Confessions of a Seminarian

God’s Grace And The Army Chaplaincy

I’m currently at Fort Jackson, SC for Phase 1 of the U.S. Army’s Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course. I’ve settled into a daily rhythm of waking up at 4:30 to get to PT by 5:15. PT lasts until 6:45, and then I get to go back to my room and get ready for Chapel at 8:15. Between stuffing down some food, scrubbing that South Carolina grit off my skin, throwing on my uniform, and running out the door, I’ve been able to squeeze in 5-10 minutes of stillness and reflection every morning. Read more »

How Ironic

This Red vs Blue clip emphasizes how sometimes we use words that carry different meanings to different people. When we discuss heavy topics, we are often doing so with some very loaded terms. What are some terms that you have frequently seen misunderstood?

The “Country Club” Church Is Crap.

Say that ten times fast…

Danielle recently made a comment concerning a post comparing Jack Bauer of the TV Series 24 with Jesus Christ:

And I think there’s a comparison to the church in there. Because although the suspense is pretty cool (as in what will happen here on earth, as well as after we die), it is the human parts of the story that compel people to keep reading/listening/feeling/believing perhaps. And the church has been nothing if not revolutionary in history. Jesus’ story is a prime example.

It instantly reminded me of a couple quotes that generally make me want to pick up sword and shield to charge headlong into this cosmic revolution.  This is an axe I gring almost continually.  Having not grown up in the church, paradigm for what church should be is not as convoluted by tradition and/or fundamentalism.  I am perhaps more able to read how the church is portrayed in scripture without the baggage of moralistic rules and cultural taboos.  Of course, I do have other things that cloud my judgment, and there are people who have grown up in the church and are able to see through much of that.  But this is something that is particularly close to my heart because of my experiences.

For your reading pleasure, here are two of my favorite quotes Read more »

Risky Business: The “Self-Help” Gospel

A couple weeks ago, I attended a conference for small group leaders.  It was at a large well-known church, so I will omit names.  My hope is not to gossip, but make a vital point.  There was much to affirm about the training, but I had a frustrating experience fairly early that illustrated a theme that was rampant throughout the conference.

The first session, titled “Good Questions, Great Listening,” highlighted the importance of listening and asking questions in teaching.  So far so good.

I took my seat and listened as the speaker modeled this philosophy in his teaching by engaging the audience with questions.  However, as time went on I became increasingly worried that this session was not even Christian.

Was it heresy?  Not at all.  But it was strictly business.  The speaker did not include a single verse of scripture when the Bible has MUCH to say about showing love and respect in community. Here are some of the questions he asked the audience:
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