Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of...
Luther on Lutherans
posted by DJL
In case we might be wondering whether denominations are one of those things that “have always been this way,” I thought it might be interesting to consider what one of the original reformers had to say about the notion of dividing into named groups: I ask that people make no...
Five Reasons Denominations are Passé
posted by DJL
A quick, but important caveat: I teach at a denominational seminary, was ordained into and serve in a denomination, and not only take seriously, but take pride in, my Lutheran identity and heritage. Whether that makes you want to take more seriously or dismiss altogether my feelings about denominations is, of course, for you to decide. With that in mind, here are my five chief reasons I not only think the day of denominations has passed but also can’t seem to find it in me to shed many tears about it. 1) Denominations are confusing in a post-Christian world and often an impediment to mission. When the larger culture was nominally...
Mark 6:45-46
posted by DJL
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. “Immediately” is a big word in Mark. It appears all over the place and helps him convey the...
Mark 5:1-8
posted by DJL
They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been...