10 Unusual Lessons I Learned in Seminary

As the day of commencement approaches, I feel it is appropriate to take some time to reflect on the many lessons seminary teaches. You'd be surprised by what you learn living with people studying to be religious leaders.Everybody has vices. The first time my friend Sarah heard her fellow students curse, she joyfully exclaimed, "Thank … Continue reading 10 Unusual Lessons I Learned in Seminary

Trinity Lutheran Seminary Calls New President

It's official! Today, the Trinity Lutheran Seminary Board of Directors voted to approve the nomination of Pastor Rick Barger as the new seminary president. This is an exciting time for the seminary as it looks forward in its mission to form new leaders for a changing church. One word that the nominating committee used to … Continue reading Trinity Lutheran Seminary Calls New President

DOMA and Christianity

Disclaimer: As the Supreme Court of the United States began hearing oral arguments in United States v. Windsor, I have tried to present and fair and balanced approach to the subject. I have done my best, but I apologize if my own opinion influences the arguments, specifically in regards to the citation of facts and … Continue reading DOMA and Christianity

How to be a Liberal, Confessional Christian (and Lutheran)

1. Remember the centrality of the Word of God. This should go without saying, but if you don't remember this fundamental fact about Christianity, there's not much point in continuing, is there? And what is the Word of God? Fundamentally, it is not the Bible--it is the on about whom it was written. The core belief of … Continue reading How to be a Liberal, Confessional Christian (and Lutheran)

In Defense of Doing the Right Thing

... even when the church is wrong. Earlier this month, the news broke that the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus broke fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Church of Sweden. The EECMY came to this decision after carefully deliberating the ELCA's and the CoS's decisions to accept same-sex partnered clergy onto their rosters. My first … Continue reading In Defense of Doing the Right Thing