RevGalBookPals: The #MeToo Reckoning

Content Warning: sexual assault, abuse, rape, church abuse,   I am Lutheran (ELCA). In Lutheran theological understanding, all of the commandments are interconnected, not only to our relationship with God, but to our relationship with other people. Commandments are most quickly broken because we (people) create false idols. These are not the golden calf of… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: #Bathshebatoo (1 Samuel 11:1-5, 26-27, 12:1-9)

The important education of the #metoo and #timesup campaigns now shape our understanding of Bathsheba, as we consider her story again.  Generally, her story is a background to talk about David’s failures.  No surprise, it’s all about him.  Dr. Wil Gafney first prompted me to think about it the other way, to see this as… Read More

Wednesday Prayer

Giver of life Creator of us all Lover of our souls God who dwells in our flesh, our very beings Help us today, and guide us as we seek justice for LaQuan McDonald and remember 16 shots and a cover-up as we believe Dr. Ford and all those that have suffered sexual violence and sexual… Read More

The Pastoral is Political: Why Kavanaugh Should be Held Accountable

As a person of faith, I believe that the world can be better than it is. That’s the hope that religion gives us – that we can transcend self-interest and care for those around us as we care for ourselves. It is from this perspective that I want to shift the paradigm as we talk… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Mary Edition

This post is intended to be a discussion of the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the 4th Sunday of Advent. If you’re looking for Christmas Eve or Day, check this page! Today’s Gospel lesson recounts Gabriel’s visit to Mary, telling her that she will become the mother of God incarnate. This passage has been getting… Read More

The Pastoral is Political: What will the church say to #MeToo?

It’s because my daughter told me a story yesterday about an older boy who insisted on touching her back to “help her” up some stairs at school. And he continued to do it after she told him she didn’t need help. It’s because there are men at the church I serve who insist on hugging… Read More