Bryan Berghoef's Blog, page 2
February 25, 2016
Why I Can’t Agree to Disagree
The Gospel Coalition posted a piece today asking whether or not Christians can “agree to disagree” on the issue of homosexuality and marriage. I deeply understand the desire for unity in the church and share it myself. I have quite a few friends who hold to a conservative view on these matters. I disagree with them, but that doesn’t mean we can’t or don’t have a relationship. But can we be in the same worshiping body? That is another question.
I am inclined to not want to “agree to disagree”...
February 19, 2016
A Revolutionary Love for All People
Michelle Alexander: "We need much more than a political revolution; we also need a moral, cultural, and spiritual revolution -- an awakening to the dignity and value of each and every one of us no matter who we are, where we came from, or what we've done.
We saw this revolutionary spirit on the streets of Ferguson, Baltimore and beyond when signs were held high saying "Black Lives Matter" even as tear gas flowed. We saw this revolutionary spirit when undocumented students literally risked ev...
February 12, 2016
On Restraint
Sitting in this vast, austere setting, with the wind blowing harshly outside, and pew after pew of darkly clad worshippers stretching out in front of me, it was easy to get into the spirit of “sparing.” I felt ready to abandon all extravagance for the next 40 days. Ready to swear off dessert and good wine. Ready to speak only when needed. To limit my too-frequent (and ill-fated) attempts at humor.
The post On Restraint appeared first on Pub Theologian.
December 30, 2015
The Parable of the Ten Servants
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten servants who went out to meet their master. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took no weapons nor did they take any means of defense with them. The wise ones, however, took care to bring swords along with their concealed knives. The master was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
The post The Parable of the Ten Servants appeared first on Pub Theologian.
September 25, 2015
Say My Name
Pope Francis is being widely hailed for his historic appearance before a joint session of Congress yesterday. But some are taking him to task for one glaring omission: he didn’t say the name of Jesus.
A professor of moral theology at Calvin Theological Seminary noted the “pope did not find it necessary to name the name of Jesus when he addressed Congress yesterday.” Perhaps an oversight? Like, hey, I’m the vicar of you-know-who on earth. Did I forget to mention him?
Perhaps such an oversight...
September 24, 2015
Pope Economist
How can anyone take Pope Francis seriously about economics? What does he know about it?! I mean, listen to this “social justice” nonsense from his speech today.
The post Pope Economist appeared first on Pub Theologian.
September 7, 2015
A Parable for Labor Day
Once upon a time, a billionaire company owner decided to take an extravagant business vacation with some of his friends in politics and finance. To test his lowest-paid employees, he put three of them in charge of parts of the operation. He gave the first new manager $2 million, the second $800,000 and the third $400,000 to improve the company.
"Do well and you shall be rewarded," he promised.
The post A Parable for Labor Day appeared first on Pub Theologian.
September 2, 2015
A Few Christian Objections
Reflections on the Kim Davis situation by Chris Lubbers
How about I, Jane Christian, refuse to issue a license plate for any car (or a license to any car driver) because of a Christian objection to unnecessary pollution? Sorry. Not on my watch. Efficient public transportation only.
I also refuse to grant a building permit to WalMart, or a Citibank, or a payday lender, because of my Christian objection to exploiting the poor. And no permits supporting any gentrification process. "Blessed are t...
August 28, 2015
Our Best Life Now
Focusing on how we can better ourselves is a popular industry these days. Best selling books often focus on self-improvement, on self-image, on increasing wealth. There is even a niche within Christianity called the “prosperity Gospel” or the “health and wealth movement.”
If you do X, God will bless you with Y.
A simple formula. Enticing, even.
I wonder, then, if Joel Osteen is almost on to something. No really. Hear me out.
The post Our Best Life Now appeared first on Pub Theologian.
June 26, 2015
Ecstatic about SCOTUS, but it took awhile
20 years ago I would have been among those who believe today's SCOTUS ruling signals the moral and spiritual decay of American society - a sign of the end times.
15 years ago I still thought homosexuality was a sin, but no worse than any others, and didn't think Christians should be making such a big deal about it. Also, my political views had shifted and I no longer believed it was right for religious people to impose our morality on society by opposing equal rights for gay people.
The post...
