Christian Piatt's Blog, page 49

Christianity for Non-Christians

There are lots of biases and assumptions about Christians out there,  many of which are founded in real-life experience. And yes, we Christians have done our share of damage when it comes to tarnishing our so-called “brand.” But there also seems to be this tendency to understand Christianity and its adherents as one generally monolithic [...]

Church Sign Epic Fails, “Beefy Jesus” Edition

I once challenged Jesus to an arm wrestling match. Jesus had me at first, until I did that Stallone “Over the Top” thing. Then he was toast!

Exodus International’s Alan Chambers: Bending History’s Arc

For more than a generation, the gay conversion organization known as Exodus International has been one of the most prominent Christian symbols of LGBT intolerance.  They have practiced what is commonly called “reparative therapy” to supposedly remove the urges of same-sex attraction from those who seek to become straight. I have personally written at great [...]

From Rock God to God Nerd

(Following is excerpted from a longer, much more detailed study of the same name, found at “Heretic’s Guide to the Bible,” my subscription blog, also found here on Patheos. Click the banners at the top or bottom of this piece to learn more about the Heretic’s Guide community.) When I got to college, I was [...]

Non-Asian Asians, Barack’s Bobbles & the NSA (HBCultureCast)

This week, as the rest of the country swelters, the CultureCast crew complain about the cool, overcast weather in Portland. Hey, everybody has to gripe about something, right? Our guest for the episode is Bruce Reyes-Chow, returning to the show for another go-round. This time he discusses his new book, “But I Don’t See You As [...]

Church Sign Epic Fails, “He Touched Me” Edition

We’ve all said those things that we wish we could take back right after we said them. Now, imagine that thing being posted on a church sign, photographed and shared on the internet…yeah.

Time to Admit It: We’re All Gay

 I was disappointed, although not entirely surprised, when the Southern Baptist Convention resolved to withdraw its support of the Boy Scouts because of their recent affirmation of the inclusion of children regardless of their sexual orientation.  Although the resolution is nonbinding for congregations, as is the policy of Baptist governance, 108,000 Boy Scouts currently sponsored [...]

Frank Schaeffer, Arrested Development & the Red Wedding (HBCultureCast)

This week we welcome the great Frank Schaeffer to discuss modern art, the fight against human trafficking, and why we aren’t outraged about tech companies Frank compares to “modern day slave ships.” It’s an illuminating discussion, and it goes long because everything Frank was saying was awesome. Later, Amy is afraid of drowning, so none [...]

I love technology. I hate technology.

I have been dealing with  some repetitive stress issues in my hands lately. There are many days in a week when I will type consistently at a keyboard for anywhere between five and nine hours a day. It is a blessing and a curse at the same time, because while I get a good amount [...]

Nature’s Elegant Geometry: Signs of God?

Amy and I try to take Mondays off together. It’s our only time without kids but with each other and few job demands looking over us. Yesterday after lunch on the east side of Portland, we decided to check out the famous Rose Gardens near Washington Park. We had heard a lot about them but [...]