Contemplating Grace

The Extra-Religious Jesus, Part 2 “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.[1] I almost hate to admit this publicly, but I am frequently embarrassed to call myself a Christian. I am careful with whom, when, and where I profess my Christian beliefs, knowing it means … Continue reading The Extra-Religious Jesus, Part 2

The Extra-Religious Jesus “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.[1] As I have stated numerous times throughout this series, Jesus did not seek to start a new religion. Jesus sought to teach a holier way of living that is consistent with the will of God, … Continue reading The Extra-Religious Jesus

The Hero’s Journey, Part 4 We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.[1] Last week I speculated that the invitation for Jesus’ Hero’s Journey culminated in his baptism after what was likely many years of … Continue reading The Hero’s Journey, Part 4

The Hero’s Journey, Part 3 We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.[1] It is difficult to identify the events in Jesus’ life leading up to the initial stage of the Hero’s Journey that ultimately … Continue reading The Hero’s Journey, Part 3

The Hero’s Journey, Part 2 We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.[1] The typical cycle for the Hero’s Journey, as I described last week, is an invitation, initiation, transformation, and return or resurrection. Such … Continue reading The Hero’s Journey, Part 2