Geoffrey Holsclaw
We should expect churches to limp along. This limping—rather than being an excuse for moral failure—is the best protection against spiritual abuse and spiritual disfunction. Denying our Limp Leads to Abuse Abuse and disfunction come from hiding or denying our weaknesses. Abuse and disfunction come from preying on the weakness of others. Abuse and disfunction […]
Would human rights emerge from a civilization-scale Bible Belt? Does the Bible Belt represent the historic sweep of Christianity? The answer is: No, on all accounts. The Bible Belt would NOT BE a very nurturing cradle in which to raise human rights. In fact, they would probably die of neglect—or something worse. But tragically, most […]
During the pandemic, physical church attendance is seen as optional at best. And because of the understandable deconstruction and disgust, many are repulsed at the thought of church. And that’s why idea of “church as mother” elicits a strong response from people (for and against) (See my recent post and all the response). This is […]
Should conservative Christianity be charged as partially responsible for inciting violence in the past Capitol Assault and possibly in the near future at Biden’s inauguration? Arrests are still being made as responsibility is being assessed for the destruction and death on January 6th. Should Conservative American Christianity be added to the list? How do we […]
Pentecost comes and goes so quickly. And we so quickly forget what we have received, trading our birthright for a bowl of porridge called power. Here are six kinds of power followers of Christ often seek after instead of the promise of Pentecost—the Holy Spirit. Many times these six work together, sometimes they compete with […]
Ok, insert here [right here] your favorite illustration about the need for balance. Something about riding a bike, learning to walk, or Luther’s example about not falling off a horse, or stacking rocks. Because that’s what I’m talking about here—the need to balance contending for the kingdom and consenting to the kingdom. In different church […]
Asking if Pentecost leads to democracy might sound like an odd question. But I really want to ask whether Christianity has a particular political-social form. In other words, is Christianity particularly suited for (or the cause of) Western Liberalism? Or, does the Spirit that animates Pentecost also animate democracy? Pentecost and Equality Some see Pentecost, […]