Warning: this post contains spoilers for The Handmaid’s Tale season 4 finale. The Hulu series The Handmaid’s Tale didn’t start to resonate with me on a personal level until season 4. For me the show is pure “Things could always be worse” escapist fantasy (yes, I am a weirdo who watches dystopian TV in order… Continue reading The Handmaid’s Tale and the meaning of justice
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Idols rather than fishers
I often joke that maybe I shouldn’t have written a memoir of my faith journey, because now everyone knows me by the theology I had circa 2012. While still holding to core doctrines, I’ve changed my mind on other things I wouldn’t want to be known for now. Many Christians I know are speeding toward… Continue reading Idols rather than fishers
Of rosaries and car accidents
I got my Covid vaccine yesterday, and almost didn’t live to tell about it (or post the obligatory selfie). I’d just gotten off the highway exit for the Walmart pharmacy. The traffic light was green, and I had my own lane to turn right. A semi truck was distantly behind me, and I sped up… Continue reading Of rosaries and car accidents
“Christian seders” expose our need for liturgy
Within the last few decades, “Christian seders” have become a trend. The traditional matzah is broken into three parts to represent the Trinity, and the cup of wine becomes Christ’s blood. Many Jews find this modern practice offensive, if not anti-semitic. What strikes me as odd about this practice is that evangelicals, the group most… Continue reading “Christian seders” expose our need for liturgy
Give me a church that offends
Give me a church that regularly offends my sensibilities; one that overthrows my preconceived notions of how the world works. Give me a church that loves me enough never to coddle my harmful choices but confronts me gently with necessary truth. Give me a church that fears for my soul more than my reputation. Give… Continue reading Give me a church that offends
Memo for a weary world
I used to joke that if you ever want to know what loneliness feels like, try being a Jew at Christmas. But now there’s a new version of the joke that’s a lot less funny: if you want to know what loneliness feels like, try being in the midst of a pandemic during the holiday… Continue reading Memo for a weary world
A time for unifying, a time for dividing
I’m torn between two types of people I want to be: one who shows grace to those with differing opinions, and one who is firm in both conviction and setting healthy emotional boundaries. How can one be both in this era? Yet Another Identity Crisis For me, this is another Jewish-versus-Christian issue, where both sides… Continue reading A time for unifying, a time for dividing
RBG and Spiritual Dysphoria
Every now and then, there is an event or a season in which I hearken back to my Jewish roots. It’s not that I shut down my Christian identity, but rather allow a part of me that normally lies dormant to temporarily take the stage. The High Holy Days in Judaism are one such season.… Continue reading RBG and Spiritual Dysphoria
Racism and the importance of communal repentance
One Jewish concept that carried over into Christianity is that of communal repentance. In ancient times, the sins of a community were atoned for with blood sacrifices. Today, communal repentance takes place one day a year on Yom Kippur, where Jews gather in synagogue to recognize the sins that were committed during the past year.… Continue reading Racism and the importance of communal repentance
When words fail, liturgy speaks
I've lost loved ones from suicide and cancer. I've written a book about living with unresolved pain and suffering. And yet, I think I'm more of an "expert" (I use the term loosely) on what not to say to hurting people rather than what to say. It's a lot easier to be dismissive or insensitive… Continue reading When words fail, liturgy speaks