Fantastic video "Broken Is Beautiful." Stephanie's canvas and the reasons for it is incredibly beautiful. As a result of this video I joined People of The Second Chance (POTSC): … [Read more...]
Good Times – “DYYYY-NOOOO-MMIIIIITTTE!!”
September 1, 2011 By 4 Comments
You know how Facebook conversations can go. Someone posts something inane or about taking over the world (usually me, because I will rule the world one day) and something that you wouldn't think leads to a conversation actually does. For example, yesterday I posted on my personal Facebook profile ... I am using the word "cool" a lot today. What's that about? Inane ... I know. Like, who cares? Apparently quite a few people. When I take over the world ... you all better care. … [Read more...]
RELEVANT – 6 Things That Divide Christians
August 29, 2011 By 1 Comment
What social issue did Relevant Magazine put a the top of the list? ... 1. Homosexuality. This is an explosive issue and is only going to get more explosive within the Christian church in the years to come. It’s the single biggest challenge facing the Church. What to do about gay marriage? Gay ordination? Homosexuality in church congregations? Legal issues related to nonprofit status? There are Christians on all sides of the issue, and it’s not an easy one to have civil, loving discussions about. It’s an issue that has already divided countless denominations, led to splits/schism and created a sort of line-in-the-sand litmus test … [Read more...]
Nope, Can’t Drag Anyone To Jesus
August 25, 2011 By 5 Comments
I didn't get to do all the blogging I wanted to get done today because of a loved one in crisis. Sometimes offline life has to take priority. I will sum it up in that I think that this loved one is at the bottom of their addiction and leave it at that. It's been a very difficult afternoon. So, I am going to calm down and relax tonight but I thought I would dust off this old post and blog it. It's a good example of what I am feeling at the moment. ***begin*** Sometimes I wish that I could drag others to the throne of Grace. No literally, I want to pick them up, throw them over my shoulder and plop 'em right in front of Jesus. But … [Read more...]
Accurate Representations of The Body in Art
August 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I love Mere Orthodoxy Blog. They explore a particular artists more "realistic" depictions of the body in art. From MereO: Benson and I are mostly on the same page here. Yet one minor caution: he suggests that the “most truthful representation of the human form preserves a dialectic of grace and gravity.” I like that, though I would not describe it as a “dialectic,” as though they were equal partners. The better way, I think, of putting it is that the most truthful representation is one of grace working within gravity, transforming it and making it beautiful. The nail marks on the risen body, as it were. And I … [Read more...]
Marriage Is More Than Public Policy Benefits
July 27, 2011 By 1 Comment
I am a never-married bachelor who has chosen to accept a life-long calling to be celibate. Nevertheless being in ministry leadership for sixteen years concerning sexuality, gender identity, and gender complementarity has afforded me insight into God's creative intent for marriage lived out in everyday life. In fact, understanding the beauty and purpose of marriage has deepened the love and appreciation for my own station in life and the awesome people around me who are married. Being surrounded by transparent/honest married Christians this entire time has allowed me to learn from their lives and experience as well. I don't claim to know … [Read more...]
Politics As God
May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I stopped watching cable news a few months ago. I actually gave up all the cable channels except the local ones (which includes TNT and WGN for some reason) a little while ago as well. Why? Well... 1) to save some money 2) all the negativity was simply overwhelming. I never actually had full on cable until I was in my 30's. For a few years it seemed like a very cool thing to have. I had professional news people giving me professional sounding news 24/7 ... instantly! I had access to other channels that could address my interests in specific areas like art, faith, science, biographies or a myriad of other topics. It was … [Read more...]
If I was Out and Proud Then, Why Would I Hide Now?
April 12, 2011 By 3 Comments
Several people have asked me if I would change my name as I pursue developing my artwork more. Not a lot of people but enough to inspire this post. The thinking of these few, well-intentioned, friends went along the lines that I have a several things tied to my name that would probably be frowned upon in the larger "art world:" I am a Christian. I am socially conservative. I work for a ministry called Exodus that deals with the issue of homosexuality from a redemptive Christian perspective. The above is supposed to be a condemning triumvirate of reasons why I doomed with regard to the art world before I even begin. ... … [Read more...]
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