31.12.2025 01:48
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—— the subtitle of this book ended up being “Why we need church in an anti-institutional, post-truth, exvangelical, spiritual-but-not-religious world”.
Sitting in Caffe Trieste in San Francisco wrapping up the “How (Not) to Be A Christian” book. Interesting cafe opened in 1956 where beat poet Jack Kerouac and that gang would hang out and Francis Ford Coppola wrote most of The Godfather screenplay sitting in here.
this will be coming out in 2026 and working on this summer. It is about why Christians need to be part of local churches for our spiritual growth - whether house church or mega church or Anglican or pop rock concert contemporary.
Subtitle ideas tweaking while in Arkansas sharing with publisher. The title is “How (Not) to be a Christian” with subtitle “Why we urgently need church in an anti-organized religion, individualistic, spiritual-but-not-religious world”….. this will be coming out in 2026 and working on this summer.
Likely going to be called “How (Not) to Be A Christian” or “How (Not) to Go to Church”’ and will be working on this over summer sabbatical break. It’s a very pro-local church book making a case of why we need the local church urgently in our lives.
A graphic showing hyper-extremes of how “church” is experienced - working on next book which addresses how wrong understandings of church drastically can impact our spiritual growth. - Any feedback appreciated.
On Saturday we had the “Tik Tok Theology” ReGeneration Project training event in Portland. Looked at tough questions about Christian faith - questions are important to be asking and never discouraged. ReGen is a ministry of Western Seminary.
Judgmental legalism fundamentalism ~~~ Buddy pal casual —- Aladdin genie magic tricks —- part of today’s last week teaching on the Trinity. Theology matters.
Taught this morning at Reality Church. The worship music, song selection and arrangements was the sweetest non-pop rock refreshing approach for a local church.
Been thinking on the drive home about what we have created with the pop rock concert model vs what it was today.
Preparing for a Memphis trip in June.
In Portland hotel it takes 5 of their mini-sized coffee cups to equal normal coffee drinking portion while Bible reading and sermon prep this morning.
Amy Orr-Ewing speaking at Vintage Faith Church tonight - on “Can We Trust The Bible?” - been a big appreciator of her writings and ministry for many years and so great to have her here. A wonderful example of a deep thinking Christian and great teacher.
I am currently writing about worship music and the emotions involved and how we define God’s presence and the Holy Spirit. Using the Bible along with this author and some neurologist takes on what music does to us which is a very thought invoking topic.
Drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police and Dan Levitin author of “This Is Your Brain On Music” gave a really fascinating presentation and Q and A last night and a fun night out with Becky.
Becky calculated a 17:1 male to female ratio in attendance at Dream Theater 40th anniversary show. Prog rock night to see drummer Mike Portnoy.
Walking into The Abbey and seeing Bibles open with a group of guys and master theologian David leading the way is an encouraging and fine site to see on a cold Tuesday night.
Combination of favorite things Slim Jim Phantom drummer and drums, skulls (which always remind me of the brevity of life and to use each day well) and rockabilly wearing shirt for seminary meetings.
Penn Jillette is an atheist and it might be worth watching his take on this and why he said what he did from her view about Christians sharing their faith. youtu.be/6md638smQd8?...
I don’t think there is any issue of moral authority - it’s the opposite really if done in humility. but there are reasons to believe in the Bible being inspired. If ever interested - certainly would be able to give some reasons for they belief. Thank you for commenting!
Yes. If one hold that belief I can see why one would others to then give warning.
Showed this 10+ year old video from atheist Penn Jillette about reasons to share about Jesus and gospel to people this morning in both gatherings. Uncomfortable topic but it’s in Scripture.
The coffee cups are larger at Homewood Suites in Portland, so only 3 cups are needed instead of 5.
New year closet Converse purge by Becky.
Yes I remember the time with you there!!
@nijaykgupta.bsky.social
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
- Proverbs 14:15
