Last week one of Phil Cooke’s blogs contained a radical thought – that Communication is a TWO way conversation.  His point was that today’s tech driven interactive culture is much more in tune with the worship experience of first century Christians.  What was it like to “do church” back in that day? (continue reading…)

Last week Skot Welch and I found out about candidate (Republican 2nd congressional district) Jay Riemersma’s position on the DREAM Act – Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors.  What follows is an open letter to Mr. Riermersma and a call for him to substantiate his view of  immigration reform and the real challenges on our southern border.

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Occasionally I respond to ‘The Detroit Blog’ managed by a group of writers from Time Inc. that is all about attempts to save a city which is by all accounts on life support.  What follows is my response to a post called “A Weakening Pulse” – about the need for one consistent message that focuses everyone.  I begin by quoting blooger Karen Dybis about how urgent this message needs to be. (continue reading…)

With the passage of the health care reform bill, the devolution of national political dialog seemed to take an ugly turn.  Republicans in full battle mode with their lovable street fighting partners – the tea partiers – caused some really scary moments; like spitting, racial epithets and death threats all directed at Democrats who voted for the bill.  In an atmosphere and environment far worse than high school – you wonder if someone will take responsibility and put an end to it – so far no one has.

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With a swastika in one hand and a hammer and cycle flag in the other, Glen Beck was determined to give you the advice you had to have.  “I beg you,” he said. “Look for the words ’social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site.  If you find it, run as fast as you can.”  Be afraid, be very afraid of that creepy socialism coming at you in that place you thought was safe – your church!  WOW!  Hard to imagine just how completely unhinged this man is from the Bible and his own humanity.

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As Skot Welch and I prepare for our weekly radio show, we sort and skim our way through 70-80 topically related articles per week.  Most of them (blogs and mainstream sources) are not very well written and many miss the mark completely as America still continues to struggle through a mature and meaningful conversation about race.  Occasionally something will hit the e-mail in box that pierces the continual fog of white denial and makes it all worth it. (continue reading…)

By now most of us know what Nevada Senator Harry Reid said last week in a private pre-election comment in 2008 – calling Barack Obama “light skinned with no negro dialect unless he wants one,” (”Game Change.”)  The result was a fire storm of political and emotional rhetoric that produced charges and counter charges.  The comments were either racist or they had nothing to do with race and Reid should step down or he should stay where he is.  What’s really at work here?  Race is a an essential conversation but apparently we lack the language skills to have it. (continue reading…)

One of our Christian colleges is convening a panel discussion in February about the moral and ethical side of our current economic challenges.  The specific topic – “West Michigan’s role in avoiding the next fiscal crisis,” will examine “the connection between economics and morality,” “what moral/ethical trends need to occur to sustain improvement” and “how west Michigan can emerge as an economic moral agent.”  I’m not an economist but I think we’re missing something here.

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Tis the season to be reflective and this is my last shot at yawl in 2009.  I didn’t want to bore you silly with a lot of resolutions that none of us ever keep.  So – let me share in the coming year what – from my perspective – really counts, things that really matter. (continue reading…)

Here they are again – those sights and sounds that are so familiar, traditional, ‘normal.’  “It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the happiest season of all,” sings Andy Williams as we walk through the mall looking at white Santa.  Then there’s the manger scenes with white baby Jesus (it must have been hard to hid this child in Egypt)!  It’s all here – white Santa, White Jesus – all a part of the dream and imagery of white Christmas.  Is this everyone’s dream?  Are we unintentionally leaving people out? (continue reading…)