Much of the current Christian politial discourse centers on the body: gender, sexuality, abortion, sexual abuse. In the Christian tradition, the body has generally been denigrated, viewed with suspicion. It is seen as temporary vehicle for the soul to be eschewed when we are ready for the real stuff. But it’s worth remembering that God created that body for something and, …
The Freedom to Be Formed
We have just passed Juneteenth and we are quickly approaching the Fourth of July, so freedom is on our minds. Perhaps it is always on our minds as freedom-loving Americans. And we are a Baptist church (it’s true!), so freedom is at the heart of who we are. However, Paul did not write in a time of freedom. Everyone lived …
Jubilee: Release of the Captives
Mother’s Day at Church in the Cliff Ordination Thanks This week, I am living the story of too much: Polishing off last minute dissertation edits and sending it off to the library system, completing annoying exit forms and surveys for institutional liability purposes, consulting with a suddenly booming list of people with complex counseling needs, picking up graduation regalia, writing …
Spirit of Truth
John 16:12-15 (Inclusive text) I have much more to tell you, but you can’t bear to hear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, she will guide you into all truth. She won’t speak on her own initiative; rather, she’ll speak only what she hears, and she’ll announce to you things that are yet to come. In doing this, …