Category Archives: The Joshua Challenge
The Paradox of Christian Nationalism
I’ve been wanting to write about Christian Nationalism for some time, but getting that train out of the station has proved difficult. Competing topics abound, plus spring is around the corner bringing its familiar pressures into focus. Golfing, landscaping, and … Continue reading
Of Immigrants and Refugees
After 57 years in Alaska, we pulled up stakes in 2012 and moved to the “lower 48.” It was hard leaving Juneau but easy to live in Seattle as we were closer to our children and Tammy’s family, in a … Continue reading
13 Graphs – What Do You See?
I recently wrote a letter to one of the pastors we have been watching during this pandemic season. I thought it might be of interest so here is the letter reproduced in full. I have been enjoying your messages, especially … Continue reading
We Amplify What We Fear
“Fear’s a dangerous thing, it can turn your heart black, you can trust.It’ll take your God-filled soul and fill it with devils and dust.” – Bruce Springsteen I can still vividly remember sitting at the front of church Sunday after … Continue reading
Metrics of Disunity: Whataboutism
Repentance in scripture (from the Greek word metanoeo) means to have a change of mind. It’s demonstrated by a complete change of direction; a 180 degree turn from the past. But repentence must start with a reckoning, by acknowledging how we have “missed the mark.” And without that initial acknowledging, it’s like sewing up a wound without first cleaning out the debris. Continue reading
Repairers of Broken Walls
There’s a story about a building manager who once asked his architect to meet him on the 42nd floor. A set of cracks had suddenly appeared and he couldn’t figure out why. After waiting several hours, the manager found the … Continue reading
Blessed are the Pure in Heart for Through Them, People Will See God
Not long ago, I attended a funeral celebrating the life of Eva Wangen, an elderly lady in our church whom my wife had known. She had lived a full, engaged, life, marked by a purity in heart and a love … Continue reading
Of Rabbit Holes and Echo Chambers
A simple corrective for reducing the influence of tribally induced rabbit holes and echo chambers Continue reading