Street level theology often remarks, “God will not give us more than we can bear.” Aside from all of the accompanying issues the very statement raises, it is generally predicated on one verse, 1 Corinthians 10:13. A close read of this verse in its context reveals a community falling while standing. We personalize this verse [...]
Category Archives: Christ Following
Lent and Imitation – Thoughts from the Edge
“Never imitated. Never duplicated.” Product teasers look to point out the unique features of their item. Distinguishing one item from the other may mean the difference in being in the “black” or in the “red.” Often people think the aim is unique individuality. The problem is our “style” is often a result of a complex [...]
Lent and Plot – Thoughts from the Edge
A recent episode of “This American Life” relayed the story of a young boy who happened on an old house by Loon Lake. The old abandoned house held intrigue for a couple of 11 year old boys. Years after exploring the old house the now young adult meets a family member of the home owners. [...]
Reflections After God – Thoughts from the Edge
Reflections. They are rarely an “exact” representation. The medium the image is reflected onto bears the marks that alter the original image. Even still we can see in the reflection what is represented. Moses imperfectly reflects God’s glory to the people, but he does reflect God’s glory. (Exodus 34) Paul remarks those who follow Jesus [...]
Aftermath of God – Thoughts from the Edge
One common thread running through at least three of the texts for this week involve the “aftermath of God.” That is, to borrow from Peter Rollins, life after an intense encounter with God. All encounters are intense. We may miss them when we domesticate God into our image. But, when, like Isaiah, we are overcome [...]
The Missional Slope, or Should Have Linked to Kinnon
Here in Oklahoma we are bracing for what meteorologists believe will be a major “winter event.” Translation for you not schooled in Okie meteorological euphemisms. We are headed for some rain, followed by freezing rain, then sleet, finally snow. By late Friday a wintry paralysis will blanket the state. Schools are already prepared to close. [...]
Gathered – Thoughts from the Edge
Sometimes tasks seem insurmountable. In our day it seems there are constant reminders of the social divisions that mark our current milieu. Considering the upcoming selected texts from the RCL left me wondering about the task of gathering a people from all over the world to enjoy life with God.
Surely the divisions are too deep [...]
Body of Obedience – Thoughts from the Edge
Scot McKnight considers the meaning of Jesus life, death, and resurrection to transcend a “single” theory. Instead, using the illustration of a full set of clubs, Scot contends we need to view the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus from the breadth of understanding found in the history of the church. You may read more [...]
Joy Expressed – Thoughts from the Edge
Sometimes we face life experiences that slap us in the face. For any number of reasons people oppose us. On other occasions what we believe is undermined by those who mock our convictions. And, we may face the ruptures among friends who would be leaders in our own self-selected group. Enter Paul writing to Jesus [...]
Celebrating Advent with Snow Hill
How are you celebrating the Season of Advent? We are offering some daily Advent reflections (Mon-Friday) at www.snowhill.org. I would also suggest you consider subscribing to an Advent blog – Go to Bethlehem and See -Â created by Michael Spencer a few years ago. In the past I have contributed a post or two and [...]
