Contemplating Grace

Paulianity Paul an apostle – sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead – and all members of God’s family who are with me… Galatians 1:1-2a The apostle Paul wrote many of the books of the New Testament. An important … Continue reading Paulianity

Good vs Bad, Part 4 There are not sacred and profane things, places, and moments. There are only sacred and desecrated things, places, and moments – and it is we alone who desecrate them by our lack of insight and reverence. Fr. Richard Rohr[1] In my early adulthood I worked as a landscape designer. I … Continue reading Good vs Bad, Part 4

Good vs Bad, Part 3 Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh… Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Luke 6:21b, 25b One of the defining differences between churchianity and Christianity has to do with how concretely good and bad are defined. Some churches and religious … Continue reading Good vs Bad, Part 3

Good vs Bad, Part 2 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Last week I suggested we have an inaccurate understanding of good and bad. Specifically, we limit the full nature of what is good by condemning certain things … Continue reading Good vs Bad, Part 2

Good vs Bad You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry, You’d better not shout I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town.[1] Many of us developed an image of God based more on Santa Claus than on anything biblical. That image, born in childhood and perpetuated by many churches, persists long beyond … Continue reading Good vs bad