McLaren on Obama’s ‘Ethic of Responsibility

Recently, president-elect Barack Obama did an interview with Barbara Walters.  During the course of the interview, several aspects of our economic crisis were discussed, including the lavish lifestyles of the CEOs of companies that are asking for bailouts.  Obama had this to say…
“… When people are pulling down hundred million dollar bonuses on Wall Street, [...]

Being Christian on November 5

On the evening of November 3rd, I wrote that as people of faith go to the polls we would do well to remember Psalm 20:7:
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Now that the election in over, undoubtedly many of those who not only [...]

An Election Day Thought

Both of these men are good men.
Both of these men espouse values that are in line with the Kingdom of God.
Both of these men espouse values that are out of line with the Kingdom of God.
This election will indeed be a historic one, as we choose between two historic candidates.
We will choose one of these [...]

Colin Powell and Religious Prejudice in America

I was a little late in watching Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama on Meet the Press, and only saw it for the first time yesterday.  Overall I thought it was terrific. I don’t want to talk in detail about the endorsement itself and whether or not it was the right move, because all of [...]

The One Campaign’s Presidential Debate Petition

While there is some doubt as to whether or not the first presidential debate will actually happen on Friday, the One campaign is hosting an online petition to encourage moderator Jim Lehrer to ask one question about poverty during the debate (whenever it happens).
According to the One campaign, there have only been two questions asked [...]

On Being Christian and Being Political

We’re now a week inside of two months away from Election Day.  
In some ways it’s difficult to believe we are that close to voting in a regime change.  In other ways, it’s nauseating to think we have to stomach seven more weeks of involuntarily gorging ourselves at the all-you-can-eat buffet of election coverage. 
As one who [...]

Donald Miller at the DNC

On Monday night Donald Miller, one of my favorite authors, gave the closing prayer at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Here’s the video:

I thought he did a really wonderful job, and the whole text of the prayer can be found on his website (which I link to above). [...]

McCain and Obama at Saddleback

This is a little bit late, but I wanted to put together some thoughts from the Saddleback Civil Forum that took place this last Saturday at Saddleback Church featuring John McCain, Barack Obama, and Rick Warren. The event was the first time Obama and McCain had appeared together on the same stage since beginning their [...]

Church/state issues in Britain and Barack Obama in The Economist

There were two particularly interesting articles in this week’s issue of The Economist. The first was an op-ed piece commenting on Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams’ suggestion that “the symbiosis that existed in practice between the law of the land and Muslim institutions, especially those that regulate marriage, property, and inheritance, should be recognised [...]

Great stuff from Barack and Hilary

While I certainly want to tread lightly when it comes to discussing partisan politics, it bears mentioning that the debate last night between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton was outstanding. (I should note at this point that I’m a registered independent and have no longstanding loyalty to either political party). While they certainly highlighted their [...]