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: Christian Spiritual Formation
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Past Tugs, Future Pulls – Thoughts from the Edge
Sunday marks the beginning of the Season of Advent. We emphasize anticipation, expectation. We also might need remember, disappointment and defeat. These contrasting emotions and experiences portray the tension faced not only by those anticipating God would set the world right in the years preceding Jesus’ coming but also our very own day. Taking the [...]
Poverty and Passion – Thoughts from the Edge
Jesus calls attention to the “religion” of the widow who gave out of her poverty. Rather than applaud the well-adorned religionists with their wealth he pointed to the practice of the woman. Today we tend to applaud the religious celebrities – those we elevate. We like how they articulate our beliefs for us. We marvel [...]
Swallowing Death – Thoughts from the Edge
Following Jesus into the world carrying the Good News would include declaring that death has been swallowed up in the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Scriptures for this week follow the Christian Calendar and point to All Saints Day. In the liturgical turn post-reformation we are called on to celebrate the life of those [...]
On the Way – Thoughts from the Edge
Where are you on the way to? Mark 10 offers a couple of contrasting events and conversations in the journey narrative of Jesus. James and John are on the way thinking the Kingdom of God shapes their understanding of the way the world works wherein they will sit on thrones. Bartimeaus expressed the Kingdom of [...]
