Monthly Archives: April 2007

“A culture of self-deception can be useful. For example,the U.S. recently deployed a missle-defense system that doesn’t work as a deterrent against Iranian missles that don’t exist. In this age of asymmetrical warfare, it’s a welcome change.” -Ed Spivey Jr. in the May 2007 issue of Sojourners

Life is this simple. We are livingin a world that is absolutely transparent and God is shining through it all the time. This is not just a fable or a nice story. It is true. -Thomas Merton

I have recently been thinking through one model of how we respond when our belief system no longer coheres with the world around us, with our experiences. This is the ground of constructive theology. A great example is the shifting “doctrine of God” in the Hebrew Scriptures. Layers of text show us a shifting understanding … Continue reading →

This morning I will be competing for the Billings Preaching Prize, a competition limited to 2nd and 3rd year M.Div. students here at Harvard Divinity. You have a total of 10 minutes for your reading and holimly. I’ve adapted a homily from my work at the hospital. The competition usually takes place in the Divinity … Continue reading →

Delivered 4/15/07 at First Church in Cambridge, Congregational You might have noticed that the title of this sermon is a nod to William Shakespeare’s Henry V. In it, Henry refers to his warriors as a “happy few” and a “band of brothers.” I had no idea when I chose this title that it would apply … Continue reading →

I’ve read several blogs that contain a “Quote of the Day.” I could never keep that up! But it might be nice to share some of the great works I am lucky enough to read as part of my education. So here is the first in a series of “Great Thoughts”: “A God who gives … Continue reading →

Call to Worship “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. – 1 Peter 1:3 Opening Prayer Christ, We are your Easter people, Stunned, confused, overwhelmed, Together. We … Continue reading →

During the summer, I have the amazing privilege of working with several hundred children who spent time at a camp in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Now, before you add me to the roster of saints, you should know that this was a camp for rich kids and I am well paid. But it is … Continue reading →

Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on … Continue reading →