I started this series because everything I was writing at the time only made sense in the context of the pandemic. Any consideration of a theological or ethical proposal ended up being tested by how it worked in the present situation. I decided I might as well turn it around by examining the new problem […]
It is amazing how the abortion battle has surfaced during the pandemic. In my area of the country, people who refuse to wear masks use it to defend themselves against accusations about not caring for other people. They argue their strong stand against abortion proves they protect lives. Too often, that claim is followed by […]
Without a doubt, the pandemic has forced us to face our mortality. In the past, we talked about the threat of nuclear or climate disaster, but it was always in the abstract. We could easily dismiss it as only a possibly and move to our next task. Now suddenly, day after day, our deaths confront […]
Yesterday I participated in an electronic baptismal service. At the appropriate time in my live-streamed worship, a recording of a baptism that had taken place the previous week was played. The father, mother, child, and godparents were gathered in the nave around the baptismal font. A retired pastor officiated from his home. The parents wanted […]
I expect we all know life after the pandemic will feature a lot more electronic communication. Zoom is here to stay. I reluctantly have come to accept this after sharing conversations with my sons-in-law while we vacationed together. Both pastor very fine Lutheran congregations and are preparing for a different kind of ministry. People are […]
As some of you know, Stephen Hawking in 2000 spoke of the 21st century promising to be an age of uncertainty. He was speaking about the possibility of discovering a unified theory that would go beyond what we consider the basic laws of science such as gravity, the laws that govern matter and provide meaning […]
Throughout the pandemic, I constantly have been asked two questions: “What can we learn to make things better when things get back to normal?” and “What can we do to facilitate a healing dialogue between the two warring political or religious groups?” I have come to think these are not helpful, even though I presumed […]
As we ponder actions appropriate for responding to the current pandemic, it might be helpful to think of what might have been a Christian response to the 9-11 terrorism. The Company at Kirkridge gathered after that life-changing event to discuss elements of an authentic faith after that tragedy. We had all read some Huston Smith […]
In response to Paul’s request for actions that Christians could take in the pandemic, I decided to repost the “Lifestyle of the Company at Kirkridge.” It was my alternative community for many decades. Over those years the discipline of the Company changed to keep in tune with the times. Constant was meeting with the group […]
Paul responded to my last post suggesting it is time to talk about steps we can take in order to address the present crisis. He agreed it is important to share the narratives that give meaning and purpose to our lives. However, there comes a time to get down to action. Otherwise, he wrote colorfully, […]
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