On the recommendation of a friend, I just finished Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents, and what they mean for America’s Future, by Jean M. Twenge. The book was really interesting [and extraordinarily well-researched–when you combine all the different surveys she consulted, the book contains data from roughly…… Continue reading The Future of the Church
Category: Religion
To Open your Mind, Open your Heart First
On the recommendation of a friend and colleague, I just finished a very interesting book, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion, by Jonathan Haidt. It is dense and well researched–and quite compelling. I started taking notes for this blog post and I quickly gave up–no one wants to read…… Continue reading To Open your Mind, Open your Heart First
Come, Holy Spirit
When I was selecting a prayer for a meeting this morning, I went back to the worship book from the latest Lutheran World Federation Assembly: One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, 2023. I found this prayer, and I loved it–it is timeless and timely, and worth sharing. I hope you find a place to use…… Continue reading Come, Holy Spirit
To Whom Do I Belong?
This post continues my reflections on Henri Nowen’s book on Rembrandt’s painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. In his chapter on the leaving of the younger son, Nowen has a section on seeking, and misplaced desire. He starts this section with a question: “To whom do I belong?” “To God or to the world?”…… Continue reading To Whom Do I Belong?
Pope Francis: A Man who was True
Like millions of people around the world, I have been reflecting on the life and ministry of Pope Francis since his death on Easter Monday, and I wanted to put down a few thoughts of gratitude here. [Instead of, say, using AI to dress myself up in the papal finery that he so rarely wore,…… Continue reading Pope Francis: A Man who was True
A Thought for Judas on Good Friday
On Good Friday, when death and despair take center stage, I think always of Judas, and his death of anguish, and hopelessness. His death of remorse and regret. His death of guilt and shame. Have you died such a death? On Good Friday, when the narrative of the crucifixion highlights so many bad decisions, scapegoating,…… Continue reading A Thought for Judas on Good Friday
![Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]](https://i0.wp.com/happylutheran.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/palm.jpg?resize=892%2C900&ssl=1 "Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]")
Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]
“When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you,…… Continue reading Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]
Think of your Neighbor
Like many of my colleagues, I have been feeling a strong sense of whiplash these past few months. If you work at a college, university or seminary, maybe you have been feeling that way, too. All of us in higher education, including those of us in theological education, have been struggling to stay abreast of…… Continue reading Think of your Neighbor
The Legacy of the Celtic Church
There are many streams that make up the great coursing river of Christianity that ebbs and flows throughout the entire world. The streams all have their source in Jesus Christ, of course, but their shape, taste, depth, and breath all vary, flavored and colored by their different histories and geographies. But as they come together,…… Continue reading The Legacy of the Celtic Church
Prayer and Justice
Walter Brueggemann is one of my favorite Old Testament scholars, primarily because I am not an Old Testament scholar! I find his writing very accessible, very interesting, and always thought-provoking and generative. I just finished a recent book of essays, Truth and Hope: Essays for a Perilous Age. As the title suggests, the chapters are…… Continue reading Prayer and Justice
Happy Lutheran 