united states – Engaging Scripture

The conflicted history of American freedom – Jubilee, Preview

What one word comes to mind when you think of the United States of America? As I consider the past 250+ years since our nation’s founding, I propose that the one word that most defines our national project is “freedom.” Consider this famous line from one of our nation’s most important founding documents, the DeclarationContinue reading “The conflicted history of American freedom – Jubilee, Preview”

Struggling with war and peace – Boots of Peace, Preview

With war raging in Ukraine, Israel, and Myanmar, I wondered how many wars are happening across the globe right now as I write in fall 2023. One tracker I found lists 32 countries currently involved in war, and my country, the USA, is not one of them. Of those wars, 18 are terrorist wars, 9Continue reading “Struggling with war and peace – Boots of Peace, Preview”

My American flag experiment – Mark 11, Part 1

I did a little experiment this past fall. It was a sociological and theological experiment. At first, I didn’t tell anyone about this experiment. Not even my wife. I knew that if I told her, the experiment would be shut down fast. To introduce the experiment, I have a question for you. How many of youContinue reading “My American flag experiment – Mark 11, Part 1”

Is the American melting pot disastrous for Christians? – Characters: Daniel, Part 1

In February 1887 President Grover Cleveland signed into law the Dawes Act which sought to assimilate Native Americans into the culture of the United States. It didn’t go well. Indians ended up losing 62% of the land they held before 1887. There remains much debate about how much people should assimilate into American culture. ForContinue reading “Is the American melting pot disastrous for Christians? – Characters: Daniel, Part 1”

Why I’m talking about the election this Sunday

This may be the most stupid preaching decision I’ve ever made. This coming Sunday as we continue our series, Life in These United States, I’m talking about government. And with only a few weeks left until our general election, I need to talk about politics. My tag line for the sermon series has been “We’reContinue reading “Why I’m talking about the election this Sunday”