ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 29, 2024In 2 Corinthians 9:7, we read: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Who has given a gift to God in gratitude, though in the back of one’s mind is the hope of receiving a gift in return? Who has complained when those who are faithful seem to fare
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 28, 2024The late great John Shelby Spong said, “When any human group decides that they can define God, the outcome is always predictable. The ‘true faith,’ once defined, must then be defended against all critics, and it must also then be forced upon all people—for their own good, lest their souls be in jeopardy.” Christianity might do well numerically when it does not give people a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 27, 2024There are some passages of scripture that scream joy and optimism. I love coming across those passages and allowing their undeniable cheerfulness to lift my spirit. Of course, not every passage makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. For instance, Proverbs 14:12 tells us, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.” I read those
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 26, 2024Another headline caught my attention. This article was entitled, “Boy Abducted From California in 1951 At Age Six Found Alive On East Coast More Than Seventy Years Later.” Luis Armando Albino was kidnapped in 1951, taken to the East Coast, and placed with a different family. It was an online ancestry test that reconnected Luis with his true family. A niece made the connection, and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 25, 2024It is important to state upfront that I am opposed to the death penalty. As a follower of Jesus, I cannot find any way of arguing in favor of it. With that in mind, I was so troubled to read the headline: “Missouri Supreme Court Declines To Halt Tuesday’s Execution Of Death Row Inmate Who Prosecutors Say Might Be Innocent.” Even the family of the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 24, 2024In yesterday’s Etching, I referenced some words from Archbishop Oscar Romero. Many of us have heroes that don’t play professional ball or star on the big screen, yet their names are not well known. With Romero, his name is well known in certain parts of the world and among certain people. Though a bookworm prior to his promotion to Archbishop, he was suddenly thrust onto
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 22, 2024Prayer for the Week: Words from Oscar Romero (Archbishop of El Salvador) Peace is not the product of terror or fear.Peace is not the silence of cemeteriesPeace is not the result of violent repression.Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity.It is right and duty.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 22, 2024For a few weeks now, I have been talking about Spiritual Gifts, and, more specifically, how we bring more of who we are to the work of Jesus in the world. The first two weeks, we talked about the head (wisdom, knowledge, leadership, organization, etc.) and the heart (compassion, kindness, empathy, hospitality, etc.). Today, we are looking at our hands, feet, and voices. Now let’s
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 21, 2024Good morning! On this Saturday morning, I find myself at Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center for the 2024 Regional Men’s Retreat. I’ll be cutting out early so I can be back in Spring for worship tomorrow. Ten hours (five each way) seems like a long drive for less than 24 hours at the actual retreat, and there would be times when I’d agree. But the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 20, 2024I grew up in a fairly traditional church setting, and worship was an experience that happened above the neck. We stood and sat on cue, and most of the praise was done inside our heads and through our voices. To even put our hands together was a rare occasion, and in those rare moments, there was some discomfort. In Psalm 149:3, we read, “Let them