Author Archives: Richard Heyduck

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About Richard Heyduck

Pastor of Hardy Memorial Methodist Church, a Global Methodist Congregation. PhD Fuller Seminary MDiv Asbury Seminary BA Southwestern University

Understanding Leadership

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

Max DePree is widely quoted for saying, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.” If it is possible that DePree is correct, what can we make of this idea? Surely it is counterintuitive in relation to what … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Leadership, United Methodism | Leave a comment

Social Deviance

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

One of the courses offered at my undergraduate institution was in Social Deviance. I didn’t take the course, but had many friends who took it. Since I haven’t taken the course, what I say here is not based on any … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumerism, Culture, Ecclesiology | 1 Comment

Being Human

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

Once upon a time it was common to differentiate humans from the rest of creation by calling us “rational animals.” Animals differ from plants, minerals, fungi, bacteria, machines, etc., and in important ways our human differences are differences we share … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Education | Leave a comment

Downside of Demonizing

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

“Demonizing” our opponents can be great fun. When we demonize groups we offer reasons why any compromise or shared action must be ruled out before we begin. Knowing that over demonization is not politically correct, we never admit to it … Continue reading →

Posted in Alasdair MacIntyre, Clash of Civilizations, Diversity, Ecclesiology, Islam | Leave a comment

Henotheism for Christians?

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

I ask the henotheism question, guessing most Christians would reject polytheism without much thought. The Christian tradition has, in its development of the doctrine of the Trinity, sought to safeguard the monotheistic convictions so clearly proclaimed in the Old Testament. … Continue reading →

Posted in Current events, Friedrich Nietzsche, God, Nihilism, Violence | 1 Comment

Global Faith Forum

Posted on November 16, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

Last week I attended the Global Faith Forum in Keller, Texas. As a United Methodist, I’m part of a tradition that loves dialogue. We tend to be universalists, if not in theory, then in our ethos and our practice. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Clash of Civilizations, Culture, Evangelicalism, Evangelism, Friendship, Globalization, Islam | 2 Comments

Dissenting from Mr. Locke

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

Though he wrote over three hundred years ago, John Locke’s writing on toleration, and the relationship between church and state is still of great relevance in our culture. Consider this article on proposed legislation (from the executive branch – only … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Higher Education, Politics | Leave a comment

Fight, Flight or Engage – 2

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

But not everyone has been adequately tutored by Mr. Locke, not even all Christians – not even all American Christians. Some dare to question Locke when he speaks of toleration as “the chief characteristic mark of the true Church.” Others … Continue reading →

Posted in Jesus, Politics | Leave a comment

Fight, Flight, or Engage – 1

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

Where is my primary citizenship? Since I was born in the USA, have lived in the USA most of my life, currently live in the USA and have never been a citizen of any other nation state, the obvious answer … Continue reading →

Posted in Church & State, Clash of Civilizations, Politics | Leave a comment

Making a Difference

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Richard Heyduck

I haven’t been very regular in my posting lately. I observe that just as my last post begins with a quote from Stanley (Hauerwas), while this one will draw – partly – from a quote from another Stanley (Fish). In … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecclesiology, Ministry, Politics | 2 Comments