“The Puritans made me aware that all theology is also spirituality, in the sense that is has an influence, good or bad, positive or negative, on its recipients’ relationship or lack of relationship to God. If our theology does not quicken the conscience of soften the heart , it actually hardens both: if it doesContinue reading “Armchair Theologian Warning”
Author Archives: C. M. Haire
Clubbableness
Introduction I don’t remember where he pulled it from but I was taught by John Bryson many years ago about the three types of friendship that bless and encourage a mans life: the Needy Protégé, the Side by Side Friend, and the Admiring Mentor. I have/do have those relationships in my life and they indeedContinue reading “Clubbableness”
Temperance and Lewis
“But the whole point is that he is abstaining, for a good reason, from something which he does not condemn and which he likes to see other people enjoying. One of the marks of a certain type of bad man is that he can not give up things himself with out wanting every one elseContinue reading “Temperance and Lewis”
Calvinism by the Rules of Comedy
Introduction The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery makes the interesting point that the plot structure of the Bible is a U shaped comedy plot. It begins in paradise, descends into chaos, and ascends in paradise. Or to use the literature maxim, “In a tragedy you die, in a comedy you get hitched.” Comedic principals and instinctsContinue reading “Calvinism by the Rules of Comedy”
Would You have a Drink with It?
“One of the tests that should regularly be applied to the results of any thinking process, however plausible, is: Would I like to sit down and have a vermouth with this thing I have just talked myself into? On that scale, ballerinas, oysters, free speech, and romantic love come off just fine. Computers, the ModernContinue reading “Would You have a Drink with It?”
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”
