So, in previous posts (one and two), I have attempted to answer what makes Lutherans different, and why I am a Lutheran. This is the last (intended) post on this topic, and it is actually the answer to the original question that started it all, from a reader who asked what the difference was between … Continue reading The Lutheran Difference, Part 3
I don't know if you go to a church that recognizes Ash Wednesday, or if you go to church at all, but I want to urge you to find a church that practices the imposition of ashes and go to it on Wednesday night (2/26/20). It may seem like "a Catholic thing," but it's not. … Continue reading Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust
In a previous post, I began exploring the question of why I am Lutheran, particularly with all of the choices out there among Christian denominations. While there are differences among Lutherans (a topic which I will explore in a future post), let's take a look at what makes Lutheranism in general different from other Christian … Continue reading The Lutheran Difference, Part 2
In a previous post, I began exploring the question of what makes Lutheranism different from other Christian denominations, and why that is appealing to me. I think it's especially interesting to people because I have spent time studying and teaching about religion and theology, and because I have spent time worshiping at and with many … Continue reading A Tangent: Denominationalism
You probably don't think of yourself as a theologian. After all, you aren't some crazy-haired, old university professor in a tweed jacket with elbow patches and a pipe, sitting in a mahogany office filled with dusty old volumes written by dead guys, postulating on the metaphysical and epistemological essence of the existence of deity, right? … Continue reading Dirty Words: Theology, Doctrine & Dogma, Oh My!
My life journey to this point has taken a circuitous route through the Christian Church. My wife and I, having come from very different denominational backgrounds, have attended just about every Christian denomination (and non-denomination) under the sun. So how did we end up in the Lutheran church, with me as a Lutheran pastor? Good … Continue reading What & Why: Lutherans, Part 1
In the first of a new series on this Blog, I want to take a look at words that have negative baggage associated with them, even though they are actually really good things. These are words people hear - and their noses immediately scrunch up as though a bad smell has suddenly entered the area. … Continue reading Dirty Words: Religion
At some point, while watching the History Channel, talking to friends or browsing social media, you are bound to come across a familiar refrain: "Christmas isn’t Christian! Jesus was born in the summer! December 25th was stolen from the Egyptians/Babylonians/Romans! Christmas trees are pagan! Santa is an anagram of Satan!" And once again, it's not … Continue reading Christmas Is Most Definitely NOT Pagan
The church year begins with the season of Advent, which we are in now. Advent is the season of Christmas carols, Christmas shopping, Christmas decorating and Christmas parties. But the most recognizable part of Advent, apart from the Advent wreath, is the Advent Calendar, which counts down to Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus. … Continue reading Advent… of What?
Wait, what's a liturgy? If you haven't already read this, it might help to start there and then come back. Liturgy might be an intimidatingly churchy word, but it just refers to the order of the service. It is from the Greek word leitourgia, which comes from the words leitos (public) and ergos (working). So … Continue reading A Walk Through The Liturgy
