July 4, 2022 —
I find myself wanting to dwell a little longer on the theme of yesterday’s blog, which was fun, and it’s accidental and chaotic nature as noted in the essay from which I cited by Walter Kirn. Kirn’s bio notes tell us he is of Roma ancestry and “proud of it.” Roma were once called “gypsies.”... Read More
July 3, 2022 —
Here it is the eve of another 4th of July. Given the state of things, the nation in particular, it would seem that a blog that is deeply serious, somber, grim and full of worry is in order. I could write that. I sure could. But I doubt that it would do my soul any... Read More
July 1, 2022 —
Just when you think things couldn’t possible get any more chaotic, they do. And if you thought the U.S. Supreme Court was a force for calming the stormy national seas, think again. We hadn’t even caught our breath from the Dobbs decision striking down Roe v. Wade, when we get three more head-snappers: decisions invalidating a... Read More
June 30, 2022 —
If summer reading — meaning light and entertaining — is still a thing, I have a great recommendation for you. It is Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club. Set, improbably, in senior living residence somewhere in Britain, a gang of four concerns itself with murder cases. Each brings their own delightful personality and life-time experience to... Read More
June 28, 2022 —
We are at the family cabin in the Wallowa Mountains of Northeastern Oregon. Lovely here. It was, along with much of the Northwest, quite warm over the weekend. Undaunted, my son Joe, his son, Colin, and Gpa set out for Aneroid Lake. It was Colin’s first backpacking trip. By definition, that means carrying your own... Read More
June 25, 2022 —
We saw the overturning of Roe v. Wade coming, but it still is a shock. And I think that’s true whichever side of the abortion issue you are on, or if you are in the “vast disquieted middle.” I don’t know that I’m ready to venture too many thoughts or opinions as yet, but I have... Read More
June 24, 2022 —
One more blog from my recent experience at the ATS, Association of Theological Schools, meeting in Pittsburgh. We heard a good deal from various speakers about the need to “let go of old models, embrace the new.” Well, yes. I have said as much. And the Bible has a good deal to say along these... Read More
June 22, 2022 —
I am returning from the Association of Theological Schools Biennial meeting in Pittsburgh and that portion of the meeting focused on schools who are Pathways to Tomorrow grantees. One of those is Vancouver School of Theology, my employer. It was a good meeting, mixing large group, small group and one-to-one interactions. Eighty-four theological schools are... Read More
June 20, 2022 —
Though I am no longer a part of the regular rotation of those who write for the UCC Daily Devotional, the editors to run one of mine from the archive every now and again, as they did last Sunday. It seemed to strike a chord with readers of the DD so I thought I’d run... Read More
June 18, 2022 —
I notice signboards. One I saw today said, “Be You! Do You!” This is the essential wisdom of modern, American culture distilled in four words, “Be you, Do you.” At first glance, it sounds cheerful, upbeat and vaguely liberating. What’s life all about? It’s about you being you, performing you. Don’t worry what others think.... Read More
Nothing has motivated Fleming Rutledge in her preaching more than addressing people’s struggles with doubt. Help My Unbelief speaks directly to the “faithful doubters” and the “unbelieving believers” of the church who wrestle with questions and uncertainties about Christian faith.
What if I’m not very religious?
Why isn’t it enough just to be good and loving?
How can I respond to an abstraction like the Trinity?
Isn’t Christianity outmoded?
Can we still believe in the Resurrection today?
Renowned preacher, author, and Episcopal priest, Fleming Rutledge approaches these questions with a combination of pastoral warmth and theological fearlessness, aligning herself with those seeking answers and pointing readers toward the One who creates and sustains faith.
Join Jason Micheli, Tony Robinson, Joshua Monkeyheisen, Teer Hardy, and Tommie Marshall as we discuss Fleming’s book for “the faithful doubter.”