We take the first step in the direction of the kind of righteousness that outshines and outstrips its faux versions when we decline to pigeonhole people in conveniently labeled boxes and begin to love them based on our commonality. “The opposite of Othering is not saming,’” says John A. Powell, “it is belonging. And belonging …
The “Rhodium” Rule
Though commonly known as the “Golden Rule,” I suggest it’s more like Rhodium (ˈRōdēəm), the rarest of metals on the planet. Though I doubt my idea will catch on, my point is that the actual practice of Jesus’ rule is as rare as rhodium. You have to look high and low to excavate even the …
A Thank You Letter to Donald Trump for Helping Me Be a Better Christian (Part 2 of 3)
Dear Mr. President, In my first letter I began thanking you for some of the ways you’ve been helping me tunnel deeper into God’s love and purpose for me. I hope you’re encouraged to know that your amoral lifestyle is strengthening the moral fabric of at least one U.S. citizen. Though I assume the same …
Better Chain or Gentler Dog?
I recently visited an old friend who lives way out at the end of a Northern California country road. As I got out of my car and approached his house I noticed an enormous Saint Bernard sitting in the shade of a great old oak tree. More importantly, I noticed him noticing me. As they …
A Thank You Letter to Donald Trump for Helping Me Be a Better Christian (Part 1 of 3)
The Bible isn’t just a collection of biographical sketches of spiritual heroes. Some of the stories are in there to warn us about the consequences of persistent bad behavior. The narratives of people like King Saul, the prophet Jonah, the Apostle Peter, and most glaring of all, Judas the betrayer, all declare the message: “Don’t …
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