Category Archives: Society

Knick-Knack Jesus OK in VA

I just read Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's opinion regarding the constitutionality of religious displays on public ground during the holidays, including displays of Jesus (pdf document of opinion; Washington Post blogpost on the matter). The sad thing is this: displays of Jesus are allowed on public ground so long as such displays are "notContinue reading “Knick-Knack Jesus OK in VA”

Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom of Worship

In speeches over the past few months, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both used the phrase "freedom of worship," rather than the more common phrase "freedom of religion," found in the First Amendment.  Some religious conservatives are raising concerns about what this change in terminology could mean for domestic and foreignContinue reading “Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom of Worship”

Christian Worship on the 4th of July

This newsletter article, a reworking of a past blogpost, appeared in my congregation's July newsletter.  My sermon for the 4th of July also touches on church/state issues. The 4th of July this year falls on a Sunday.  Though there will be flags waving outside of houses, and parades with red, white, and blue processions, andContinue reading “Christian Worship on the 4th of July”

Sending out the Seventy: What Do They See?

Please contribute to my Sunday sermon.  Keep reading … thanks! I've returned home to the Philadelphia area for my longest stay in the area since moving to Virginia three years ago.  And I'm amazed, and saddened, at the situation of the local economy.  Living inside the Beltway, where government creates jobs even (and especially?) duringContinue reading “Sending out the Seventy: What Do They See?”

Congregational Viability and the Future of the Church

I've been a pastor for a whopping 18 months, but have worked in church settings – seminary, congregations, church publishing house – for much of the last ten years.  As I settle into my career and my life as a parent of growing children, I find myself looking ahead.  And as I look ahead, IContinue reading “Congregational Viability and the Future of the Church”