Barry finishes up the foundation for a conversation about the conjunction of ethical society and theological ends. Today focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of progressivism and conservatism and how both are inherently flawed. While that sounds pessimistic, it serves to get us where we need to be—seeing the world as Christ-followers. Scriptures: Mk 14:7 […]

Barry starts a series about how Christ’s life and ministry should inform our lives, defining the destination and the journey. Buckle your seat belts as we ride the emotional roller coaster of theological pessimism, political failure, and ethical obligation.       Scriptures: Matt 26:6-14 John 12:8 Mark 14:7

Barry talks about faith and its destination. Some circles are still contemplating the truthfulness of the Bible. If that debate is decided in favor of the Scriptures, one may think our work here is done. However, believing the Bible is only the first step—the more challenging journey is letting it change you.  

Barry talks through a long psalm, 78, about the longer history of a people’s broken relationship with their God. When God blesses them, they forget him, and when he judges them, they blame him. A lose-lose for God turns to a win-win for us at the cross.     Scriptures: Psalm 78, Luke 9:12, Luke […]

After a recent denominational convention, Barry discusses denominations and our interaction with them. He gives what are reasons to leave, what aren’t reasons to leave, and reasons not to leave. Believe it or not, that actually makes sense in the context.       Scripture: Ezekiel 36:21-27 Referenced Episodes: 17, 18, 19, 51, 101

A discussion of profanity ends this series about art and a Christian. The focus here is not on the moral impact of using profanity, but an invitation to see the person behind the behavior and to consider that person’s message and value. Scriptures: Eph 5:4 Gal 5

Barry continues the conversation of art and the Christian, adding to it a surprising challenge when it comes to the profane. To provide a steppingstone for a jump that may feel uncomfortable, he adds humor—no, actually, he adds a discussion about humor. Books: The Wit and its Relation to the Unconscious, Sigmund Freud  

The bad news: there are times when things are so bad we can run out of words and faith. Good news: in those moments the Father, Christ, and his Spirit never run out of exactly what we need. God’s steps are on our path even when we can’t see them.       Scriptures: Psalm […]

Barry moves from the nature and importance of art to our individual and shared experience of it. It is those vulnerable moments, when we are surprised by beauty, irony, or humor that can open our souls to understanding and God.    

Barry starts a new series about a Christian and art. In his description of art, he indicates that it is expressive, subtle, and relatable. It’s that last element that allows for more than information to pass from one more-than-rational-being to another. Art: Guernica by Pablo Picasso, Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons, Iliad by Homer