Currently, I am teaching a university course on the mystical experience, and one of the major issues that we confront is: What does a mystical experience look like? There are many answers to this question, but I would like to offer two pictures today: one from Buddhism and one from Christianity. Let’s begin with Buddhism. Read More …
It has been a long time since I have written here! While I don’t think I can promise that posts will be quite as regular as they used to be, I have finished the major projects that have taken up the last 6-9 months. If you are interested in reading them, then they will be Read More …
Definitions are important – well, at least, I think so. My wife often accuses me of coming up with my own precise definitions and then expecting others to abide by them. You know what I say to that? I say, “What do you mean by precise and expecting?” Well, all kidding aside, there are a Read More …
During this second week of Advent, we look to John the Baptist. I’ve always thought he was such an interesting figure. Not quite an Old Testament prophet. Not quite a New Testament apostle. He’s a very in-between man, isn’t he? He’s the forerunner, the voice in the wilderness, the first candle in the darkness… That’s Read More …
Advent is coming… The reading for this week may catch several of us unaware (particularly if one didn’t grow up in a tradition which uses the lectionary). We’re starting to get ready for Christmas – Isn’t Advent all about the expectation of that baby in the manger? Then, why are we reading about the Second Read More …
I’m going to do something a bit weird today. No, not that weird. I’m going to talk about a Sunday Gospel passage that has already passed. I have been very busy in settling down to the new situation after the move, and I just haven’t gotten back to my usual flow on posting here. Even Read More …
Now, this is an…interesting parable. If we look at it on the surface – let’s be honest – doesn’t it look like Jesus is advocating for us to lie, cheat, and steal? We can focus on the last few verses, and that helps a little bit, but couldn’t Jesus have told this story with a Read More …
This passage is one of those beautiful metaphoric passages about the Kingdom of God. Whether in terms of sheep or coins, we see the love of God for even one of his lost, little ones – all of us creatures – the children of God. God cares so much! Isn’t that wonderful? Boy, I would Read More …
Well, I’m back! We all have moved and settled in here at Sewanee, TN. I’ll be transitioning back to posting to this website more regularly, but please bear with me as I find a new routine here at the University of the South. With that said, let’s take a look at the gospel passage for Read More …
This passage may be familiar to many people. I’m sure that the statement “I am Legion, for we are many” is familiar even if you might not have known the exact circumstances of its use. I’ve always loved the face-off here of good vs. evil. We shouldn’t mess around with Jesus, right? Perhaps, one could Read More …
