Prefer a 20-minute audio file? Some people we find hard to love. What they say, how they say it; what they do, how they do it . . . their words and deeds get to us; and we react. We stare at the facts that make it hard for us to love someone, and that reinforces our own unbeautiful emotions. Lots of …
The kingdom of God–a moving target
Five minute audio file You enter the kingdom of God—the spiritual family of God—with the faith and trusting dependence of a little child. This is the only way that anyone can enter the spiritual family of God. And it is such a perfect way. This faith and trusting dependence opens you to begin …
Jesus yes. Christianity, I hope so.
8 minute audio file I identify as a Christian. But once I was speaking with a friend who asked me whether I was a Christian, and I said, “Jesus, yes. Christianity, I hope so.” A person who overheard us expressed surprise that I could even make such a distinction. Today, I want to …
Werner Herzog: Is God in Control?
The audio file Werner Herzog’s film, Huie’s Predigt (Huie’s Sermon)—in English with some German subtitles—shows an urban black church service. Even for a one who is familiar with the maturity and wisdom of a great black preacher—Dr. Anthony Gatewood was for me the best preacher in my area—the film …
Coffeehouse Contemplative
Audio file Some books come along at the perfect time. Not only do you need them, but they prepare you for themselves—I almost want to use personal terms to speak about them, because you come to experience the author as a companion. The freshest example for me is Coffeehouse Contemplative, a 2016 …
Life of prayer, life of worship
Audio files In a karate class, students are practicing individually, with the most serious punches and the fiercest kicks . . . while the teacher floats above the floor with consummate skill and artistry, free of any trace of seriousness or antagonism. In the earlier phase of the spiritual life, we …
