During a brief social media hiatus I enjoyed one of my favorite pastimes. I spent time with a two year old. We drew rainbows in the sand.
Author: Hermit Preacher
Always reading a book that is older than I am
One Reason I Never Canceled Worship
A lot of people either don’t grow up with church or live only on its fringes. They do not understand our customs. They do not know what goes on inside our walls. They only know that we are there, and they imagine we will be there should they ever decide they need us.
UMC Separation Primer 2: It’s About Elephants
Continue reading “UMC Separation Primer 2: It’s About Elephants”
Screenshots for UMC Primer 2
UMC Separation Primer: It’s Not About Cats or Sex
(24 March 2022 — This essay was originally posted as part 1 of 2. Documentation for this post is found on this site in UMC Separation Primer part 2: It’s About Elephants)
If you are just tuning in to the UMC separation discussions then here is a quick primer. This is for those who are likely in the traditional/evangelical/orthodox alliance of the United Methodist Church (even though you may not be sure what those terms mean). First thing you need to know is it is not about cats or sex.
Continue reading “UMC Separation Primer: It’s Not About Cats or Sex”
UMC Protocol: Just Do the Right Thing
I am hopefully awaiting Chris Ritter’s third article on Timelines, Tensions, and the Separation Protocol. Perhaps it will pull a rabbit out a hat. Until then, I offer this.
Just do the right thing.
UMC Protocol:That’s Still Lucy Holding the Football
I want to support the Protocol. It is the best of available options, but when it comes to protections for the local church it is seriously lacking. It relies on our institutions implementing it in good faith and as intended. Unless this fatal flaw is addressed then completing the Traditional Plan is the only option when dealing with noncompliant and corrupt institutions.
Continue reading “UMC Protocol:That’s Still Lucy Holding the Football”
Killing in Self-defense: It’s a given—except when it isn’t
(For other reflections on the sanctity of life refer to the home page for the series Everybody Wants to Kill Somebody)
My wife and I raised eight girls through their teenage years. I impressed upon more than one young man that Christianity is not an altogether non-violent religion. There are occasions where we are permitted—even expected—to use reasonable and proportionate force when necessary to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and anyone else in our vicinity who is threatened by a strong and unjust power. Continue reading “Killing in Self-defense: It’s a given—except when it isn’t”
Seventy-Seven and Counting
A lot of very bad advice is being offered to preacher’s on how to address forgiveness this Sunday. Of all days, this is a problem on World Communion Sunday. I offer this old sermon for what it’s worth. Continue reading “Seventy-Seven and Counting”
Hermit Preacher 