spiritual

Jesse Wilson's blog about spirituality and family life.

Associate Pastor of the Ann Arbor Vineyard/Mac Junkie. -- Donnell didn't think this description did him justice, so he suggested something like this:
Donnel T. Wyche: an inspired voice of intelligent conservative reason in a messed-up liberal world.
Despite that description, I'll just say that I'm proud to call him my friend, so you should read his blog.

An interesting critique of the Emergent Church movement. Has some good insights, though I tend to be a pretty strong supporter of the movement. Particularly amusing is the glossary of common emergent language terms.

Sometimes I just swell up with pride at the creative ways the church has found to make the gospel relevant to our culture. Like how James Dobson shows Christ's love by attacking an asexual cartoon character for promoting tolerance. What can we think of next to show our love? Ooooh, I know, how 'bout we boycott Disney? What, it's already been done? Those Southern Baptists have all the good ideas!

See CNN: Christians issue gay warning on SpongeBob video

I'm including an entire post from The Homeless Guy that I thought was particularly thought-provoking. Sometimes it seems like Christians with the greatest intentions can be the most ineffective.

Last night I didn't have a ticket for Room In The Inn, so I stayed at the rescue mission. The sermon was given by Chaplain Ronnie. Chaplain Ronnie blamed the sin of homeless people on those who preach a "sugar coated" gospel. All they do is peach about the "love of Jesus." But to Chaplain Ronnie, the only thing that can stop homeless people from sinning is to instill in them a fear of God's wrath by eternal damnation. He implied that homeless people do drugs and drink alcohol, because they just want to have a good time, and that their sins are only attempts at purposely avoiding the responsibilities of life, and the obligations of a Believer. According to Chaplain Ronnie, the sugar coated gospel full of God's love and forgiveness, preached at other churches, leads people to think it's ok to do whatever they want, that it's ok to sin.
Imagine that.
Then....
Imagine homeless people doing drugs and drinking to excess for some reason other than looking for a good time. Imagine a homeless shelter preaching the love and forgiveness of God. Imagine a homeless shelter preaching the fear of God. Which shelter would actually lead more homeless people to a healthier, happier life?
Just what is the Gospel? Is the Gospel, "Fear God, or he will punish you for your sins"? Or, is the Gospel, "Jesus, the Son of God, has paid the price for your sins"?
Which Gospel would actually lead YOU to a meaningful relationship with God?