Avatar is not Anti-Christian

The artistry of Avatar is not a threat to Christian belief, but it is a threat to arrogant assumptions about our own exclusive claims to truth, power, and wealth. Dig deeply enough and it becomes clear that it is in fact these desires which many people actually worship (after layering a veneer of Christianity over them). Unlike our fragile, human egos, the God of all creation is not threatened when we explore all of the possible permutations of that creation. Nor is God minimized when we seek to understand those who honor that creation in different ways. Continue reading

Christmas Wishes

Nativity SceneI wish all those who observe this holiday a peaceful and joyous Noel. For those for whom this season brings sadness or reminders of grief, I wish you the comfort of those who love you. For those who find themselves in places of violence, hunger, or fear I pray you find the shelter of a friendly innkeeper. For those for whom this is not a sacred day , I hope you find rest and welcome amidst reminders that we are all part of a common human family – regardless of belief. Continue reading

Being Theologically Conservative

Scutum Fidei

I am theologically conservative because I believe that, to be a “Christian” means to neither add to nor subtract from the common beliefs of those who died to give the word its meaning. This has nothing to do with issues of social morality, the Church’s perspective on which has changed from generation to generation. Continue reading