“Do you not know that I have authority to release you?” The exasperated words of a politician to a man whose life hung in the balance.   The politician couldn’t get a handle on the guy.  Normally the politician was in control, normally he was able to intimidate with his authority, normally the person across from … Continue reading Claire Underwood, Jesus of Nazareth, Michael Corrigan and Pontius Pilate walk into a bar… →

With the decline in membership since the 1960s in mainline Protestant churches as well as in conservative evangelical churches many are now seeking answers to the “why” of the said decline.  There appears to be a sense of panic amongst church leaders and members as the prospect of closing the church doors becomes more and … Continue reading Where Have All The Youth Gone? →

I have to confess to you that my life was simpler before my daughter Emma arrived. Holding to a schedule was easier.  It was easier to get work done around the house or to go somewhere at the drop of a hat and evenings at home were a lot more relaxing.  I could leave work … Continue reading Emma’s Sanctifying Effect →

The picture to the right is the logo of the band Bad Religion.  I must tell you that this used to offend me, but not anymore.  In fact, I must confess that I resonate with it.  Now your immediate response may be shock and bewilderment given the fact that I am pastor, but let me … Continue reading Bad Religion? →

A few days ago I read an article written by a guy who had been shot (you can check it out here http://www.salon.com/2013/08/19/what_i_learned_from_getting_shot/).  What was great about this article is that this man who had been shot did not seek to respond by changing his views on guns and gun control or on those who … Continue reading Do We Know Why We Do What We Do? →

In my office there hangs on the wall two framed icons of Jesus and a Christus Victor Cross.  The two icons pictured feature a fairly stoic and clean Jesus.  On the Cross hangs a Jesus with an emotionless face wearing a crown as well as a chasuble and stole.  The Jesus of these pieces of … Continue reading The Human Being? →

On Friday night I walked down the Bowery for the first time in years.  It has changed a lot since I was a teenager.  It has changed a lot since before I was even born.  It is now prime Manhattan real estate.  Weird.  Gone are the empty storefronts, gone are the homeless derelicts, gone are … Continue reading Things Come and Go →

Author's Note: I preached this sermon for Sanctity of Life Sunday and thought I'd post it given the positive feedback I had received.  Enjoy! Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday which means that I am going to talk about abortion. I have to confess to you that I find preaching or writing on the topic of … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be Pro-LIfe? →

I am a firm believer that if one really wants to grow in their understanding of Jesus of Nazareth, of His Gospel and message, he or she should make it a point to spend time with the poor and the marginalized.  And I don't mean just simply giving them food and being nice, but I … Continue reading Devouring the Widow’s Story →