Tag Archives: Church History

When Fundamentalists Were Born

1 May

This month, Wisdom Wednesdays will veer into the rise of Fundamentalism.  There will be some historical exploration in addition to a closing “so what” moment at the end tying things together.  Stay with the series though for the epic conclusion: Why I’m Not A Fundamentalist. —————————- The early parts of the Twentieth Century was very chaotic [...]

Preach the gospel, use words because they’re necessary

10 Apr

Many people who have heard the name Francis of Assisi associates the man with the phrase, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”  I heard this phrase many times in my undergrad education and decided to adopt it for a period of time.  I thought it was brilliant and that it captured [...]

My Take On Pope Francis

3 Apr

With the recent installation of a new Roman Catholic pope named Francis, a lot of people have been digging into the roots of the namesake saint, Francis of Assisi.  So in this month, in honor of the new pope, this Protestant writer will bring out some elements from the lives of both Francis of Assisi [...]

At The Celtic Cross

20 Mar

I arise today, Through the strength of heaven: Light of the sun, radiance of the moon. Splendor of fire, speed of lightning, Swiftness of wind, depth of sea, Stability of earth and firmness of rock. I arise today, Through God’s strength to pilot me: God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s [...]

Great Lakes of Beer

13 Mar

I would like to have the men of Heaven In my own house: With vats of good cheer Laid out for them . . . I would like a great lake of beer For the King of Kings, I would like to be watching Heaven’s family Drinking it through all eternity -St. Brigid of Ireland [...]

St Patrick, March, and My Birthday

6 Mar

March brings many great things.  This month brings spring, March Madness, my birthday (hooray!), and St Patrick’s Day.  New life and old celebrations come to the forefront in this wonderful month.  Since March is often associated with green, I thought it would be appropriate to focus here on Wisdom Wednesdays on the Emerald Isle of [...]

All You Need Is Love

27 Feb

Since we are in the final week of the love month of February it might be appropriate to close this out with a little bit of love. As you may or may not recall, I wrote previously on the importance of loving people, even those who might annoy us.  Yes, loving even those people who [...]

Bonhoeffer and Life Together

23 Jan

“This is the end, but for me it is the beginning of life.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer at his death How would I live if I knew that the government hated what I was doing?  How would I act if I knew that living in the Kingdom of God and walking in that manner could very well [...]

Wisdom Wednesday

16 Jan

This year I am embarking on a personal project.  One of my goals is to bring a small measure of the wisdom of 2000 years of Church History to people.  After being exposed to the great thinkers, writers, doers, and leaders of the faith in seminary, I have developed a passion to bring these out. [...]

It’s a Religion, Not Just a Relationship

16 Oct

How often have you heard the phrase “it’s a relationship, not a religion”?  How about “I’m spiritual but not religious”?  Maybe some of you have said it or posted it on your Facebook.  I have heard those phrases a lot, and I’ve used those phrases a lot. Confession time: I’ve come to the conclusion that [...]