Resources for Understanding Scripture

Books / Scripture

Christian discernment is not the process of applying minds and imaginations to issues of life and culture. It is, rather, applying minds and imaginations…

A Poetic Endnote on Sleep

Scripture / Work and Rest

I know that some people think me a little compulsive for always glancing through the endnotes of books by authors I respect. Endnotes aren’t…

The Gnostic Life

Scripture / Spirituality

There are always people who talk a good deal about prayer, but don’t go near the creation theater. It is not that they don’t…

Blaming God

Faith / Scripture / Spirituality

The long line of ants parading across the kitchen counter leads to a jar of sticky strawberry jelly left open last night by someone…

Quietly Neglected Texts

Faith / Scripture

Whenever I reread a beloved book I discover details I had not noticed before. A description that changes how I imagine a scene, or…

Doubt, Faith, and Knowledge

Faith / Scripture

If you read the New Testament you will probably notice that some of the disciples of Jesus are mentioned quite often. Peter shows up…

On Being Misunderstood

Faith / Scripture / Spirituality

I’m just a soul whose intentions are good Oh Lord please don’t let me be misunderstood [Elvis Costello] Being misunderstood, especially by somebody you…

Discernment Exercise: Loving People

Community / Exercises / Scripture

On relationships, and all that The Bible makes it clear that God’s covenant people are to be characterized by love. He loves us and…

Reading the Word: Calvin on offense

Books / Scripture

When Christians offend Christians Several years ago I was speaking at a large weekend annual conference on the East Coast, leading several breakout sessions…

What Would Jesus Value?

Discernment / Scripture / Spirituality / The Skill

Surveys reveal there is apparently a marked disparity between the number of people—especially among males—who claim to believe in Christianity and the number who…