Monthly Archives: November 2014

For the Bride: The Key Distinction

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Steve Harper

Hermeneutics enables us to claim the key distinction necessary for fellowship–the distinction between doctrine and opinion–between what is primary and what is secondary.  Until we are willing to do this, we have little hope for charitable discourse, or a fully … Continue reading →

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Advent In-Sight: The Magi’s Window

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Steve Harper

It comes as a surprise to some to discover that astrologers were the first persons to be told that the King of the Jews was going to be born, and even more, that they saddled up (complete with valuable gifts) … Continue reading →

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Journey: Holy Evolution

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Steve Harper

Read:  “The Great Conversation” As we move from the Old Testament into the New Testament, McLaren wants us to make the transition realizing that “we make the road by walking” as a people whose experience is unfolding and maturing. As … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Special Report

Posted on November 22, 2014 by Steve Harper

Since last April, when I wrote ‘For the Sake of the Bride,’ I have read more on the subject of human sexuality than during any comparable period in my life.  Maybe it is the scholar in me, but I have … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: The God Window

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Steve Harper

Continuing our exploration of hermeneutics, we come to realize that our concept of God largely determines how we view the Christian message.  If we view God as essentially angry with us (even if it is righteous indignation), we will almost … Continue reading →

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In -Sight: Gratitude

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Steve Harper

I am not a fan of cliches, or bumper-sticker slogans.  But when I pay closer attention to them, I can see that they sometimes arise from, or point to, something larger.  And so it is this year as I see … Continue reading →

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Journey: The Stuff of Story

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Steve Harper

[Note:  I have realized that our meditations are not in sync with McLaren’s envisioned plan to read Chapter 14 the first week of Advent.  So, as a way to achieve that synchronization, I am skipping Chapters 9, 10, and 11–and … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Inevitable Vantage Points

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Steve Harper

Last week, I introduced the theme of hermeneutics–an indispensable topic if we are to understand the basis of our contemporary debate regarding human sexuality.. What hermeneutics rightly tells us is that the issue is not about who is “biblical,” but … Continue reading →

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Editorial: Capitulation to Culture

Posted on November 13, 2014 by Steve Harper

The oft-heard allegation by Conservatives, that Progressives are the ones who have capitulated to culture, can never be more than a half truth.  And when left unchallenged, it is a lie allowed to masquerade as the whole truth.  But the … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Fresh Voices (2)

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Steve Harper

Here are the fresh voices of men (historical and contemporary) who are guiding and helping me.  Again, feel free to use the comment feature to share those who are influencing you. Historical—Desert Fathers, Benedict of Nursia, Bernard of Clairvaux, St. … Continue reading →

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Journey: The Divine Reversal

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Steve Harper

Read: Rivalry or Reconciliation? We do not go far into the biblical narrative before we run into an essential truth–one that if missed will skew everything else: God does not operate on our terms.  When the fallen world is in … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Playing With Blocks

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Steve Harper

I grew up before Legos were around, but when I was a child, I had wooden blocks.  They came in different colors, with letters, numbers, animals, and symbols on the various sides.  It was easy to spend long amounts of … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Fresh Voices (1)

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Steve Harper

A couple of months ago, social media circulated people’s “Top 10 Book” lists.  I thought I might join in, but soon found it impossible to make a list that I was satisfied with.  But the attempt led me to a … Continue reading →

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Journey: What Are Our Questions?

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Steve Harper

Read:  It’s Not Too Late Questioning is not doubting.  Questioning is acknowledging that the little we know is a speck when placed into God’s infinite knowledge.  Questions are our way of saying to God, “Tell me more.” McLaren shows through … Continue reading →

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