Scott Simon, in his essay “A Simpler Tax Code” last week on NPR put it well: “the U.S. tax code is 67,204 pages long — about as long as 112 copies of James Joyce’s Ulysses. And just about as comprehensible.” I’ve spoken to several of my brightest friends. These folks hold masters degrees, preach inspiring [...]
Not a Newsletter Column
This is not a newsletter column. Or, at least, not like I hope to write them one day. My newsletter columns will have a clear beginning, middle, and end — like the old ham sandwich my elementary teachers used to say exemplified a good essay. This post, on the other hand, is more of a [...]
A Romantic View
For some reason this college essay popped into my mind recently. Here it is, slightly revised (and needing more). Finally it’s empty. I walk by often. Usually, it is already taken, rudely filled with the backpack and books of another student. Nearly every time I pass, a new thief reclines in my chair and enjoys [...]
The Greening of Detroit
The 2009 North American International Auto Show took place this week in Detroit (yeah, I know, strange name — at least baseball doesn’t call it the North American World Series). The big story out of the show, besides the fact that the Detroit three are in pretty dire financial straits and the good-looking new Taurus, [...]
An Ode to North Dakota
I just got back from a week in North Dakota, spending time in Grand Forks, Adams/Fairdale, and Fargo. It’s a cold place, but a good one. I wrote a little something upon return. Ode to North Dakota To you, O North Dakota how so you make my toes hurt-a, but you’re good people and fine [...]
Atlanta Half Marathon
BEFORE DURING: AFTER: Well, I did it. I used to hate running and now, em, I can at least say I didn’t hate running a 13.1 mile race. I’d rather you call me a “jogger,” though. It’s still a bit of a chore, but it’s one that I really, almost, very close to enjoy, and [...]
The Case of the Fibbing Preacher: My Response
See the case study in the previous post, or click here. Again, image credit to coscurro. Sarah, I’m grateful you called and appreciate that you’re willing to talk over such ethical quandaries with me. Much of what I am about to say is informed by an excellent article by Tom Long in last year’s Christian [...]
The Case of the Fibbing Preacher
A question for an ethics response paper this week brought up some great discussions and ethical quandaries regarding sermon preparation, citations, and delivery. Here’s the case. My response will go up in a few hours. The Case of the Fibbing Preacher Your friend Sarah is the solo pastor of a 100-member church. It’s Saturday night [...]
