Father, You gave us two rules and we didn’t keep either of them. The story of humanity is the story of you telling us the same things over and over and of us failing to follow. For some reason we humans feel the need to create more rules for ourselves, to misinterpret the things you’veContinue reading “Failing the Commandments, Clinging to Mercy”
Author Archives: Joseph Givens
Shoots of Spring
I was a young idealist. I thought the world could change, That green shoots of spring would emerge From the dark frosty ground. If I could just say the right words Then people would hear; Their minds and hearts would open To the suffering they now ignore. The world could be better If people cameContinue reading “Shoots of Spring”
Against the Darkness: Living Out the Gospel in Troubled Times
Ok, I’ve got to say something. I can’t just leave it open to interpretation. I try not to be overly political here, and I’ll try to continue to maintain my sense of grace when I discuss these things. However, this fight is real. It seems that the Powers of Darkness are winning, and I won’tContinue reading “Against the Darkness: Living Out the Gospel in Troubled Times”
Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 11 – From Fundamentalism to Fractured Faith: Seeking a Holistic Gospel
Hello, once again, Introduction It’s getting harder to write these posts because there are so many things I want to say that to include everything would be a never-ending quest. I want to hit the highlights of my theological development, but there are so many twists and turns in my own mind that it’s trulyContinue reading “Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 11 – From Fundamentalism to Fractured Faith: Seeking a Holistic Gospel”
When Self-Doubt Meets Faith: Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome
“My mom wanted to tell you that she wants to become a Christian. She’s been thinking about it for a long time, but after getting to know you, she decided that it’s the right thing for her.” “I think you bring a lot of strength to this house!” “Christians are good people.” “Just keep doingContinue reading “When Self-Doubt Meets Faith: Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome”
Reclaiming the Sabbath: Finding Rest and Renewal
Sabbath. Sabbath is a word that wasn’t used much in my faith tradition as I was growing up. I always thought of sabbath as something that Jews do. I knew that Jesus talked about it, but since Jesus came to fulfil the law, the requirements surrounding sabbath no longer apply to the church. At least,Continue reading “Reclaiming the Sabbath: Finding Rest and Renewal”
Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 10 – From Teenage Rebellion to Refugee Crises: Embracing Complexity in Faith and Life
“Life was easier then, but I don’t want to go back.” Those are the words that ended my last post in this series, months ago. A lot has happened in that time. I’ve been to North America and back. I’ve visited a number of Mennonite Churches where I experienced true and heartfelt hospitality and welcome.Continue reading “Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 10 – From Teenage Rebellion to Refugee Crises: Embracing Complexity in Faith and Life”
Reevaluating Biblical Inerrancy: A Personal Journey
*Warning: this will make some readers uncomfortable. However, it is important to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with perspectives that differ from your own. Introduction Hi, friends. I know, I know. I’ve been absent for a while. We’ve been packing and preparing for our trip back to the United States. We’re spending time with our families,Continue reading “Reevaluating Biblical Inerrancy: A Personal Journey”
Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 9-Faith Journeys: Navigating the Gray Zones of Belief with Shane Claiborne and Upton Sinclair
Shane Claiborne, what can I say. In the story of my spiritual journey, there’s probably no single individual who has been more influential. And I discovered him thanks to a Lutheran teacher. I’ve already talked about my cognitive dissonance at the discovery that Lutherans, whom I believed weren’t Christians, loved Jesus as much as anyContinue reading “Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 9-Faith Journeys: Navigating the Gray Zones of Belief with Shane Claiborne and Upton Sinclair”
Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 8-Questioning Faith: Navigating the Rapids of Cognitive Dissonance in Lutheran Waters
Talking to myself I have to apologize once more. I’ve let my blog lapse a bit, since I’ve been rather busy the last couple of weeks. I know I have an audience of thousands, just waiting with breath held for my next post. Just kidding. I know I’m mostly talking to myself. That’s ok. InContinue reading “Caffeinated Chronicles: Part 8-Questioning Faith: Navigating the Rapids of Cognitive Dissonance in Lutheran Waters”
Coffee & Theology 