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
Religion and Media
Today [actually, in 5 minutes!], I am beginning my Religion and Media J-term course. This is the second time I have taught it, with my colleague Mary Hess from Luther: I love team-teaching with her, not only because she is a warm, interesting person, but because I learn so much, and we have similar pedagogical…… Continue reading Religion and Media
Using My "Soul Camera"
Who has time for a blog post on Christmas Eve?! Not me, really–I should be home cooking–but I wanted to share something I read last week that I think is especially appropriate for this season. As I’m sure I’ve said before, when I’m on the elliptical machine at the gym, I can’t process heavy-duty reading,…… Continue reading Using My "Soul Camera"
Happy Lutheran 