Monthly Archives: February 2015

For the Bride: Amazing Love!

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Steve Harper

In early Christianity the synonymn for love was perfection.  Far from being a psychologized word (which could become pathological perfectionism), it was deeply theological–the best synonym the early Christians could find to describe when our lives are most like God. … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Asking Fish About Water

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Steve Harper

Chances are, if you asked a fish about water, the fish would reply, “What do you mean by water?”  One of the amazing things is that we tend to lose touch with the surroundings we are in all the time.  … Continue reading →

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Journey: Do We Dare?

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read:  “Making it real” This week, I read McLaren’s fascinating portrayal of Mary trying, on the one hand, to put her experience of Jesus into words–and doing so in a way that invites her listeners to consider him for themselves. … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Turning the Page

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Steve Harper

When we turn the last page of the New Testament and move from the biblical era to the early Christian period, the next page in the book of history is not blank.  The first page of the Didache reads thus… … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Beyond Separation (2)

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Steve Harper

Besides electing delegates to the 2016 United Methodist General Conference who are committed to preserving unity, and electing younger delegates who will end up implementing for years to come whatever form this unity takes, I believe there are other pre-requistes … Continue reading →

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Connections: My New Book Is Out!

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Steve Harper

I am happy to tell you that my new book, Five Marks of a Methodist, is available. You can get it right now directly from Abingdon Press at a discounted price via this link: http://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781501800597#.VN5eidAo7mw. Or you can place a … Continue reading →

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Journey: Over the Line

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read: “Jesus, Violence, and Power” Jeannie and I were fortunate that our only trip to the Holy Land included a visit to Caesarea Philippi.  The only thing I regret is that I did not go there with as much background … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Into the Desert

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Steve Harper

When we move into early Christianity (from the close of the New Testament to roughly 550 a.d.), we discover that the three pillars were embraced to give shape to the spirituality of the early Christians, who would soon evolve into … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Beyond Separation (1)

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Steve Harper

When stating my resistance to schism in the Church, and particularly in The United Methodist Church, I am often asked, “So, what do you think we should do in order to avoid it?”  Behind the question is another question, “Do … Continue reading →

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Journey: Hell Upside Down

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read: “Jesus and Hell” It is interesting how, when we don’t know what to do with a particular doctrine, we either over-emphasize it or under-emphasize it.  Over emphasis is often born of fear–that the doctrine will be abandoned, so we … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Reinterpretation Is Not Accommodation

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Steve Harper

The pivotal passages have opened the way for me, and others, to look at key biblical passages concerning human sexuality with fresh eyes, but when new interpretations emerge, the almost-immediate outcry is to accuse those holding them of accommodating the … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Amicable Separation?–Reprise

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Steve Harper

I almost never write about a previous post, but given the unusual amount of attention that yesterday’s post on “Amicable Separation?” is receiving, I want to write today in response to comments I am seeing in the various social-media where … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Amicable Separation?

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Steve Harper

As many of you already know, I am against schism in the church, even though it is talked about a lot these days in the larger Body of Christ, as well as within my denomination, The United Methodist Church.  I … Continue reading →

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Journey: Deciding Where to Live

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read: “Jesus and the Multitude” This chapter comes with an edge, but it is an edge that can save our souls.  By revealing Jesus’ connection with the multitudes, McLaren challenges the fallen world’s fascination with the rich and famous, and … Continue reading →

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