Inappropriate Conversations

Whether the church is a building and the traditions built there?

Elie Wiesel once said: "I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure

suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps

the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never

the tormented." I believe I've received similar direction in answered prayer. Too often, though, Christians are silent in the face of bullying and marginalization of those on the other side of privilege. More often than we'd like to admit, Christians join the oppressors. All of this is sinful, the log in our eyes that stops us from clearly seeing others, must less serving them as Jesus taught and demonstrated.

Different Drummer: Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Elie Wiesel once said: "I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure

suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps

the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never

the tormented." I believe I've received similar direction in answered prayer. Too often, though, Christians are silent in the face of bullying and marginalization of those on the other side of privilege. More often than we'd like to admit, Christians join the oppressors. All of this is sinful, the log in our eyes that stops us from clearly seeing others, must less serving them as Jesus taught and demonstrated.Different Drummer: Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Whether membership at a local church is as eternal as being part of the body of Christ?

Whether membership at a local church is as eternal as being part of the body of Christ?

Treating some in our midst as expendable is, sadly, a very human condition. Taking it as a challenge, though, I've realized that it's nearly impossible to find "pro-life" advocates who are capable of reducing our society's reliance upon abortion. Most seem more devoted to creating unwanted pregnancy than curtailing it. Worse, the focus is less about making a difference in the lives of women and their children and more about self-righteously proclaiming disapproval. It is heartbreaking for those of us who care about unborn children and also women who feel they cannot bear them. "Both" is a choice we are rarely asked to consider.

Different Drummer: Nanci Griffith

Treating some in our midst as expendable is, sadly, a very human condition. Taking it as a challenge, though, I've realized that it's nearly impossible to find "pro-life" advocates who are capable of reducing our society's reliance upon abortion. Most seem more devoted to creating unwanted pregnancy than curtailing it. Worse, the focus is less about making a difference in the lives of women and their children and more about self-righteously proclaiming disapproval. It is heartbreaking for those of us who care about unborn children and also women who feel they cannot bear them. "Both" is a choice we are rarely asked to consider.

Different Drummer: Nanci Griffith

Next up on Inappropriate Conversations: human sacrifice.

Take Him With You #208 has valuable background material.

Next up on Inappropriate Conversations: human sacrifice.

Take Him With You #208 has valuable background material.

Prior to 2009, documentaries about sports were not that easy to find. I had seen a couple, both related to Olympic years, where the politics were as much in focus as the events or athletes. With its "30 For 30" series, ESPN has changed everything. For the most part, these aren't just good "sports" documentaries; they are great features. Now, in depth and behind the scenes explorations of great sporting events are not just common, they are uncommonly good.

I also offer some too quick and too short thoughts on George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin.

Different Drummer: Bo Jackson