Eugene Peterson, the translator of the Message Bible, recently passed away at the age of 85.  He was a very significant influence in shaping my understanding of  the calling to be a parish pastor.  I discovered Peterson in the mid–80’s when I was shaking off stereo types of being a Lutheran pastor as being primarily concerned with doctrine and…

When does sexual harassment take place?  “The past few months has ushered in a unprecedented level of awareness and shock at the pervasive experience of sexual harassment,’ notes Roxanne Stone, editor in chief of Barna Group.  Barna asked Americans to identify specific acts that they considered to be harassment.  “Nearly half of all American adults…

Are you an Overcomer in the spiritual battle raging between  evil and the kingdom of God or are you being overcome?  Men, we need to be reminded that the lack of civility and the hateful rhetoric of our day is due to the father of lies – Satan.  Jesus identifies him as, “a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth…

Psalm 139 begins with  “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me” (Ps 139:1).  I thought of these words while reflecting on thoughts from spiritual writer, Louis Evely. “This activity [God’s loving power] of His most often occurs in a place we can’t enter, at the root of our being, for that’s where…

Pop-rock pioneer of the 2000’s, Avril Lavigne, after an absence of five years has produced a worship song that reveals her cry to God for help after encountering a near-death experience.  She has been battling Lyme disease since 2014.  Her new single,  “Head Above Water,” depicts her struggle. “God keep my head above water/ Don’t let me…

As an older white guy in the Northwoods, I have a concern for the status of young, white, males in America, especially those who have given their allegiance to King Jesus and His kingdom reign in America.  Has the dominant cultural narrative begun to abandon the idea of a man being innocent until proven guilty…

I continue to be fascinated, inspired and amused by the “Jordon Peterson Phenomena.”  Most interesting has been the reaction  from social critics who have had some of their cherished assumptions about men and women challenged.   A quote from David French described well what is happening in  the social media regarding Peterson.  French observed, “Peterson stands out because he…

At a recent congregational meeting at my church, I read from Jeremiah 6:16-17 – Message:  “Go stand at the crossroads and look around.  Ask for directions to the old road, the tried-and-true road.  Then take it.  Discover the right route for your souls.  But they said, ‘Nothing doing,  We aren’t going that way.’  I even…

This is a piece of no nonsense advice directed to  young men by Jordon Peterson.  Millions of men listen to Peterson because he is like a father figure, representing a man who cares for them, who is concerned for their well-being and speaks with authority into their lives.  He express deep empathy for their plight in the cultural wars.  When they are told men are dangerous, of little…

A new Nike ad features Colin Kaepernick.  Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, will be the face of a Nike advertising campaign for the 30th anniversary of its ‘Just do It’ motto.  The ad features Kaepernick, the Nike logo and “just do it” slogan…