Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
I just finished reading the book Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas. Though a New York Times bestseller, the book is not an easy read. First of all, it’s 608 pages. Secondly it takes you into the heart of Nazi Germany where Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor and theologian, took a stand against Adolf Hitler and his policies, a decision that eventually led to his death in a concentration camp. (more…)
Four Beatitudes of Motorcycle Riding
I have ridden a motorcycle exactly two times. The first time was when I was twelve. My girlfriend’s older brother Dale (about 19) drove in one summer afternoon to show off his new motorcycle. He asked me if I wanted a ride. “Sure!” I said. I hopped on the back and away we went, roaring up and down our country road. It was wonderful! I should add, my parents were not at home at the time. Later when they heard I had ridden on a motorcycle with Dale, they ordered me never to ride one again. (more…)
The Spiritual Practice of Going Barefoot
Someone has said that going barefoot can be a spiritual practice. There’s a scriptural basis for this assertion. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, God told him to take off his shoes, for he was standing on holy ground (Ex. 3:5). But isn’t all ground holy? If so, shouldn’t we take off our shoes regularly so we can be one with our sacred earth? (more…)
Jesus as the Good Shepherd
A friend of mine has a hard time with the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. She says, “I just can’t get past the image of a man leading a bunch of dumb, smelly, non-melodically bleating sheep around so they can be sheared against their will and eventually eaten.” Wow! With an image like that, I’d be turned off too—especially since one of those out-of-tune sheep is supposed to be me! (more…)
The Last Nun Standing in Paradise Revisited
My blog for July 23, 2012 was entitled “The Last Nun Standing in Paradise.” It featured Sister Margaret Moore (Maggie), a then 74-year-old Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, who ministered in Paradise, PA in a home and school for troubled boys. (more…)
