The problem of religion and politics: 2016
Insight & the Modern WorldA preserved 2016 reflection on the tensions between religion and politics — kept intact to show how my thinking has changed over time.
The Problem of Registering Muslims or Any Group
Biblical Reflections & Big QuestionsOriginally written in 2011, this reflection looks at proposals to register Muslims—and why targeting any group exposes deeper fears, patterns, and questions about who we become.
Sanitized evil
The danger of what no longer looks dangerous
Spiritual Walk & Personal Faith We’re surrounded by softened, stylized versions of evil that feel thrilling but harmless. This article looks at how that distortion blinds us to real‑world harm and why it matters for anyone trying to make sense of good, evil, and the world we live in.
Trump Escalates War On Pope By Hurting Children of Migrants
Looking Beyond Politics to What God Actually Says
Insight & the Modern World When a president’s anger results in harm to migrant children, it’s worth pausing. This article offers a calm, Scripture‑guided look at the situation — not to argue politics, but to help us consider what Jesus cares about and how we discern truth in moments like this.
Overwhelming Violence of Action Against Those Who Deserve No Mercy
The Light Is Still There - If We’ll Let It In
Insight & the Modern World A reflection on the Pentagon prayer through the lens of Jesus’ most serious warning – the danger of calling God’s work evil and evil God’s work.
What Kind of Resurrection Do You Want?
Cultural Easter, Spiritual Easter, and the Embodied Hope Jesus Actually Offered
Spiritual Walk & Personal Faith Many people talk about resurrection without ever asking what kind of life God actually promised. This piece explores the difference between cultural Easter, spiritualized Easter, and the embodied hope Jesus revealed. From Genesis to the empty tomb, we see why a physical resurrection matters — and why it changes everything about our future.
Life’s not fair!
Why God’s mercy is better than the fairness we demand.
Spiritual Walk & Personal Faith Life isn’t fair, and most of us feel that long before we can explain it. Scripture doesn’t deny that pain, but it reframes what “right, just, and fair” really mean. This piece asks a harder, better question: what if the fairness we demand isn’t the fairness we need?
Forgiveness
Opening the Door to the Good News Again
Spiritual Walk & Personal Faith Forgiveness isn’t about pretending nothing happened. It’s about discovering the good news Jesus actually brought—grace for real people, healing for real wounds, and an invitation to open the door to what comes next.
Do we have the leader we deserve, need or both?
A Biblical Reflection on Leadership
Faith & Culture A preserved reflection, exploring how Scripture uses leaders like Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar to reveal the spiritual condition of a people—and what that pattern might mean for us today.
Does God Want to Punish Us?
The only answer that makes any sense is - No!
Spiritual Walk & Personal Faith Does God want to punish us? The answer is really simple. No – God does not want to punish us. It’s been a long time since I felt that way, but I do still remember feeling like He does indeed wait for a reason to do it. Actually, that’s really messed up – because the one waiting to try to get God to punish us is Satan. You know – the devil.