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The Imperfect Science
God is perfect, but our worship isn’t, despite what we might think. The seemingly fixed nature of our worship belies the truth: worship throughout history has been spontaneous and full of joy. We have gone through eras, particularly the medieval period, in which liturgy (the work of the people) was done in a language unknown to its…
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When GOD Gives Conflicting Instructions
On her blog yesterday, the Rev. Susan Russell announced a Celebration of Equality. It is a really special event in the life of her Pasadena congregation and I’m sure is going to be an awesome sight. In the midst of this celebration is a “sneak preview” of a new documentary about the Rt. Rev. V.…
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Wishing It Doesn’t Make It So
Whether or not you follow the politics of the Anglican Communion is probably related to whether or not you have a mental illness. Nevertheless, my people have been engaged in a struggle that represents the very understanding of authority in the postmodern age. Which is actually pretty cool, in that geeky sort-of-way. Here’s my basic overview: Since…
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With Regards To Conflict
MadPriest made a cogent statement over at his blog about the relationship between Sudan and the Episcopal Church: The Episcopal Church of Sudan’s retraction of their invitation to the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA is like the Jew set upon by robbers, upon his recovery, telling the good Samaritan to fuck…
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Telling Secrets: “…Another World Is Possible.”
Elizabeth Kaeton preached the quintessential Advent 4 sermon–about Occupy Wall Street. Amazing! This has me moved to see a simple idea. Head on over, read it, and then reflect over that picture of Bishop Packard for a moment. When you are done, come back and ask yourself the following question: What if, in the midst…
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The End of War
With the Iraq Conflict coming to its formal conclusion, it seems a worthy moment to reflect on war. Specifically, how our understanding of what war is has changed. The dictionary will have multiple definitions of war, but I think there are two essential understandings: A situation in which two or more entities publicly, intentionally, and…
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Church: Club, Community, or Neither?
Awhile back I wrote about how much I hate announcement time. Go back and take a look at it, because I feel justified in saying that. Announcement time, as I’ve experienced it in the several congregations I’ve served has, for the most part, been a horrible train wreck. This is mostly the case because it is…
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Advent Reflection by the Presiding Bishop
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church released a short Advent reflection. Set aside a couple peaceful minutes for it: Happy Advent, everybody!