I know posting political rants gets some out of bed in the morning, but I’m not sure most are helpful. On the one hand, I get it. The statement routinely attributed to Edmund Burke, “the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing,” warns against passivity. We reason that we need to use our voice … Read More
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
Continuing my Storyworth project, here’s how I answered the question above: Not surprisingly, as the guy who loves to make playlists on Spotify, two early songs from Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) influenced me and captured much of how I want to be remembered. The first is by Don Francisco from the chorus of his “Steeple Song.” Do you love your … Read More
What Woud You Save if Your House was on Fire?
For my 60th birthday, my oldest son, Matthew, and his family gave me a gift through Storyworth that will give me the exciting opportunity to “create a life story book your family will treasure.” I encourage you to check out the organization, ponder the question above, and share your answers with someone you love. As I get started on the … Read More
60 Songs that Saved My Life
Hey Friends, Whether I’m ready or not, and whether I want to or not, I turn 60 on Monday! Pam is celebrating with me that day by taking a trip to Ithaca, NY, to see Cornell University and the surrounding area. Although many of you don’t have Spotify, I wanted to share a playlist called “Greg Austen-Sixty Songs that Saved … Read More
What’s a Carpenter | Theogian?
I’m taking a few courses online through Cornell University right now, and one of my assignments this week gave me the opportunity to write an “elevator pitch” for this site. It was a fun exercise, and I thought I’d share it: Although I haven’t been able to write a lot recently due to various challenges– some of which I’d love … Read More
What I Learned from Marilynne Robinson
Hi All, I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving and have many fun things to look forward to over the next month. One of my favorite traditions is spending a day in Princeton between Christmas and New Year’s with my boys. One of our annual stops is Labyrinth Books on Nassau Street. Almost two years ago, while browsing about, I … Read More
Does the Church Have One Foundation or Two?
I’ve read a lot of church hurt and deconstruction/deconversion books over the years. Among my favorites is one by Brian Zahnd appropriately titled When Everything is on Fire. Although I don’t agree with everything in it (that’s true of most books), here are just two reasons I appreciate his book: Here’s a sample to give you a feel from a … Read More
Reassessing My Evangelical Identity
I’ve been in a season of having both the challenge of reassessing my vocational direction and identity, and the gift of reimagining both. And so, I offer this piece as, first, a way to connect with new subscribers and update those who still find value in this blog and are journeying with me (thank you!); and, second, as a way … Read More
Hell Revisited
In 2019, I wrote a post titled “Understanding Jesus’ Teaching on Hell.” In it, I admitted that “I’ve wrestled for years with the Bible’s teaching on hell and its implications,” and this is certainly still true. At that time, I also shared some quotes that had helped me the most, and now—six years later—I’d like to do the same. The last … Read More
Is Your View of the Finished Work of Christ Too Small?
“Stop helping God across the road like a little old lady.” -lyric from U2’s song “Stand Up Comedy” Over the last year, as I discontinued church planting efforts and stepped back into full-time work as a finish carpenter and contractor, I’ve had Bono’s words above echo in my mind almost daily. Yes, we sometimes participate with God as his hands … Read More