Barry begins a new series that will help us ferret out various methods of lulling people into extremist beliefs and what often follows—extremist actions. If you are looking to hone your extremist influence, you’ll want to use dehumanizing speech and fearmongering. If not, you may want to use a mirror near you to start a […]

Barry walks us through Psalm 109, pointing out a message that applies to its author, the Messiah and you and me. We may not be as significant as the other things God is doing, but we are to him.     Scriptures: Ps 109, 69 Acts 1:15-20 Lk 22:47-53 Matt 26:51-53 Books: A Grief Observed, […]

Barry finishes his commentary on Hannah, who was originally providing commentary on Augustine in our series on Existential Love. And why that particular name for the series you may ask? Because we have been given a purpose/meaning and it is one that we must choose: to Love as Christ loved us. It is this supernatural […]

Barry begins part 2 of the Existential Love series describing in more detail the complexity of loving the world without simply being part of it. The example is economic in nature. Christian love may call for more than the social interdependency evident in work and service, with its benefits to self and others.     […]

Barry begins a short series during the season of love. He turns to Hannah Arendt and St. Augustine to guide us through a confusing topic that has plagued the church throughout history: how to love the world yet not become attached to it.     Scripture: 2 Cor 4:16-18 Books: Love and St. Augustine, Hannah […]

Barry covers Psalm 108 where David seems to have a conversation with his former self as he is faced with holding onto both faith and struggle at the same time. The end result is taking up his harp and lyre to sing of what he knows will come to pass.     Scriptures: Psalm 108, […]

Barry talks about the difference between reasoning and rationalization. One can get us to the actual truth, while the other simply gets us closer to our favored opinion. He gives us a few questions to help us ferret out which option we are using. Scripture: James 3:1      

Barry finishes up his 10 maxims with one that provides hope for all the others. Perhaps nothing emphasizes better how desolate humanity’s fallen nature is than the impossible step God takes to redeem it.     Scriptures: Ps 53:1-3 Rom 3:9-19 Jude 8-13 Jas 5:19-20 Matt 7:6-7 1 Kings 19:12-18

Barry covers a “commandment” that may be the most juxtaposed to our culture. While we wouldn’t expect to be grateful for suffering (as that would necessitate a change to the word’s definition) we can be grateful for our endurance of it. Barry talks us through this maxim with material, spiritual, social, and aesthetic examples to […]

Barry altered the wording of this maxim from previous presentations because he realized it was too easy on himself! What used to be “brutal honesty” with others has changed to “brutal honesty” with self and this in fact, makes it easier for us to offer kindness to others. This altered mindset places us square on […]