What's Tony Thinking

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

Curmudgeonly Notes No. 12

June 16, 2022 — I’m noticing that, as June 16 fades away, I haven’t turned over the calendar page from the month of May. Better get on it before June slips by as this lovely month is now more than half over. See a previous post for, “Who knows where the time goes?” In the upper right hand corner... Read More

Forgetting How To Be A Society

June 14, 2022 — One of you readers drew my attention to a brief piece by Paul Krugman in which he reflected on some recent time spent in Europe. He wrote: ” . . . while I wasn’t engaged in serious journalism, I did come away with an impression — namely, that America no longer seems advanced compared with... Read More

Second Hearing, No Letdown

June 13, 2022 — I caught most of the second hearing of the Jan. 6 committee this morning. And it definitely was morning, roughly 7:00 to 9:30, here on the west coast. I wondered if there would be a sense of letdown after the dramatic opening hearing in prime-time last Thursday. I didn’t think there was. If anything it... Read More

Another View on Guns and Violence

June 12, 2022 — Like so many things in our society the debate over guns, gun control and gun safety is polarized and seemingly intractable. I find myself among those who can’t fathom why so many people own guns, why open-carry laws have proliferated, and why there’s easy access to military style weapons. I don’t see myself moving out... Read More

First Hearing: My Take

June 9, 2022 — While I usually agree with David Brooks, I disagreed with him today. His June 9 column declared the January 6 Investigative Committee hearings a failure before they had even started. I think he is wrong. Despite it all, this matters. But the real story was Liz Cheney. She did an outstanding job laying out the... Read More

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