Been doing various presentations/seminars on Kintsukuroi (golden repair) as a metaphor of being beautifully broken. I expanded this to include other images of "holy defect" the idea that God does NOT desire in us some unattainable, and frankly unidentifiable, perfection. Rather, God's glory is demonstrated most, and we are most effective ministerially, with demonstration of …
Category: Christian Ethics
In Service to One’s Countries
It is American Independence Day (as well as "Philippine American Friendship Day"). Americans commonly take patriotism/nationalism pretty seriously. I have never really known how to take that... especially in those who like to mix nationalism and religion. Years ago I was an officer in the United States Navy. I remember the first time that someone …
But is it Biblical?
Here are a few vignettes: 1. Prosperity. I was in chapel at seminary, when an outside pastor spoke... he was talking about how God wanted all His children to be (financially) rich. He then added, "Some of you may not like me saying that, but it is what the Bible teaches." Well, I am not …
The Two Sides of Christian Virtues
"Keep it in the middle of the road, Honey Let's keep it in the middle of the road. Neither left or right right down that center we go." -"Keep it in the Middle of the Road" (Exile) Two short stories: Back in 2005 (I believe) we were returning from a medical mission trip to Baguionas, …
How Do Abusive Churches Learn to Abuse?
I have been long interested in the characteristics of abusive churches. But in addition to the characteristics of abusive churches, I am interested in how abusive churches have developed their methodologies. It has long been noted that the behavior of many abusive churches mirror some of the sophisticated methods used by repressive governments and ideological …
Bartleby, Joshua, and the 2016 Elections
This year, the US and the Philippines are both holding presidential elections. In 10th grade in High School (I think), we read "Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street" by Herman Melville. We didn't really understand what this short story meant. I am comforted by the fact that there is no consensus on one …
Joining the Festivities?
We have finally finished our Christmas celebration here. We had a number of friends and relatives over for a Christmas day feast here in Baguio City, Philippines. Then we talked to some other relatives across the ocean. We will keep up the Christmas tree at least through New Years. I don't like the tendency for …
Fear, Anger, and Power. Part 2
Since this is Part 2, you may want to consider reading Part 1 first. It was built around the issue of Angry, Angry Christians... and that some of it stems from Fear and Mistrust. I think that is very true, but I think there is more. I believe that some stems from what I described …
Fear, Anger, and Power. Part 1
I was reading an FB post by Ptr. Bill Nieporte, and I felt it had a lot of what I wanted to talk about because of all the madness with bombings and shootings, as well as angry and/or violent rhetoric. You can see more of his writings if you CLICK HERE. Here is his post. …
Learn While We Still Can
It is interesting how so many Christians, especially in the US, see the Media as being evil or Anti-Christian. While there may be some evidence to support such allegations, it seems as if a lot of it stems from a desire for some Christians to emphasize their "other-worldliness." I am not so sure that is …