Sometimes I’m surprised at how much I am like my parents. I suspect that as we age most people come to this realization. Yet, in the moments when I have insight about these similarities, I’m truly surprised. Some of the similarities I’ve realized are small things. When I sneeze loudly… Read More »Spiritual Practice: A Prized Inheritance
In the early 1990’s, I moved to South Florida where I lived for about five and a half years. One of the first things I noticed was the number of cars with the same bumper sticker. Red letters on a white background simply stated: Love your neighbor. I never knew… Read More »Love Your Neighbor
Belief in a deity: it’s a debate that’s often framed in predictable ways. Either a person believes in God or is an atheist. Or a person believes in the Christian God or a Muslim God or a Hindu God.. Or perhaps one has made money, power, or prestige a deity.… Read More »What God do You Believe In?
We gathered around a table for a small group discussion. The topic of the workshop was professional ethics for clergy. One of my colleagues shared: “I have a problem I’m not sure how to approach. A woman in my church, a leader and active member, emailed and said that she… Read More »Politics and Religion: Pastors’ Perceptions
To retreat. The online dictionary first definition of “retreat” is in military terms: to withdraw from an enemy force as a result of superior power. While I’m not aware of “an enemy force” let alone “superior power,” I am going to withdraw from my day to day life for about… Read More »Retreat
It’s one of the best memories from that time in my life. It was a routine that was simple, refreshing, and renewing. In the evening, I’d walk Lincoln Road. Some shops along the way were vacant. Others were newly remodeled. Passers-by walked dogs; others skated by on roller-blades; a few… Read More »Change, Impermanence, and Living in the Present
We are living in a time of political discord. This is true in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and throughout the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. To say that there are large segments of people in many countries who are dissatisfied with their political… Read More »Prophetic Faith: The Spirit of Social Justice Today
It happened again. Each time it happens, I am annoyed and not sure what to do. I’ve learned that drawing attention to it doesn’t help. It just makes an awkward situation more awkward. But I can’t ignore it. Let me explain. A couple Sunday’s ago, my partner and I decided… Read More »Living with Racism: A White Man’s Perspective
