When I was an impressionable youth I had an adult compare the Oscar statue to the idols of old, those stone figures that the Israelites foolishly worshipped instead of the true God. And so, for as long as I remember, Hollywood and Christian were mutually exclusive. Fortunately for me, unfortunately for my parents, my thirst […]
Bible & Culture
For the Frustratedly Christian, the Barely Christian, and the Formerly Christian
Well, I went and did it. I went and wrote another book on the Bible. Is there something wrong with me? Probably. Who knows. But let me get to my point. I actually had a reason for writing How the Bible Actually Works. I thought about the kinds of questions about the Bible that kept […]
The “Pete Ruins Christmas” series: Christmas in America and the Old Testament
The ancient Israelites were as detached from their official religion as are many/most Americans from official Christianity.
Lansdale Statement (see what I did there? get it?)
Concerning the so-called “Nashville Statement.”
Eugene Peterson and Professor Kirke’s Study
“But do you really mean, sir, that Eugene is just fine, that he doesn’t need to be publicly scrutinized and judged? Is that even a possible conclusion to draw?”
an open letter to President Trump concerning refugees
My friend Marc Brettler wrote an open letter to President Trump concerning refugees and asked me if I would post it. And I am most happy to. Brettler is the Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor of Jewish Studies at Duke University, and formerly longtime professor at Brandeis University. If you’re not familiar with his work, check out his great […]
4 thoughts on the anti-Christian “prayer and benediction” at the RNC 2016 (or, Christianity 101 for politicians)
I did not watch the RNC opening yesterday. I was way behind rearranging the kitchen cupboards and reorganizing my socks and underwear drawer, and knew if I didn’t get those done my life would be complete chaos. I also think the Republican party has lost its mind and I have enough crazy in my life without adding […]
“I thought I had a handle on suffering.” An army chaplain lets go of certainty.
Want to hear stories about having a clear and certain faith shattered? Talk to Army chaplains and soldiers with PTSD. In a recent article in The Washington Post, Michelle Boorstein lets us in on “What happens when the military chaplain is shaken by war?” The article struck me as giving voice to a common phenomenon among […]
10 reasons why Christians should not vote for Donald Trump
1. Trump is crazy.* 2. Trump is completely crazy.# 3. Trump is cray cray.@ 4. Why are we even discussing this? 5. Sweet Jesus, do something. 6. Just look at his eyes, people. His eyes. 7. Dear God, are you there? It’s me, Pete. 8. I watch him talk and I’m like, “Whoa, no way. Seriously?” 9. Won’t […]
Maybe it’s a good idea to “compromise doctrine” once in a while (Wheaton vs. Hawkins, round 8)
The Wheaton College vs. Larycia Hawkins case is getting more complicated with each passing day, it seems—and gaining greater exposure, which in the court of public opinion will reinforce reason #17 for why Christianity is a bunch of nonsense. I know the principle players may feel differently, but I do not think the main issue here […]
