The following will be included in the forthcoming book, Who is Jesus to You? from Quoir Publishing (2024) Who is Jesus to me? I love the question, but it’s also unfair in so many ways. First off, whose Jesus are we even talking about? The real-world Jesus has proven rather difficult to pin down, though we assuredly know he walked this earth. Precisely who he was as an historical figure—let alone a theological one—is a different story. Bart Ehrman and... Read more
In Luke 4, before Jesus ever preaches from the word of Gawd, he is first tempted in the desert by the biggest baddie of them all: the devil. “If you worship me, all the kingdoms of the world will be yours,” says the red-horned demigod. “Piss off,” Jesus replies, not batting an eye at the infamous grifter. “Okay,” retorts the devil, “How about this church? Do something cool and you’ll be a God.” Jesus still doesn’t budge. Fast forward to... Read more
(I intentionally included an image created by AI, and yes, I realize it’s completely messed up. I had to include it because I simply typed “republican” in the prompt, and without anything other context, this is the first image that it gave me, which I find hilarious, and perfect for this article.) If you know me or have read this blog for any length of time, you’re probably thinking that the title to this piece suggests it is verifiable clickbait.... Read more
We’ve all heard sermons on the temptation of Jesus from Luke 4. I’ve personally witnessed it used as “proof” of an ontological devil, and that Jesus is perfect in some ambiguously obscure way simply because he succeeded on his vision quest. Pretty boring, am I right? But what if there is something much more going on here? What if this little narrative is an admonishment of mixing two means of power? The state and religion. Notice, Jesus is first tempted... Read more
Today is Cancer Awareness Day, which makes it a sad day for many. All of us have been touched by this devastating disease in one way or another. Years ago, lung cancer took my grandmother, Betty. Quick, I might add. But I guess that’s better than suffering for decades. A few years back, colon cancer tried its damnedest to take my best friend’s life. I’m happy to report that it failed, and Michael has been cancer-free for some time now.... Read more
Once upon a time, I nailed 35 theses to the Patheos wall. That was almost exactly six years ago, so perhaps a lot has changed. The other day, on nearly the anniversary of the Reformation, while perusing the Patheos site I noticed front and center was a set of 95 theses from a Baptist blogger named Layne Wallace. I clicked on it, read the list, and immediately had a few questions and comments for this gentleman. And before I begin,... Read more
“Someone asked me today in the media, they said people are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun? I said, Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. That’s my worldview, that’s what I believe.” – Mike Johnson Recently sworn-in Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, told rightwing propagandist Sean Hannity that his worldview is contained within the 66 books of the Protestant Bible, and that all one has to do... Read more
Donald Trump currently faces four criminal trials, as well as multiple civil ones, including the fraud case where he and his family were recently found liable. The only questions in that case are “will more charges be added and how much will he have to pay?” There will also be the matter of his New York properties, which we all know stings him like hell. Perhaps more than any other case right now. The other trials … Trump actually enjoys... Read more
Note: This article comes from chapter 1 of the book, Sitting in the Shade of Another Tree, which is out now from Quoir Publishing and Patheos. “There is a person whose appearance on earth is for the well-being and happiness of all. Who is that person?” This is a question from the “Anguttara Nikaya.” For Buddhists, that person is the Buddha. For Christians, that person is Jesus Christ. Through your daily life, you can help that person continue. You only... Read more
You hear a friend of yours is in an auto accident, but you don’t yet know whether he’s alive or not. What good will prayer do since he’s in fact either alive or dead? Well, God knows how you’ll freely pray in response to hearing the news of this accident; so, in his foreknowledge, he may have worked out his purposes in advance so that your friend would live in direct response to the prayer you offered up—but die if... Read more
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