Category Archives: Lutheran

Church Style vs. Church Substance: Style Wins!

Preface: I know that what you’re about to read sounds absolutely nuts.  And yes, I’ve overstated my argument for the sake of discussion . . . but sadly, it’s basically true. I’m convinced that style is more important than substance to most church attendees. The substance can’t be utter crap, but given a modicum ofContinue reading “Church Style vs. Church Substance: Style Wins!”

Paying Taxes – a missed opportunity

I’m a Two Kingdoms kind of guy.  I believe that God is active not only in the church, its ministry, its proclamation, or its witness.  With Martin Luther, I believe that God is also active in the world apart from the mechanisms of the church.  (Of course, the whole Lutheran tradition of paradox – especiallyContinue reading “Paying Taxes – a missed opportunity”

The ELCA’s Liberal Direction? Ha!

Editor's Note, Aug 2009: Given the outcomes of the ELCA's 2009 Churchwide Assembly, this post is clearly a little dated.  In the coming weeks I will revisit this blogpost and examine the ELCA's location on the liberal/moderate/conservative spectrum, and what that means for the mission of the church. Thanks, Chris Original post from April, 2006,Continue reading “The ELCA’s Liberal Direction? Ha!”

The Judas Within

Oops, they did it again.  Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer waded into the waters of religion with a mediocre Maundy Thursday essay about Judas and betrayal.  If this newly revealed Gospel of Judas vindicates Judas and removes from him the title of world’s worst back-stabber, then who is the next Judas?  Staff writer Alfred Lubrano makes someContinue reading “The Judas Within”