Dennis Sanders
The prosperity gospel in black and white
Last winter, I wrote a somewhat contrarian blog post on the prosperity gospel. I never did endorse it, but I was trying to talk about the fact that for those on the lower economic margins that happen to think about money, they are more willing to talk about finances and how this relates to their walk with God.
Fumbling toward hope
In June 2012, my Uncle David died. Years of diabetes caused his body to wear out. He was 60 years old.
For my mother, who was 20 years David's senior, the news was devastating. She was supposed to be the one who died first, not her baby brother.
Sunday, November 9, 2014: Matthew 25:1-13
I understand the story better now than when I was I kid, but I still have the feeling that the foolish virgins were framed.
Because I'm happy?
If you happen to read the Message translation of Matthew’s beatitudes, you’ll notice that instead of saying “blessed” the word is “happy.”
The pastor with broken wings
One of the things that any pastor of a congregation has to do is visit people where they live. The church I serve has a number of folks who are either in nursing homes or assisted living.
Some pastors love visiting with people.
The caveman and the pastor
Sometimes it seems like an oxymoron to be a leader and autistic.
...These aren't the evangelicals you're looking for
A few years ago, I was invited by a Lutheran friend of mine to take part in a group of church planters. I knew these folk came from an evangelical background, and my shields went up....
Ignoring Kermit Gosnell
Like a lot of folks, I’ve been following the whole story on the role of the media concerning abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell. There’s a lot to be said about media ethics and double standards.
...Resistance is futile
Anyone who is familiar with Star Trek knows about the Borg, a seemingly soulless race of cyborgs. The Borg’s main task is to assimilate other species and bring them into the Collective. Science fiction geeks everywhere know the Borg’s catchphrase: “Resistance is futile.”
Resistance is futile. Jesus is sitting around talking to a crowd when some Pharisees come by. Looking agitated, they make their way to Jesus.
Fusing justice and holiness: Ministry in the 21st century
"Progressive Christians do a good job with issues like LGBT rights," says Dennis Sanders of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Minneapolis. "But we're less good at helping people become disciples of Jesus."
Theology and same-sex marriage
In a few weeks, my partner Daniel and I will celebrate five years of marriage. Since we live in Minnesota, where same-sex marriage is not legal, it was not something recognized by the state....