A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I had read something in “O” magazine that I wanted to talk about, but then I got distracted by something else. Well, on this beautiful sunny summer’s day–when what I really want to do is get outside–I’m going back to that article & just write a quick post…… Continue reading Creating Your Own "Rat Park"
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.
Re-thinking Buechner’s "deep gladness"
Many of the Lutherans I hang out with on a regular basis really like Frederick Buechner–even though he isn’t Lutheran, I think many of us would like to claim him! Anyway, one of Buechner’s quotes that I hear all the time, and people seem to really appreciate, is this one, from Wishful Thinking: A Theological…… Continue reading Re-thinking Buechner’s "deep gladness"
For Theology Nerds Only: The Athanasian Creed
A few weeks ago, the church commemorated Saint Athanasius, born in 296 and died in 373, bishop of Alexandria. Athanasius is justly honored as the hero of the Council of Nicaea, which he attended as secretary and deacon of then-Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, whom Athanasius succeeded in 328. He is considered to be the “greatest…… Continue reading For Theology Nerds Only: The Athanasian Creed
Alcoholics and Celiacs Need Not Apply
So, I was all set to write a blog on something I read in Oprah while I was at the gym last week, when I came across something much more pressing in The Christian Century today, and changed direction entirely. [Oh, do I even need to say that I am a huge fan of promiscuous reading? That’s…… Continue reading Alcoholics and Celiacs Need Not Apply
Sterling and Scapegoats
It was a fortuitous coincidence that at the same time Spring Academy Week here at the seminary was taking place, Donald Sterling’s racist chickens were finally coming home to roost. Why this was fortuitous for us here at Gettysburg is that we heard two fabulous presentations Tuesday and Wednesday that related directly to what was…… Continue reading Sterling and Scapegoats
Abandon All Hope?
This was an interesting article that I read in The New York Times this morning–not at all coincidentally published the day after Easter–that takes issue with hope in general, and Christian hope in particular. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/19/abandon-nearly-all-hope/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0The author advocates for “a very Greek standpoint” that replaces hope with realism, which he sees as much more constructive and productive–his…… Continue reading Abandon All Hope?
Can We Talk about Sex, Please?
In the past few weeks, I have had important and revealing conversations about sex in three different contexts: two different classes and one adult Sunday School forum. And, in each of those conversations, I came away with the same two impressions: first, how very important it is for the church to be talking about sex;…… Continue reading Can We Talk about Sex, Please?
Why I Loved "Noah"
Can you stand reading another Christian post about “Noah”? I’ll be brief. OK–maybe “love” is a bit too strong a word: I would have loved the movie if it weren’t so long and bloated [the bane of all Hollywood epics], but, as it was, I did really, really like it–and here’s why. [Oh, and there…… Continue reading Why I Loved "Noah"
"He Descended into Hell"
The past few weeks in chapel we have been reflecting on the different lines of the Creed; and when the schedule originally came out, I jumped on the chance to lead worship today, when the line was “he descended into the dead.” That’s the new ELW default position, anyway, although it notes “descended into hell” is…… Continue reading "He Descended into Hell"
Where are You Going after You Die?
Where are going to end up after you die? No, this isn’t a question about the state of your immortal soul [actually, I don’t believe in such a thing: Christians confess the resurrection of the body, which is something quite different]–but rather a literal inquiry: what’s going to happen to your body when you die?…… Continue reading Where are You Going after You Die?
Happy Lutheran 