March 2021 – Southern Reformed Smoker

Preaching with “Uses”

Introduction Some years ago Doug Pagitt, whom I was surprised to find is still a minor thing, caused something of a stir with the quote “Preaching doesn’t work.” The larger context was his book Preaching Re-Imagined which brought about a flurry of rebuttals. My favorite being Matt Chandlers delivered as a sermon at an ActsContinue reading “Preaching with “Uses””

Gratitude for Third Places

I would recommend reading the following two articles before continuing https://letterandliturgy.wordpress.com/2021/03/15/on-male-friendship-and-the-local-church/ Having spent a good portion of my last fifteen years studying the Biblical Manhood movement it is rare that I find writing on the subject that moves beyond the usual pablum. They articulate very well not only a part of the problem but alsoContinue reading “Gratitude for Third Places”

“My Rights”

“I’m not arguing. I’m just telling you the sort of chap I was, see? I’m asking for nothing but my rights… I’m only a poor man. But I got to have my rights same as you, see?” – The Big Ghost, The Great Divorce Introduction Something to consider when it comes to speech, written orContinue reading ““My Rights””

Hidden Book Rooms

There is a room in the basement of the Public Library here in Memphis that only a few can enter. It is filled with books, obviously, but these books are neither for borrowing or lending. These are destined to find homes in homes. It is the sorting and warehousing room for Second Editions the usedContinue reading “Hidden Book Rooms”

Atheist Counselors

Let me begin by saying I love logic, reason, and R.F. Capon. The following is not an attack on any of these things. But I have a nit to pick with an aspect of premarital counseling and unfortunately the good reverend provides an excellent example of the problem before my eyes. Now pushing aside myContinue reading “Atheist Counselors”

First Cigar Back

I should have started with something better but I have a confession to make. I may have squeezed in a cigar earlier this year on a surprisingly warm day that sometimes appears in Memphis during January, because our weather is controlled by Sibyl. If I did I can’t recall it. Sunday we had glorious warmth.Continue reading “First Cigar Back”

No End to the Making of Books

In my usual tradition of arriving several years late to the party I will now weigh in on the people don’t read debate. I find most of this to be a preaching to the choir kind of writing, simply because the people who are most likely to read this kind of critique/complaint is most likelyContinue reading “No End to the Making of Books”