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May, 17, 2016 0
We want to acknowledge that Catholicism takes on various characteristics in different contexts. Regionally, it may be true that Roman Catholics in your area are not open to conversation or shared mission with non-Catholics. However, this need not stop us from trying, or at least avoiding speaking…
May, 17, 2016 0
This morning my sleepy little coffee shop is abuzz with chatter about a big political speech given last night. Eavesdropping on the conversations at tables around me becomes my “water-cooler” perspective on recent events.
A circle of retired gentlemen solve the problems of the world one expresso…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
Most of us have had a “moment of truth” experience when a friend or loved one walks into the room and asks, “So, do you notice anything different?” The question itself tips us off that something has changed, and we begin scanning our memory banks to give the right answer.
Did she get new glasses?…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
What will you do when you discover that your new neighbor speaks a language unlike yours, dresses “strangely,” has a different skin color, cooks odd food, goes to another kind of prayer center, and is just not what you are accustomed to? Such a scenario is likely to occur these days, and we must…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
“Worship: Why bother? My relationship with God is private—it’s between me and God.”
“My best times of worship are in my car or on the hiking trail.”
“Oh, we stopped going to that church; we weren’t getting anything out of the worship.”
“When they sing those kinds of songs, I just can’t worship…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
Extreme sports are very popular these days. We seek to escape routine by experiencing something challenging such as swimming with sharks or co-piloting a jet fighter. People hate to feel bored. While the church isn’t called to stage Bungie jumps or survival challenges in the jungle, being part of a…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
Q: What are the sacraments and what does it mean to be “sacramental?”
A: To be “sacramental” is to embrace a theology that views creation as filled with God’s presence and is therefore sacred and holy. It is to affirm the words of Genesis 1:31, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
Q. Why do Nazarenes use liturgy during the celebration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper?
A. The first of the three core values of the Church of the Nazarene is “We are Christian.” It shows up clearly in how we celebrate the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (also known as Holy Communion…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
Recently someone asked me an intriguing question: What statement should the Church of the Nazarene make about human suffering such as the hardships caused by immigrant displacement and environmental crises? My mind froze as I tried hurriedly to devise an appropriate response to these global issues…
Apr, 22, 2016 0
One of the principal rules of religion is to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since he is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor; which he receives as if done to himself in person, standing visibly before us (John Wesley). For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,…