A friend recently asked me for a list of books to read. In response, I cataloged some of my recent favorites. The list below is organized by category and priority. So if you only want to read one book in
Book Recommendations
Preaching to Bored People
The sermon is entering its most challenging season ever. It’s obvious that our cultural ability to pay attention is shrinking. Microsoft tells us (even though its probably their fault) that we have 8 second attention spans, which is worse than
Is the Theological Medium the Message?
One of the most fascinating debates from political history is the Kennedy-Nixon debate from the 1960’s. Those hearing Nixon on the radio thought he won, while those watching on TV thought Kennedy won. The reason for this is that although
The Reformation: Closing Eyes and Opening Ears
The tension between word and image in the Judeo-Christian story is long and complicated. As we enter the time of the reformation, we discover that like the Egyptians before them, the Catholic Church reserved writing for the elite members of
Jesus is God’s Voice in Synesthesia
“To Those Who Have Ears…” Without opening your Bible, try to remember verses that refer to one of the five senses and faith. You will likely remember hearing passages easily: John 20:29 – “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have
Why Isn’t God Photogenic? Reflections on the Second Commandment
Have you ever wondered how big the camera would have to be for God to take a selfie? Sadly, the question is nonsensical since God prohibited images of himself in the second commandment. But since we live in a world
When Cars Replaced Horses: A Case for Sabbath Skid Marks
Horses Don’t Use Litter Boxes! In 1900, New York city “had about 175,000 horses.” There are no litter boxes for horses, which produce “up to thirty-five pounds of manure and a quart of urine a day.” If you do the
Forbidden Fruit: Why Does God Make Rules?
Have you ever longed for something that is not yours? Once, when I was a kid, my mother set me up to experience the power of forbidden fruit. While putting some chocolate bars in the cupboard, she said, “Joshy, don’t
God Hates Long-Distance Relationships
Some Things are Better Live: I don’t know how much it costs to make beer commercials, but they often catch my attention. Recently, one commercial stood out because of the way it hints at a key Biblical idea. The basic
The Trinity – What Sharing Pigs Teach Us About God, Work, and Art
Why Did God Make Us? Was He Just Lonely? If you were God, and possessed all knowledge and power, existed for eternity, and had no need for anything, what would motivate you to create anything outside of yourself? A book