Naturalism cannot account for what we typically think of as a ground of morality and reason. This is not an attempt to prove that God exists, nor that morality and reason are universally grounded. It is certainly not an attempt to say that atheists are immoral or unreasonable. God’s existence and creation may be true;… Continue reading Of Morality and Reason
Category: Theology
Who is a Christian?
What does it mean to be a Christian? What is required? In America, this debate is often framed by conservative fundamentalists who seem overly concerned with who is in and who is out. Do you believe the “right,” things? If not, you’re not a true Christian. Christians like me — those with liberal, progressive and… Continue reading Who is a Christian?
Functions of Mythology
The Bible has a healthy dose of mythology in it. Some Christians might be offended by this idea. When I say, “mythology,” I don’t mean it in the colloquial sense of a fiction or half-truth. MythBusters is a great series, but when I speak of myth, I don’t mean urban legend. The Cambridge Dictionary defines… Continue reading Functions of Mythology
Apples Are Not Bananas, Theology Is Not History
How do ex-Christians lose their faith? There are too many paths to count, but a primary way is to become disillusioned when they find out that the Bible isn’t what they thought it was. I wanted to outline some common arguments I hear from Christians-turned-atheists and why I think typical Christian apologetics fails to answer… Continue reading Apples Are Not Bananas, Theology Is Not History
Reading Bart Ehrman Will Not Turn You into An Atheist
I remember one time I was reading Bart Ehrman’s book, Did Jesus Exist? and I left it on my coffee table when a friend came over. The friend was instantly ruffled by the book’s title, and no doubt, the name of the author. “Of course Jesus existed, what a waste of time!” I can understand… Continue reading Reading Bart Ehrman Will Not Turn You into An Atheist
Five Insights About the Gospel of Mark
As we continue into a new lectionary year focused on the Gospel of Mark, I wanted to dive into that book a little deeper than I normally do. Naturally, one of the first places I turned for an overview was Pete Enns and the Bible for Normal People podcast. I’m a big fan and listen… Continue reading Five Insights About the Gospel of Mark
Graffiti in the Forest
The direction of our faith expressed through the Bible comes to us through very human hands. Imagine walking through a wintery Colorado forest with a friend. Just as the wind rustles through the branches of the pines, dusting you with sparkling bits of snow, you feel God’s presence and hear God’s voice more clearly in… Continue reading Graffiti in the Forest
Are You Saved?
Has another Christian — probably an Evangelical — ever asked you, “are you saved?” Sometimes conversing with other Christians makes me more uncomfortable than any other kind of human interaction. Invariably the small differences in our theology seem large in the context of our mutual love of Jesus. At some point in talking with an… Continue reading Are You Saved?
Giving Gifts Cards to God
What do you get for a God who has everything? Every year in June, I turn another year older. I tell my wife Susan to let our family and friends know that I don’t want any party or gifts. She lovingly reminds me that it’s not my birthright to command how or what the people… Continue reading Giving Gifts Cards to God
There Are So Many Religions, They Must All Be Wrong
Earlier this year, comedian and outspoken atheist Ricky Gervais debated “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert on matters of religion. Watch these two smart dudes here. When Colbert asserted his belief in the triune God, Gervais replied: