This week, I had a moment when I completely understood, in the fullness of my being, John Calvin’s doctrine of total depravity. Calvin held that, using Augustine’s notion of original sin, human beings cannot help but be bad, that our actions are displeasing to God, that without Christ, we are worthless. It’s a bleak understanding, … read
When C. S. Lewis created his stories about Narnia, he included a story about the creation of Narnia, and this is how he described it. “A voice had begun to sing. It was very far away and [it was] hard to decide from what direction it was coming. Sometimes it seemed to come from all … read
This month I am preaching three times and offering a short series on sacredness: the sacredness of space this week; next week, the sacredness of music; and two weeks after that, the sacredness of people. We have so many exciting events this month—the dedication of the balcony pew cushions, Michael Barnes’ 30th anniversary at Westminster—that … read
When you’re grieving, grieving the loss of someone or something, the worst of the twenty-four hours in a day may be 4a.m. You know what I mean – you wake up without having had a decent amount of sleep, it’s still dark out, and your mind is going in a thousand different directions, reliving memories, … read
We’ve come to that part of the story of Jesus that’s known as “the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.” It’s really the story of Jesus entering the great city for the last time in his earthly life. It’s the story of his disciples still not getting it, calling Jesus “king.” It’s the story of different sorts … read
When you’re a pastor, you get interesting junk mail. When I was in my first call, I was amazed at the things I didn’t know I needed: Clergy waders and weighted robes for immersion baptisms. A clerical cape to wear when doing outdoor services in the cold and rain. Home communion sets, with tiny cups … read