Jesus at 2AM - A Humorous, Intelligent Look at the Bible, Church History & the Life of Faith

For centuries the church has linked Isaiah 35 with abounding joy. (If searching for a reason to sing "Joy to the World," the church would put this passage high on the list of reasons why!) In this episode, I do my best to explain why this poetic vision is cause for rejoicing, how it is […]

How does one put words a vision of a world in which peace and compassion had become the truest laws of nature? That is the work given by God to Isaiah – putting language to the depth of shalom that is coming, a picture of creation as it will be when the project of salvation is […]

In this first week of Advent – the season of preparation for Christ's coming – we turn to an early oracle of the prophet Isaiah in which recounts a vision of God's coming salvation and the blessings of peace: For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He […]

I first laughed at the idea of wall between United States and Mexico. Now I fear the potential exists for many, many more to be built… Not physical walls, but personal and cultural barriers to connection. It seems to me that the ultimate winner of this election has been division – the deepening of an […]

We begin our study at the four basic attrait combinations (think "spiritual personality types") with an in-depth look at the kataphatic-speculative quadrant. In short, these are people who relate to God primarily by means of connection to the created world (kataphatic) and for whom things need to "make sense" (speculative). If you are listening to this podcast, odds are […]

Dive into the rich tapestry of church traditions and discover how they shape our spiritual growth. Explore the intriguing concept of personality types and their impact on faith, challenging the idea of a singular 'Christian personality.' Reflect on the misconceptions surrounding true Christianity, using historical figures like John the Baptist to shed light on modern beliefs. Learn about 'attrait' and its role in enhancing prayer and spiritual journeys, while embracing the diversity of Christian practices for a more fulfilling relationship with God.

In this final set of sermons on the classical tradition of spiritual formation, we turn to our attention to creating an individualized set of practices that can guide us to maturity in Christ (known as "Rule" or a "rule of life"). This is what we will develop over the next 10 sermons. We begin with […]

Given the centrality of the psalms in Hebrew worship, it is strange that Jesus's disciples would ask for instruction in prayer; and yet they do. What follows is famously known as "The Lord's Prayer," and while it's familiarity makes it seem quite formal and placid, the contents would have been highly provocative to Jesus's audience. […]

Does God respond to our prayers? For most of us the answer feels to be "no." Or at least we feel no sense direct communication. We may see a change in circumstances that we attribute to God. Or we may have a sense of subtle direction. But a clear, direct response? That seems like it never comes. In […]

What do we do when all seems lost? What action remains when our energy has been exhausted, our resources drained and the danger comes from elements far beyond our control? What remains is to pray. To come before the source of all power and goodness and ask for help. Indeed the first demonstration of goodness is […]