You have probably given some thought about what it means to be a Christian, and the concept of conscious evolution probably never occurred to you.  Allow me to explain, and in explaining you might be surprised that I am going to first talk briefly about geology.

Thoreau’s exhortation about how to achieve a happy life- Simplify! Hemingway wrote short sentences with a minimum of adjectives and adverbs. I have here tried to follow this advice, communicating as concisely as possible what I see as basic human truth.

In Roger's book Discovering Fire, he doesn't advocate for thoughtless religious syncretism, but he does recognize that our lived experiences often transcend the neat boxes of religious or spiritual categories.

We do not have to see malice in the actions of Satan or “the Devil”. Satan is, in fact, a charming character, quite well-intentioned. As you’ll see, the Church tried its hardest to give the guy a bum rap.

An interview with Martin Thielen about his new (free) book

A decade of planning a coup has taught the greedy, super-rich, and powerful that the immigration card trumps everything. They’re coming for your job, taking aim at your family, your home, your religion, your country, and you need a strongman to protect you. Trump uses this fear all the time.

Does the Bible have any insights to help us decide when groups of cells can become viewed as a baby or when they are just considered human tissue? 

Once you understand the agenda of Christian nationalism, ask yourself: What Christian nationalist ideals and beliefs do I put up with on a daily basis? These ideals and beliefs are everywhere in our culture. All we have to do is pay attention. Every day in a thousand little ways, you and I participate in and give power to a Christian nationalist belief system – no matter how covertly or unconsciously we may do it.

There is the rather staid term used to describe a form of worship in the Christian faith tradition, known as ‘liturgy.’ It comes from two Greek words, translated as the “work” of the “people.” For decades, I used to remind a flock of worshippers that an hour spent on a Sunday morning was only a rehearsal for what they were called to practice and live out the rest of the week. 

Since Michaelmas falls on a Sunday this year I propose that it be revived, partially to address the ancient duty to feed the poor, as Soup Kitchen Sunday, with churches throughout the land offering bounteous meals to all who would come. 

Embark on a transformative journey through 13 powerful themes like diversity, eco-spirituality, mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, science, questioning beliefs, and more. Each devotional includes scripture, a reflection on the theme from a progressive Christian perspective, questions for personal reflection or group discussion, and a spiritual practice. 

What if the shooter whose bullet grazed Donald Trump's ear had no motive but the urge to have fun?

I call on every Christian, wherever they are in the world, to say a simple prayer when they hear the siren. It might help people in some way that we do not understand. It might influence the thinking of the first responders in a positive way.

This is where we are, and it makes me very, very angry. The Jesus fabricated by evangelical politicians and billionaires is everywhere, an “awesome god” who really, really loves America and free enterprise. But this is not the real Jesus.

This hymn uses Jesus as a model for our own opportunities to learn, grow, rethink, and change direction (repent) to become more open-hearted, generous, and hospitable - especially to those we think do not belong.

In honor of Independence Day 2024, we should celebrate the dedication of the deep bench of public employees who serve everyone competently and without partisanship, representing in person the values of human equality and compassion. Without specific religious motivation, these public servants exemplify key principles of the Beloved Community.

The crucifixion is the central point in the Christian story, but it makes no sense unless it is explained by his followers that Jesus believed that his suffering had a purpose, that he would save many people.

Character is important in sports.  It is important for teachers, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, judges, pastors and psychologists. It is important for every single one of us.  It is particularly important for our leaders, and most certainly the leader of the free world.

As panic settled in across the country, we found ourselves mired in a fog of confusion bordering on despair.  Indeed, the shock of Biden's debate stumble ignited an over-reaction on multiple fronts.

This question may be the number one ethical issue after the upcoming election. Walking a mile in another person’s shoes does not mean following them off a cliff.

Joy doesn’t exist when we are in shame or guilt. Joy exists only when we feel light, forgiven. Open.

I invite you individually, your cooperation circle, and your congregation to pause for a moment around August 6 or the surrounding days to let the fire of the Spirit of life come to flame in your hearts.

Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery, a day to honor the survival and resilience of Black people throughout 400 years of sheer inhumanity: from the profound sadism of slavery, through the Jim Crow laws, lynchings, and segregation, to the racism of today. 

Have you ever spent time watching dog owners in action? They only notice goodness. They ignore or forgive most, if not all, of their dog’s annoying behavior.

Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, Life After Doom explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times. If you want to help yourself, your family, and the communities to which you belong to find courage and resilience for the deeply challenging times that are upon us — this is the book you need right now.

Thomas Jay Oord has been handed charges and faces a trial for being fully LGBTQ+ affirming. This book offers the documents of his defense for that trial. It also features other documents, including his hearing defense.

How have we come to this? Is the American social conscience so malleable and impressionable that we so easily turn from believers in democracy to proponents of dictatorship?

The great prophet and mystic of the middle ages, Meister Eckhart (1260-1329), devotes an entire treatise to the “Noble” or “Aristocrat” that resides in each of us. Following are some observations he offers on the nobility we carry within us.

There is a unified field in the cosmos that holds everything together, and every discipline is a portal to it. Science calls it a field of fundamental forces and elementary particles. Religion calls it God and accepts it by faith as an impenetrable mystery.

Paul Levy is one of our greatest evolutionary mystics and someone whom I believe understands deeply and precisely our current extreme situation.