A Golden Gate Take on Theology
I’m standing on the icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. I am in awe–not just because of the marvel of the thing but what it shows me about God. This suspension bridge depends on two towers on which hang two 6750-foot cables that suspend the 4200-foot span. Each cable is three feet in diameter and is made of 3/16” wires—27,562 of them. Yes, 27,562 wires tightly are bundled into each cable. These two big cables rise into the sky—but on a foggy day, which is most of the time here—they’re obscured in the mist. And it seems like…
The Hand behind the Hand in the Middle East
The Middle East is going insane. We constantly see news about Islamists going ballistic everywhere. Yet for centuries Christians and Muslims lived together in peace, or at least respectfully side-by-side. What’s happened? Can the identifiable historical reasons really account for the degree of insanity? Or is there more? I have a theory: Every year increasingly more Muslims come to faith in Isa al Masih (Arabic for “Jesus the Messiah”). Most don’t identify themselves as “Christians,” and they don’t need to. The Holy Spirit of God penetrates every border and every restriction to reveal to people through dreams and visions typically…
What to Do about Syria?
The Syrian government bombs its own people with chemical weapons. The USA weighs whether to intervene. Yes: Freedom fighters struggle for democracy. No: Islamic militants are thoroughly infiltrated in the conflict and will likely take power if we cause the rebels to win. Yes: Assad’s actions are reprehensible, and he must be taken out. No: He treats Christians and other religious minorities well, and they’d be wiped out if he falls from power. Yes: How can we stand by watching the atrocities and do nothing? No: How can we get enmeshed in yet another intractable Middle Eastern conflict? Look at…
The God Store
You can’t keep God in a box. Half way down Main Street was an old, famous store, a community landmark for as long as anyone could remember. A white marble colonnade adorned the front, and inside were the most amazing goods for sale. It was The God Store. Almost everyone had been to the God Store and bought something at one time or other. Satisfied customers only bought once. If they went back it was just to show their friends or to browse and see what was new. Other customers, never satisfied, went back again and again to buy…
