A couple weeks ago I was reflecting on a much-neglected biblical teaching: the ascension of Christ. We may neglect it because there is a conundrum in the ascension: the puzzling, if not outright paradoxical, presence of Christ. Ascension vs. Presence The last scenes of Jesus’ earthly ministry are emphatic about two completely opposite things: Jesus […]
Looking into the Gap: The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos
If I were to pick one item of teaching or practice that best marks the distinction between Protestants and the more ancient traditions of Christianity it would have to be Jesus’ mom. She’s huge to both Orthodox and Catholic Christians. Protestants? Not so much. Not too long ago I heard a Protestant sermon in which […]
Why Time Management Is Futile — And A Better Goal
Time management is futile The tricky thing about attempts at time management? The goal is wrong. Time management is futile. Time is completely beyond anyone’s control. Time simply is, and it goes flowing by without asking my permission or changing to my will. If you am going to attempt to manage something, it must be something that […]
The Prophet Elijah: Fire or Grace?
Today the Orthodox Church commemorates one of the great figures of the Old Testament: the prophet Elijah, or Elias. Since for the last couple years I regularly participated in the Vespers service at St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dubuque I wanted to reflect a bit on their patron saint. He is remembered as the […]
Inerrant or Infallible or What? (Letters to a Young Pastor)
Dear ______: So good to hear from you! Glad to hear that you are doing well. Summer plans? The confusing spot you are in is, in a way, a lovely benefits of a residential seminary: you regularly talk with other people who are in the thick of theological exploration. They come from different backgrounds. They have different assumptions. They may be chewing on classes you […]
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