Rage for Theology!

Rage for Theology!

Funeral for a Friend: Zach Arnold

I’m still angry about it. There are times where I get to thinking about him, what he accomplished, what he had yet to accomplish, and I just want to tear my clothes, punch a wall. Question whatever higher power there is about why take him, what was the point. It feels senseless and cruel.

I tell myself there’s a reason behind it. Some sort of grand plan. But there are those moments where “There is a reason” shifts into “There better be a reason, and a damn good one.”

Overall, I just don’t understand. And maybe I never will…..

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Rage for Theology!

Two Churches

I see two churches. I see a church fresh and new – a honeymoon between God and God’s people.  Healing and wonders and signs are everywhere around them.  It’s as if everyday, every moment together is a blessing.  They hear the voice of God in everything they do, reminding them that they are chosen, beloved, important.  They give to each other with abandon, trusting that their resources are going to the greater good.  They pray together, eat together, study together, party together.  They are excited about the future, inviting everyone around them to be a part of this amazing thing that’s happening to them – this great purpose to serve God and serve the world.  This is a church with a mission.

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Rage for Theology!

Hunger Games: To Fast or Not to Fast

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  Matthew 6:16-18

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Rage for Theology!

Love Trumps Doctrine

For you “love the sinner, hate the sin” kind of Christians, let me remind you what love looks like.  Love looks like welcome.  It looks like hands-on care.  It looks like kindness without expectation of return.  You cannot love people and at the same time keep them at arms’ length.  Love requires vulnerability and openness.  Love gets messy and isn’t always comfortable.  Love can only manifest in relationship. Love does not and will never look like exclusion.

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