Why “What’s Fair Is Fair” is a Dead-end Destination
We live in a world of what I sometimes describe as disproportionate parity, where the ancient version of justice (lex talionis) that’s still widely practiced today provides justification for an excessive retaliatory response.
From The Collective with Rick Gregory
Watch Episode 20 of The Awakened Collective with Rick Gregory as he interviews Special Guest Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines, author of The Great Digital Commission.
For the first time in my life, I decided it was time to find out firsthand what the mega-church experience was all about. That’s mega, not maga. I half expected that the two might have merged into one, but was pleasantly surprised that politics was not mentioned at all.
When he preached, he spontaneously broke into rhyme. Not just with his own words, but with the souls of his congregation, with the hearts of the people in the community he served.
For context to the comments to follow, it is suggested one read Matthew 13. Verses 1-8 are deemed to likely be attributable to the historical Jesus; while verses 18-23 are an interpretation and application by Matthew’s early church community.
We face several world crises that could kill us all and end the human story. We also endure the immediate rise of a fascistic religious nationalism spearheaded by Donald Trump, which wants to destroy our American democracy.
Cosmic Mystery Series
Tunes: ENDURING LIFE 88.66.88 and TEMPLETON 88.66.88
Cosmic Mystery Series
Tune: RENDEZ á DIEU 98.98D Arr.Louis Burgeois 1510-1561
Cosmic Mystery Series
Come raise your voice with me now In Eucharistic feast, Come celebrate this art form
Cosmic Mystery Series
Come let us think like mountain rocks, Come breathe the song of scented breeze,
Cosmic Mystery Series
Come join with me to sing the song That dwells deep in our heart, Sometimes it’s hidden or suppressed
Cosmic Mystery Series
Come embrace the Christmas child, Child of every human birth, Birth in stable, home or ward,
Cosmic Mystery Series
Come embrace the child of Christmas, Child of every human birth, Birth in stable, ward or dwelling,
Cosmic Mystery Series
Claiming peace when peace is absent * Stirs the prophet’s angry call. Peace may seem as close as breathing War though seldom seems to stall.
Cosmic Mystery Series
Can the Bible warp our minds? Yes if only read in part. Bible truth evolves and grows To religion of the heart
Cosmic Mystery Series
Can an image relocate Or forever must it stay In the mind where it once lived
Cosmic Mystery Series
At this time of offering We recall Christ gave his life * To show love can overcome
After sharing his story, Jason asked me his provocative question, “So, do you think I am still a Christian?” I wasn’t sure how to respond. I mulled it over for a long time. I finally said, “I guess it depends on how you define Christian.
"Blue Christmas" services, which take place to support people struggling emotionally during the holiday season, are becoming more common. This song was written for such services. Ken Janzen sings and plays the instruments.
Living and learning in harmony with creation and with one another
Imagine . . . you begin the day in the classroom of the earth, learning about God’s good creation by feeling it, working with it, helping coax its fruit to maturity.
4 Advent Video Hymns written for the Worship Design Studio, which created its own separate videos. Recordings and videos by Ken Janzen
Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines sat down this week for an interview with Ciprian Khlud about the basics of Progressive Christianity.
An old hymn of mine, recently rewritten slightly. Recorded here by the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Choir.
The polarization we see in society is also reflected in the Church.
What six hidden women can teach us about Jesus
Who is Jesus to you? What informs and shapes your view of Jesus and his work?
Suitable for progressive/inclusive/justice-focused Christian congregations. Written for The Fountains, a UMC congregation in Arizona.
Inspired by my March 2023 visit to The Fountains UMC in Arizona; written with a very simple melody and small range to maximize small congregations' ability to learn and sing the piece.
I belong to a support group of seven retired mainline clergypersons. Six of the seven no longer affirm historic, creedal, orthodox, traditional theology.
This Communion hymn, commissioned by the First Congregational Church, Branford, CT, is appropriate for progressive/inclusive Christian churches.
This progressive Christian hymn images Jesus as healer, teacher, and prophet, and invites all people (regardless of their religion) to be healers, teachers, and prophets in our time.