I get alerts from The New York Times on a variety of topics, including animals, adoption, religion, and philosophy, among other things. Yesterday, this article came in my inbox, under the “philosophy” category [not religion, which in itself is interesting]: Buddhists and Violence. The article, which actually is titled “Why are We Surprised when Buddhists are Violent,”…… Continue reading All Buddhists are Nice People, Right?
Author: happylutheran
I am the president at Wartburg Theological Seminary, my beloved alma mater. I am an inveterate optimist, runner, vegetarian, and harp player. I love Mary Oliver and Gerard Manley Hopkins, and like them, I'm continually delighted by all the surprising and wonderful ways God shows up in the world.
Forgiveness & Accountability
If you orbit the Lutheran world, you probably have heard that United Lutheran Seminary is in the midst of a serious leadership crisis. Damaging information has come out about President Theresa Latini’s past, which in itself is problematic for some [roughly twenty years ago she was the executive director of OnebyOne, a Presbyterian anti-gay organization…… Continue reading Forgiveness & Accountability
The Theology of “Westworld”
I just finished watching the first series of “Westworld”—have you seen it? It is a really interesting tv series, with lots of material for theological reflection. Basically, the plot of the story is this. “Westworld” is an elaborate, sophisticated theme park for very, very, VERY wealthy people, who come into the park by high-speed train.…… Continue reading The Theology of “Westworld”
“How Beautiful is the Earth…”
One of the things that has been of greatest concern to me in the Trump presidency thus far [and I am aware plenty of folks have a long list here], is the rollback of environmental protections, and the risk this poses to all kinds of different animals and their habitats. We’re already in a…… Continue reading “How Beautiful is the Earth…”
Shitholes, the Cross and the Flag
One of the things that anyone who is fortunate enough to have a sabbatical experiences [and believe me, I know how fortunate I am to have a sabbatical] is the pleasure of digging into “the stack.” You know what I mean–that tall stack of reading material that you have been putting off until ‘sometime’–Christmas break,…… Continue reading Shitholes, the Cross and the Flag
Creative Artistry in 2018
“Mary and Jesus,” by Heidi Loening If you know me at all [or if you read this blog regularly], you know that I am a very high “J” on the Myers Briggs…… Continue reading Creative Artistry in 2018
Stardust and the Incarnation
Last night was mid-year graduation at Gettysburg College. It was the first time I had attended, and it was a really lovely ceremony. The graduates were recognized, and as each one came across the stage, we heard just a little about them. There were only 30 or so students, so the ceremony had a very…… Continue reading Stardust and the Incarnation
Note to Men with Power: Hands Off!
What started with a trickle, with the revelations of Harvey Weinstein’s predatory behavior back in early October, has become a river, with the current allegations against Senate nominee Roy Moore, Senator Al Franken, and actor Kevin Spacey–among many others. Who knows what else will have come out, and against whom, by Christmas? It’s enough to…… Continue reading Note to Men with Power: Hands Off!
Not not-talking about Gun Violence
I don’t want to talk about guns, and gun control–not again. I can’t bear to have this conversation one more time, because we have been here before, and we know after all the hand-wringing, all the prayers, all the regrets, nothing is going to change. Congress will refuse to pass any stricter gun-control laws, any…… Continue reading Not not-talking about Gun Violence
Good Enough, Just as You are
If you are Lutheran surely you are aware that we are [finally!] getting ready for Reformation Sunday. Again, as you surely know, this year it is an especially big deal, because the Lutheran Church [and others] around the world are commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation–anticipation has been building since last year at this…… Continue reading Good Enough, Just as You are
Happy Lutheran 