OK–this post is somewhat mis-titled: it really should be “In Defense of Giving Up Chocolate for Lent” which, at least in my community, is definitely the go-to negative example of what you are “supposed” to do for Lent, and what Lent is really about. But, here’s the thing–and this is my “true confessions” moment for…… Continue reading In Defense of Chocolate–Perennial Lenten Whipping Boy
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.
A Most Un-Christian Legislation
You may, as a Christian, believe homosexuality is a sin. And you may, as a Christian, marshal biblical and theological arguments to support that belief. I know those texts, I know those arguments, and I understand the resulting theological opinion. [Just to be clear, I do disagree with it, however: I believe that gays and…… Continue reading A Most Un-Christian Legislation
Whose Right, and to What Kind of Life?
I don’t know where you stand on abortion: we all know it’s an issue fraught with challenging ethical and theological questions, complicated by individuals’ personal experiences. There doesn’t feel like there is one good, “right” answer–at least to me–and any time I’ve had a conversation about abortion with anyone, I end up walking away feeling…… Continue reading Whose Right, and to What Kind of Life?
Sin and Addiction
I have been thinking a lot the past two weeks about Philip Seymour Hoffman’s shocking drug overdose, especially after being in San Antonio with my friend Adrienne–we talked about it quite a bit. I’m still trying to process the whole thing, really. According to one article, Hoffman first entered rehab back when he was 22, and then…… Continue reading Sin and Addiction
" We Have to Touch People"
I am here in San Antonio getting ready to present a paper tomorrow at Incarnate Word University on the Christian rationale for interreligious dialogue. As I was reading The New York Times on my iPad this morning, I came across this piece: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/the-dangers-of-certainty/?emc=edit_tnt_20140203&tntemail0=yRead it, and please watch the video. He argues passionately against “dogma” and…… Continue reading " We Have to Touch People"
Dreaming of a "Color-Amazed World"
My friend and colleague Mary Hess posted this on Facebook and I was so glad to have it brought to my attention.http://www.nesynod.org/faithinaction/faithinaction/item/presiding-bishop-eaton-learning-to-speak-a-hard-truthI have been thinking so much about issues of race [and gender, and class] these past few weeks, and especially this week, as I helped lead the Anti-Racism Workshop on campus, and then had…… Continue reading Dreaming of a "Color-Amazed World"
A Reflection on MLK Day: What Does Your Faith Mean?
I just finished reading this interesting Huffington Post piece http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/martin-luther-king-faith_b_4623051.html?utm_hp_ref=religionwhere the author offers a list of seven criterion by which you might evaluate whether or not you are a “Martin Luther King, Jr. kind of Christian.” Here they are, without the supporting King quotes:1. Does your faith encourage an active and prophetic stance towards…… Continue reading A Reflection on MLK Day: What Does Your Faith Mean?
An Experiment with Siri
So, I just read this story on Huffington Post:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/14/siri-religious-beliefs-iphone_n_4590708.html?utm_hp_ref=religionIt's about trying to get some theological answers from Siri–in light of the new movie, “Her,” in which the main character falls in love with his operating system [haven’t seen the movie yet, but I will when it comes to Gettysburg]. I thought it was funny–and thought…… Continue reading An Experiment with Siri
Anticipating Conversation about Pope Francis: Style vs. Substance
Of course, it is impossible to be teaching a course on Religion and Media without talking about Pope Francis: THE MOST photographed and talked /blogged/tweeted about religious figure ever [OK–I have no hard data to back that up, but really, who is even a close second?!]. We’re going to talk about him [and the media…… Continue reading Anticipating Conversation about Pope Francis: Style vs. Substance
Bonhoeffer’s Life Together
Boy, I forgot what a marathon it is, teaching all day, every day for a week! I want to blog more, but not when I spend every evening reading and getting ready for the next day–I’m already tired and it’s only Tuesday! But, don’t get me wrong: I’m really, really loving the class. The conversation…… Continue reading Bonhoeffer’s Life Together
Happy Lutheran 