Monthly Archives: March 2005

The headline of this CBS news item”Science Unlocks Biblical Secrets” sound more impressive than the actual news reported therein. An Israeli found a couple of small silver scrolls that have the Priestly benediction of Number 6 written on them. Now … Continue reading →

In an email discussion group about the theology of Tom Wright issues of Justification and Ecclesial Legitimacy have been some recent topics. I see a connection between the two in Wright’s approach and wrote what is below: Some Orthodox (I … Continue reading →

Charles Taylor is one of my favorite philosophers. I find his Sources of the Self and volumes of philosophical papers (one, two and three) to be very helpful in understanding the rise of modernity and the transition to postmodernity. I … Continue reading →

Almost everyone has an opinion about the Terri Schiavo case. I’m delayed commenting for a long time, but here are some observations and things to consider. I know no one who wants to be fed by a feeding tube. Yet … Continue reading →

First United Methodist Church Sanctuary: 1905 – 2005 If we are to understand the building of our current sanctuary, 1888 is a good starting point. In that year Rev. J.A. Wyatt was the pastor. The church was growing rapidly, so … Continue reading →

I’m a slow learner. Since the early 1980s I’ve been writing letters to my representatives about Social Security. Even back in the olden days I was doubtful of its future efficacy. Inevitably the responses I got pooh-poohed my concerns, saying … Continue reading →

Texas City has never been on the list of places I’d want to live. Though we need the chemicals produced in that region (the chemical plants stretch from Texas City up the Houston Ship Channel quite a ways), the pollution … Continue reading →

Here are the NT occurrences of the noun “baptism” and the verb “baptize.” Obviously by listing the word and its congnates alone, I don’t list every occurrence of the concept. Also, I did my search in the Greek text, so … Continue reading →

For some years Methodists have – for good or ill – led American culture. Methodists were the first denomination to officially recognize the new US government. Methodists split over slavery 17 yeras before the country did – rehearsing many of … Continue reading →

In my years of pastoring I have sometimes looked at my congregation and wished that I had so-and-so (or someone like so-and-so) in my congregation. I’d see people like that in other churches, in my reading, or in my imagination … Continue reading →