Recent Posts
Doodle: If Anyone Aspires to the Office of Bishop
In Prince Caspian, Aslan asks the eponymous prince if he feels that he’s ready to become the king of Narnia. Caspian’s reply is marked by hesitation. “I don’t think I...
Fridays with Fred: Cancel Culture
What frightens you? In general, children have readier answers to that question than adults. They’re able to list the things that cause them dread. Adults, on the other hand, not...
How Persevering in Greek Equips You for the Christian Life
At the outset of this year I started lecturing at a theological college. This was something I’ve longed to do since completing my own studies, many moons ago. Considering my...
John Ames' Advice Against Defensiveness
Good advice is gold. That is, it’s as rare as it is precious. Unfortunately, the church is often a sanctuary for bad advice. In the same way that fugitives of...
A Guide to Good Writing for Those Who Can't Write Good
One of the characters in Marilynne Robinson’s Home describes preaching as, “parsing the broken heart of humankind and praising the loving heart of Christ.” I’ve often considered this a fitting...
Biblical Narratives: Some Comments on Structure, Themes, and Sermons
Towards the end of last year I wrote an article arguing that most biblical narratives don’t have a main point. I was grateful to those readers who raised questions and...
It Is Such a Secret Place, the Land of Tears
“I did not know how to reach him, where to catch up with him. It is such a secret place, the land of tears.”
Church Size: Six Theses
A friend once left a note on my desk, in jest, saying: “Get over your big church issues.” While my critics might have phrased it differently, my writing on the...
