It's worth noting here that greed is called idolatry, and that obscenity, impurity and vulgarity are called out. The second group tends to get us called prudes. The first -- calling out the greedy and envious, is something that nobody in the prosperity gospel talks about. But perhaps a bit of prudishness and caution is … Continue reading Coping in a time of anarchistic prudery.
Political correctness
The (Laodecean) Reformed.
I have always considered this applies to my church. The Reformed have toe or three flaws: we tend to intellectualize; we tend to distrust emotions, and we manage to acquire wealth. One of the signs people consider to see if you are of the elect -- incorrectly, as the passage indicates -- is that you … Continue reading The (Laodecean) Reformed.
Not self mutilation.
This passage is linked in the lectionary with Paul talking to Ephesians. Stumbling blocks are not merely sensuous or sexual. It is anything that takes people away from Christ. We have to be as careful with our financial situation as we do with our diet, or our fidelity, or chastity. Acts 20:33 I coveted no … Continue reading Not self mutilation.
Sod the state: the true glory is in the church
The church is being driven through the mire, being asked to capitulate on many levels. The current issue is gay marriage. Obama has unselected a man to give the benediction to his inauguration on this issue. Rev. Luis Léon was selected after an Evangelical minister, Rev. Louie Giglio, withdrew under pressure. Rev. Giglio had been … Continue reading Sod the state: the true glory is in the church