(Romans Series, part 7)As we struggle with what it means to live faithfully in the midst of Empire, we hear Paul’s words about struggling with the powers that take hold of our lives. Demons or angels, we have to learn to engage the powers.listen
Continue reading(Romans Series, part 6)In Jewish terms, Jesus sacrifice fulfills, transforms and terminates the sacrificial tradition. In Jungian terms the engagement with the shadow is paradoxically the way to free ourselves from its power. In terms of empire, it is the way we step apart from the culture of domination and
Continue reading(Romans Series, part 5)Despite our talk of freedom, we are held captive by many forces. Out true freedom comes when the whole human familyfinds freedom together.listen
Continue reading(Romans Series, part 4)Beyond all the egotism and arrogance of the world, what is genuine human worth and true dignity? listenThe poem, The Invitation, by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, is available on her website.
Continue readingAbram and Sarai are called by God to a distant land. This is an act of trust on God’s part as much as it is on theirs. God calls them to be bearers of blessing in the world. Jesus reaches out to those on the margins in response to the
Continue reading(Romans Series, Part 3)Paul recalls the Genesis story of Abraham’s blessings and uses it to demonstrate the universality of this abundant grace, blessing, and promise we have now in Christ. Today, this universality can been seen in support of our society reclaiming a public spirituality in all dimensions of life.
Continue reading(Romans Series, part 2)Paul’s classic statement of the righteousness of God by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ (or is it “faith in Jesus Christ”?!) for all who believe. Here to the end of the chapter represents an overture to the thesis of the entire epistle to the Romans. Thus we
Continue reading(Romans Series, part 1)The challenge to achieve unity in the midst of diversity was crucial for the church in Rome as it cut acros all the dividing lines in the society of that time, and is just as crucial for the church in our time, as we seek not only
Continue readingWas Jesus’ prayer “That all may be one” a hope for unity of doctrine? This sense of unity has often led the Christian church to impose its beliefs on others. Alternatively, perhaps Jesus’ prayer for unity was for all people to work together to mend the world. listen
Continue readingGod is not somehow distant from us. The Maker of all things is intimately connected to the earth, joining all that is in a sacred web of life. Protecting the earth is an act of respect and so a form of worship.
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