What's Tony Thinking

More Fun

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

Fun Deprivation Disorder?

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

The Not So “Supreme” Court

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

Reading Recommendations

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

From the Wallowas No. 14

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

After Roe

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

Embrace the New (Or Not)

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

“Spaces” And Other Hot Words

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

Both/ And in An Either/ Or World

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

Be You, Do You

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

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