They Changed Their Minds, Why Don’t We?

We are now living with the consequences of two significant societal changes that have occurred in my life time: no-fault divorce and abortion-on-demand.  Perhaps you were unaware that two people who fought hard for each of these changes have lived to see the consequences of each and were then honest enough to change their minds.  Our nation should understand why they changed and then join them.

What Do You Mean By "Missional Church?"

The Kermit Gosnell Trial

While I am more than sympathetic to the feeling of burnout from bad news, I think it is important for every American to be aware of a trial currently in process in Philadelphia.  Kermit Gosnell ran an abortion clinic in an impoverished neighborhood of that city for years, until an investigation regarding drug sales turned up a virtual shop of horrors – and prosecutable evidence of eight deaths: one adult and seven different children that were born alive from a botched abortion procedure and then killed on the table.  Gosnell is only being tried in those live abortion deaths because of evidence and records.  Testimony speaks of this as a common practice done “hundreds” of times.

There are two stories here.  One is the man and his crimes.  The second is the virtual blackout by mainstream media.  No links here to NBC, CBS, ABC, NY Times, Washington Post or the like.  Both stories point to evil of dramatic proportions.

Here are links to a number of sources for your own consideration:

Rest In Peace Ragamuffin

I was saddened by the news of Brennan Manning's death this past Friday. He taught me much about the Gospel of Grace through his book Ragamuffin Gospel.  I'm glad to honor his memory by sharing this passage, also referred to in Tullian Tchividjian's wonderful memorial.

Put bluntly, the American church today accepts grace in theory but denies it in practice. We say we believe that the fundamental structure of reality is grace, not works–but our lives refute our faith. By and large, the gospel of grace is neither proclaimed, understood, nor lived. Too many Christians are living in a house of fear and not in the house of love.

Goespel-Centered Resources For Thinking About Same-Sex Marriage

For all the coverage and conversation about the issue of same-sex marriage, there seems to be very little that I would consider Gospel-centered in a way that is consistent with my understanding of the Gospel of Grace.  I'm happy to pass on these resources that I've found helpful.

Let’s Be Honest, Please! You Meant “Marriage Redefinition” When You Said “Marriage Equality” But Didn’t Have What It Takes To Say What You Mean!

My wife is a great cook, but my son and I still remember the day she tried to slip one by us.  “Enjoy the mashed potatoes!” she said.  They looked a little watery, but who’s to complain we thought.  On bite and there was no hiding it though.  What can you say about cauliflower “disguised” and passed off as mashed potatoes.  Sure, it was an experiment, and she wanted to help us eat more vegetables, and cauliflower is good for you and on and on and on.  It didn’t work.

Her “cauliflower mashed potatoes” came to mind listening to all the people “evolve” and now support “marriage equality.”  Give me a break.  Cauliflower mashed potatoes are not about “vegetable equality.”  They’re about redefining food and trying to slip one by unnoticed, just like “marriage equality” is really no more than “redefining marriage” without owning up to it.

On the (Imagined) Silent Gospel of St Francis

The Roman Catholic Church has a new pope – the first ever to take the name Francis – and American media outlets are filled with people extolling the St Francis – the 13th century figure – for his love of the poor, the environment and this quotation: “Preach the Gospel at all times.  Use words if necessary.”  I guess two out of three is not bad for American media these days.

St. Francis never spoke those words that are so often attributed to him.  It is as simple as that.  Click Here for a great blog post – from July 11, 2012 no less – that deals with this matter.