Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 103

Too Much of a Good Thing?

I sometimes feel like Christians are obsessed. It’s not like they’re obsessed with something bad exactly, but isn’t is possible that obsession is problematic regardless of whatever it is you’re obsessed with? I’ve been a part of a number of churches and worked in numerous Christian organizations. For that matter, I’m a pastor’s kid, so […]

God and Drive

I once was talking to a pastor about his work habits. It sort of came around to a question of what drove him, and he commented, “I don’t want to get to heaven and have God say to me [in an exasperated voice], ‘What were you doing?’” I’ve thought about his comment many times over […]

Theory and Practice in the Spiritual Life

I’m a student. I have been for… let’s see… 2/3 of my life. I am officially horrified to see that fraction.  I like to think that I’m an unusual student in some ways, or at least that I have been for the past decade or so because certain aspects of academia have really come to […]

Do We See Sin Realistically?

Last month, Jason Collins, NBA ball player announced that he is gay. The media caught it, and there were responses that hit near the extremes of both sides of the spectrum. Some hailed him as a hero for being the first active player to come out. Others, often Christians, pointed to it as further evidence […]

Following the Signs

In Alcoholics Anonymous, they teach that you’re most likely to fall off the wagon when something is amiss. “Remember HALT,” they say, “and never let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. When you’re in one of those states, recognize it and take steps to do something about it before you slip up. I […]

Lessons from Milton – Stop Saying Nothing

Have you ever seen the movie, Office Space? It’s not a great movie, though it definitely has its funny moments and ideas. One of the odd things that popped into my head recently was the character, Milton, played pretty hysterically by Stephen Root. Milton is a man for whom nothing seems to go right. Turns [...]

The Easy Way

I’ve always been sensitive to being fed things that simply aren’t true. Since my wife was diagnosed with cancer and been going through chemotherapy, I’ve been particularly sensitive to “Cancer can be cured/staved off with these simple foods/exercises/processes/tricks/whatever. Big Name Doctor/Hospital/University/Celebrity said so!” Every time I see another one of these, it just makes me [...]

Link: It’s All About MEEEEEEEEE!

Some reflections on the evangelical world based on a book about the increase of narcissism in American culture. I’m half inclined to run right out and grab this book and half inclined to run the opposite direction for fear that it will cause me to weep uncontrollably. But here, ladies and gentlemen, have just a [...]

Fear of Fear

Years ago, when the Harry Potter series had reached its fever pitch, I figured I’d pick them up to see what all the hullabaloo was about. Truth be told, I haven’t quite figured out why they have inspired such a furious backlash or a fanatic following. But my intention isn’t to review the books here. [...]

The Past is Not the Past

There are certain people who, when any sort of suffering from the past comes up in conversation, will offer advice like, “Well, the past is the past,”  ”But that was then, and now you’ve got to just move on,” or “You can’t keep dwelling on the past.” There is a kernel of truth to this. [...]