When I was in seminary, community was the thing. We were taught how to use models of group discernment to help us make important life decisions. We had a student government, run on Quaker principles, that was supposed to help us work together as a community. We had shared worship that was meant to draw us …
I’ve never been very good at poker. It doesn’t help that I don’t have a particularly strong poker face. I’m pretty easy to read. But that’s not my main problem. My lack of success in poker has more to do with strategy than it does with appearances. To play poker well, you have to have a firm …
As a Quaker, I’ve often been told that I’m supposed to be in the world, but not of it. I always thought I knew what that meant. But lately I’m not so sure. My life has been getting a lot more worldly lately. There’s a career that demands attention, a house that requires maintenance, and a …
I work with a lot of really smart, progressive, modern people. I know that many of them are Christians, but we don’t usually talk about it. Faith is private. Faith is personal. Let’s talk about something a little bit less controversial – like politics or sex. Maybe it’s not such a big deal. I mean, …
So we’re in this situation: For hundreds of years, the Christian community has gathered together on Sunday mornings. Bright and early, we come together for service at a designated building. We hear a sermon. We sing songs. We show up to be seen, to connect. These days, though, fewer and fewer of us are showing up. I’ll …
Most people are hard at work trying to get ready for the last war. In World War I, almost everyone assumed that the battle would be won quickly through cavalry charges. Few foresaw the truth, that this War to End All Wars would drag on for four horrendous years, introducing Europe to trench warfare, mustard and …
Is there anyone or anything you’d lay down your life for? Seriously. I know we’ve all got our priorities in life. Jobs, friends and family, religious and political ideologies – even the success of our favorite sports team! – can feel like matters of life and death. But are they? What would you actually be willing …