better understand what the church will look beyond an era dominated by conventional religion. She cites research that shows belief in God has fallen from 99% Read More …
Winning a Re-Tweet Award (#0893)
Earlier this month I attended the 18th Annual Sloan Consortium International Conference on Online Learning. When I checked in at the registration area, I was pleased to see an advertisement for a Twitter contest. The instructions were simple: the tweet using the conference hashtag (#aln12) that received the most retweets would be win the contest. Since I planned to tweet, I kept the flier. With nearly 3,000 people attending the conference, I didn't think I would be a Read More …
Televising Jesus’ Return (#0892)
In reviewing news stories for potential discussion on this blog, I have encountered many unusual happenings. The latest to make that list is the preparation being undertaken by not one but two "Christian" television networks to ensure they have the resources necessary to provide live coverage of Jesus' second coming. Daystar, one of the two networks, now features a live stream from the Mount of Olives on its website. So What? Over the years I have heard Read More …
My Visit to Next Level Church (#0891)
Next Level Church in Fort Myers, FL was featured in Outreach Magazine as one of the top ten fastest growing churches in America (for more on the article that sparked my curiosity, read this post). Since this was the only congregation within a reasonable driving distance to make the list, it was an easy decision to visit. This past Saturday, accompanied by a seminarian, I attended the 4:30 p.m. service: the first of five identical weekend services (Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and 6:15 Read More …
Review of God Believes in Love (#0890)
Meet the Author Gene Robinson has received widespread recognition as the first priest in a blessed and openly gay relationship to be ordained a bishop in a major Christian denomination believing in the historic episcopate. Robinson, an Episcopal priest, has served as Bishop of New Hampshire since 2004. Additionally, he is a Senior Fellow at American Progress. He is the author of two books: In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God (2008) and God Believes in Read More …
Creative Pastoral Search (#0889)
A few days ago The Telegraph ran a story about a church in Essex "who have been without a vicar for 16 months have taken to YouTube to advertise for a replacement." Their creative effort is worth 3 minutes of your time. So What? Searching for a new pastor / priest / vicar / spiritual leader is a challenging undertaking for any congregation / parish. While denominational churches must follow basic denominational protocols, all congregations can include creative expressions as a part Read More …
Faith & Voting (#0888)
Geoffrey Black, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, recently wrote about how being a disciple of Jesus leads him to vote and shapes how he votes. For me voting is love in action. It is about loving God, neighbor and about self. Therefore, I vote for candidates who are likely to enact policies that honor God and are in the best interest of my neighbors. Of course, I also vote in my own self-interest and that too is an act of love. However, I Read More …
Adult Enrichment in 2013 (#0887)
I have the privilege of developing adult educational opportunities at Naples United Church of Christ. These holistic growth opportunities, along with our musical enrichment offerings, are open to our congregation and to the community. The following brochure is a second annual brochure covering many of the events that will occur between Advent 2012 and Pentecost 2013 (for more, read about and view the 2012 edition). I welcome your feedback. Read More …
Restoring Hope (#0886)
Diana Butler Bass, author of Christianity After Religion (my review), recently wrote a piece about hope in the fall 2012 edition of Reflections, a magazine of theological and ethical inquiry produced by Yale Divinity School. She writes: I wonder if hope and courage will join hands to forge a new sense of the common good. But hope comes not through political campaigns. Rather, lasting hope will spring from a rebirth of courage in faith communities, when God’s people prophetically act Read More …