Politics and faith are often discouraged in the same sentence. Yet in times of political change and social division, many people are caught up in the zeal and fervor of candidates and elections. Yard signs sprout like weeds, social media feeds become battlegrounds, and conversations with friends and family teeter on the edge of divisiveness. […]
Christians and Halloween: Truth, Traditions, and a Biblical Response
This post was originally published in October 2015, and updated September 29, 2024. As followers of Jesus, understanding the truth about Halloween is crucial before deciding how to respond. Every October, Christians and Halloween come face-to face. Some believers eagerly join in the fun, while others lock their doors and turn off their porch lights. […]
Speaking Truth: Navigating Change and Current Events at STML
Change is difficult. Resisting change is dangerous. During a sabbatical which was engulfed in ministry and life transition, one question kept coming to mind. Why do I do the things that I do? Within that self-reflection, I asked, “Why have I persevered in speaking truth at Simple Theology, Messy Life since 2015?” Where Are They […]
Absent: Leaving Social Media
As I have been taking some time to pray about and contemplate how to write to you about the letters to the 7 churches in Revelation, among other subjects, I’ve also been working behind the scenes on things concerning my website and it’s impact on you. I have been in the process of leaving social […]
The Politics of Unity and Division
This post was originally published on April 16, 2016 and has been updated on May 21, 2025. “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” -Jesus, Luke 12:51 In 2016, what feels like a lifetime ago by now, I was listening to the news […]
How to Vent Without Creating Agonizing Resent
Don’t get caught up in the things that are distracting the world from what’s ultimately important, that being Christ crucified and resurrected. And if you have to speak your mind, learn to vent without resent! Ever have those days where things just rub you the wrong way? The news, friends, co-workers, your Facebook stream. I admit […]
