The Hardest Question

Recent Posts

No Kings (or heirs to the throne)

Isn’t the narrative of a venerable God enough?

by Russell Rathbun

Epistle Reading:  Hebrews 1:1-4

For Sunday, Dec. 25 , 2011: Year B—Christmas Day

The first four verses of Hebrews, tells of the...

In Christmas, new testament, russell rathbun, transaction, relationship, Featured, Hebrews, hierarchy, YearB, royal, throne, God with us

Mary, Mother of God

Temple of flesh and blood

By Debbie Blue

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

For Sunday, December 18, 2011: Year B—Advent 4

I’m never sure how a story as wild and pagan sounding, a story that resonates with...

In new testament, Temple, Debbie Blue, mother, queen of heaven, fertility, Featured, incarnation, mary, YearB, Luke, goddess

David, King of Empire

House of cedar and gold.

By Debbie Blue

Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-16

 For Sunday, October 18, 2011: Year B---Advent 4

“Now when the king was settled in his house…” Seems like an archetypal...

In Old Testament, Temple, Debbie Blue, womb, Imperial, Featured, YearB, 2 Samuel, house, Rapunzel, tent, reality, empire

Repurposing the Promise of Release

How long can we continue to push God’s promise of justice into the future? 

by Russell Rathbun

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

For Sunday, Dec. 11 , 2011: Year B—Advent 3

Jesus quotes...

In justice, russell rathbun, Old Testament, Isaiah, reset, Featured, YearB, Year of Jubilee, future, Good News

Delegitimizing the Witness

Why doesn’t he point out Jesus, who is standing among them?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  John 1:6-28

For Sunday, Dec. 11 , 2011: Year B—Advent 3

John 1 is always a lot of fun for an exegete....

In new testament, baptism, russell rathbun, Temple, Gentile, proselyte, korban, Featured, John, YearB

Go Ahead, Judge a Book By Its Title

The Beginning of the Good News

by Nadia Bolz-Weber

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:1–8

For Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 Year B—Advent 2

I love that Mark’s gospel starts by saying: “The beginning of the good news of...

In News, Advent, Christmas, new testament, nadia bolz-weber, Featured, beginning, YearB, Mark, john the baptist, gospel, Good News, empire

Reminding God That God Used To Be A Lot Nicer

The implication being: that ain’t happening now.

by Nadia Bolz-Weber

Psalm Reading: Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13

For Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 Year B—Advent 2

You don’t have to be some fancy biblical scholar to...

In Old Testament, grace, listen, Psalms, nadia bolz-weber, Featured, YearB, preacher, word, preach

Christmas, Apocalypse, Rebels and Bell Choirs

How are we to interrupt this call to follow Jesus from our place of privilege?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Mark 13:24-37

For Sunday, Nov. 27 , 2011: Year B—Advent 1

The Legions are forming on...

In Advent, new testament, russell rathbun, apocalypse, tori amos, wes howard-brooks, Featured, YearB, Mark, empire

Begging for God’s Presence

How long are we supposed to wait for God to show God’s face around here again?

by Russell Rathbun

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9

For Sunday, Nov. 27 , 2011: Year B—Advent 1

The Second Advent...

In Advent, russell rathbun, Old Testament, Isaiah, midrash, Featured, face, YearB, apocalyptic, emotion

Bad Dad?

Is our "fear of the Lord" more philosophical, or more guttural?

by Mike Stavlund

Psalm Reading: Psalm 95:1-7a; Psalm 100

For Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011: Year A—Christ the King Sunday

Like most Psalms,...

In anger, Mike Stavlund, Old Testament, Father, Psalms, shepherd, Featured, fear, YearA, joy