I consider myself a “Paleo-Evangelical” Christian. Like my counterparts in the first century, I have had transformational encounters with the person of Jesus Christ and am devoted to making him known as the Risen Lord; but am still working through which of my inherited cultural understandings and religious teachings are worthy to bear His name.
Reclaiming Eden, Part II: Adam’s Weakness
StandardContinued from Part I.
Man and Woman were walking by a range of hills. Suddenly, a gleam of light caught Woman’s eye. She glanced up, and saw a beautiful blue sparkle high up on the side of a cliff. “Oh my,” she said, “how lovely! I wonder what that is?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Man ran over and started climbing. Woman held her breath as his fingers and toes sought out tiny ledges to hold onto, and gasped once when he almost fell. But before she knew it, he had retrieved his prize and was kneeling before her, holding up a nearly transparent rock that glittered with all the colors of the sun.
That night by the fire, while she was admiring her gift, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “You were so brave, today. I bet you aren’t scared to do anything!”
Man stiffened. Without a word, he got up and walked away into the darkness.
Continue readingReclaiming Eden, Part I: Eve’s Triumph
StandardThe serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal GOD had made.
He spoke to the Woman: “Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?”
The Woman smiled and said to the serpent, “Not at all. Actually, God did not tell me anything.”
The serpent was puzzled. “Wait, you mean you think you can eat from any tree in the garden?”
“Yes, that’s right,” she said, humming to herself as she sniffed a flower.
“This is too easy,” murmured the serpent. “Well then, have your tried the fruit from this tree here in the center? It is the best in the garden. In fact, it will make you smarter than your husband, as smart as God! You really need to experience it for yourself.”
The Woman saw that the tree was beautiful, that its fruit was good to eat, and that it would make her wise.
She half-reached an arm towards it…
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The Rule of Ernest the Sinner
StandardSpirituality for the Complexity of Adam
Hat tip to St. Benedict
The Three Imperatives
Glorify GodMake the Cross attractive by loving God, our Selves, and our Others as Jesus does- Cultivate self-differentiating Relationships, Metrics, and Practices that help us further the First Imperative
- Write up your own Rule
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AORTA Adolescence: The Perpetual Practice of Growing into Christ
StandardIt may be too late to have a happy childhood, but it is never too late to have a turbulent adolescence!
We as a society have lost sight of what it means to grow up. And that’s a good thing!
The gift (and curse) of the Enlightenment is that each of us must answer the question: who do I want to be when I grow up? It is tempting to envy our ancestors and traditional cultures who had well-defined “markers of maturity”, e.g., marriage, mortgage, and making money. There is enormous security, stability, and support in having society validate who you are supposed to be.
But there is also enormous danger, especially for Christians.
Scapegoat: A Love Song
StandardTo the tune of Titanium (by David Guetta)
Inspired by the example of Jesus.
[Verse 1]
I may have flaws, but not the ones you’re calling out
You’re talking lots, not saying much
I’m criticized, so you can cover up your pain
You tear me down, I don’t fight back
[Pre-Chorus]
Protect yourself, shifting the blame
Lie away, Lie away
I’m sacrificed, to take your shame
Lie away, Lie away
The San Jose Declaration: Ending the Abortion Wars
StandardApril 1st, 2031 A.D.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the San Francisco Revival of the 2020s was an end to the politicization of abortion, in a way that seemed unimaginable to those who lived through the culture wars that peaked during the Trump presidency. While extremists on both sides still refuse to make peace, the public debate has largely moved on.
The turning point was when two courageous women made a conscious choice to reject the dichotomy between honoring women and honoring the unborn, thus defusing the righteous indignation that had fueled both sides.
And it all began with a yoga class…
