Dear John, A “Dear John” letter usually has an unhappy ending. I hope that will not be the case here today. I am writing in response to the public comments you have made about deconstruction. Often times, especially in Evangelical Christianity, we fear what don’t fully understand. I appreciate how you explained the whole “declaring war” statements that you have made publicly. It showed a Christlike humility. I have written and published two books about deconstruction, and while I am no... Read more

One day, centuries from now, history will call the early 21st Century the Era of Misinformation. History has a way of repeating itself, and our modern age of believing that, “It’s on the internet, so it must be true.” Meanwhile our culture is forgetting how to think for itself. Paulo Freire’ is a personal hero of mine. Born into poverty in Recife, Brazil in 1921, he grew up realizing that the oppression of his government created a culture of illiteracy... Read more

Guest post today by one of my favorite writers, Jana Greene, of The Beggars Bakery. Recipe for Spiritual Reconstruction: Take one lifetime of Old Time Religion. Stir in two cups of Fear-Based Theology. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp of unintentional judginess, three tbsp of Obviously I’m Right, work through dough. Add additional The Bible CLEARLY Says! to taste. While religious “dough” is trying to rise, but just kind of petering out, prepare in a shofar – I mean BOWL: Two cups... Read more

God describes himself as patient, kind, gracious, and merciful nine times in the Old Testament. He also describes himself as one who, “relents from doing harm.” How many times have you and I imagined God as this cosmic stepfather who is just waiting for us to screw up so he can smite us down? Fundamental conservatives love to draw attention to the wrath of God, particularly in these “last days” that they love to talk about among themselves. From my... Read more

Hello. My name is Todd. I’m a man. A human male. In the 21st century. I have watched you for many years. When I was a boy, I was fascinated by Gloria Steinem and the whole “Women’s Lib” movement. I remember hearing the men in our family dismiss the movement saying things like, “We let them vote…what else do they need?” I have watched you graduate college and take on the 80-hour workweek while getting your kids to school and soccer... Read more

Do you ever feel worthless? Do you feel like no one notices you? Walk outside today. Do you hear the birds singing? They are doing that just for you. Take a walk. Do you see the wind-blown flower petals on the ground? They were placed there just for you to walk on. Ever seen a butterfly? They are there to remind you that your cocoon of defeat is not permanent. You can and will become more. You’re not worthless or... Read more

Years ago, when I was in seminary, I came home from class to change clothes for my security job. I walked in looking for my children. I wanted to make sure I kissed everybody goodbye since they would all be asleep when I got home. I looked outside and didn’t see them. My son Cody, aged four at the time, rode up on his bike. I hugged him and asked him, “Where are your sisters?” He shrugged his shoulders. I... Read more

As we reconstruct our faith, I believe it is essential to spend some time with authentic fear and understand how it can work against us as we seek to evolve and grow spiritually through reconstruction. Let’s look at two misunderstood verses that deal with fear. Ecclesiastes 12:13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. In this verse, the word fear is... Read more

Most of us are afraid of something. I have a crippling fear of heights. I think my fear is more of falling from great heights than the height itself. I have no idea when or why this fear manifested. Another fear of mine is losing control. I have a neurotic need to be in control of my faculties and surroundings. It’s regulated now…mostly. Have you ever stopped to think about why you fear certain people, places, or things? Is it... Read more

Koinonia is commonly defined as fellowship. This fellowship is with God but more commonly with other believers. In the twenty-first century the word fellowship is associated with spending time with others. You can have a Sunday School fellowship, which is usually a potluck dinner  in someone’s home. There are usually games and lots of laughter. Fellowship could be a night at the bowling alley. Laughter, conversation, maybe a beer and a hot dog, and even a little harmless competition can... Read more