Luke

For Sharon Baker, theological consistency is essential, because “our perception of God influences how we behave.”

Betsy had always worked across interfaith lines. She didn’t expect there would be any problems with her message in the congregation.

The Transfiguration has a hundred sermons in it. But to me the most touching element is the subplot.

Vivaldi wrote his Magnificat for a choir of female orphans to sing for their supper. They were truly singing Mary's song.

If temptation were all about blatant wrongdoing, it would be far easier to avoid.

Jesus’ transfiguration is a mystery that defies a straightforward explanation. I find that instead of clarifying anything about his unique nature, it only adds more confusion.

I don't usually write about preaching or about specific Revised Common Lectionary texts, since that's well covered elsewhere on the site by people more qualified than I. This is just a quick note motivated by the fact that this Sunday's Gospel reading is the subject of one of the more startling RCL factoids that came up when I was reporting my fall article on alternate lectionaries.

I grew up in Southern Baptist congregations. By the time I left high school I knew the four steps to salvation and the meaning of Jesus’ sacrificial death as a substitutionary atonement for my sins. I could articulate this understanding of salvation in clear and simple terms. Within the metanarrative of evangelical Christianity it made perfect sense and was logically coherent.

Then my fundamentalism began to unravel. 

It's easy to love Mr. C. It's not as easy to love Mrs. M., and it’s stone-cold not easy to love that guy down the street.

This week my Century lectionary column focused on the text from Luke. Here are several threads I found useful but could not weave into the final piece.

This week my Century lectionary column focused on the text from Luke. Here are several threads I found useful but could not weave into the final piece.

This week my Century lectionary column focused on the text from Luke. Here are several threads I found useful but could not weave into the final piece.