Toward a Better, Healthier, More Life-Giving Faith

These days, the word “Christian” seems to evoke as many negative reactions as it does positive ones. This bothers me. Does it bother you? Critics might summarize their feelings about Christians with these words attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your […]

Today, I want to consider the contrast between the Gospel and self-actualization or moral autonomy — the idea that being a law unto ourselves is the key to freedom and happiness. The Gospel liberates us from moralism and the restlessness, insecurity, and distorted relationship patterns that moralism creates. But it does more than merely liberate us from moralism. […]

When the local church falls short of Jesus’ vision for the church as a “radiant bride” reflecting his glory, a “city on a hill” that shines with attractive good works, “the salt of the earth” that prevents decay and promotes flourishing, and “the light of the world” that makes dark places less dark, some Christians […]

We crave affirmation and praise. This is so because we are made in the image of God, who is both the object and source of love, adoration, praise and wonder. Yet we are haunted because there is much about us that invites shame more than it does admiration. We miss the mark and we miss the boat, failing […]