On Kings, Kingdoms, and Kingship: A Reflection for the Sunday of the Reign of Christ 2022

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Today is the end of the Western liturgical calendar, a day known as the Sunday of “Christ the King” or “Reign of Christ.” It’s a metaphor that doesn’t strongly resonate for many of us these days. It’s been a long time since any of us have really experienced ‘kingship’ in any meaningful way. Today I’d … Continue reading On Kings, Kingdoms, and Kingship: A Reflection for the Sunday of the Reign of Christ 2022

A Truth for Apocalyptic Times: A Reflection on Luke 21.5-19

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If you were hoping to come to today’s Gospel reading for words of hope and encouragement, you’ll likely go away disappointed, and maybe a little disturbed. For in today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about destruction, warfare, natural disasters, famine, plagues, and political persecution, in apocalyptic terms — Not exactly a cheering message in our time of … Continue reading A Truth for Apocalyptic Times: A Reflection on Luke 21.5-19

Pathways of Peace: Summary of Affirmations

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At the end of last year’s Setting our Stories Straight series, I teased out what I called a ‘Summary of Affirmations’. This was particularly helpful framing for me since that series was so much about criticizing Modern Christian narratives: After writing so much about what I don’t believe is authentic Christian teaching, it was nice … Continue reading Pathways of Peace: Summary of Affirmations

The God of Life: A Reflection on Luke 20.27-38

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One of the common tropes in the Gospels is how different groups of people hostile to Jesus’ teaching would try to ensnare him in his words in order to discredit him, only to have Jesus escape the trap and carry the day. Sometimes, as for example with the ‘Render unto Caesar’ teaching (which directly precedes … Continue reading The God of Life: A Reflection on Luke 20.27-38

Walking the Pathways of Peace: Summary and Conclusions

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Today marks the end of this series, the second on this blog that has engaged with efforts to ‘decolonize’ Christian thought and practice. In June 2021, I looked at some of the false narratives Christians told to underpin European imperialism and colonization, including the ‘Doctrine of Discovery’, the myths of Christendom and Progress, and damaging … Continue reading Walking the Pathways of Peace: Summary and Conclusions