Category Archive for: ‘Carl’s Thoughts’
Somalia: The Toughest Place I’ve Ever Visited
I was never quite sure if the 40 man military was surrounding us to protect us or kidnap us. Most were in plain clothes with shoulder-straps full of bullets and machine guns pointed randomly at nothing in particular.
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Heading in soon…with a few others
As promised, I’m touching base with you prior to going to Somalia. Next time you hear from me, we’ll be back with, hopefully, a much clearer idea of the best opportunities for partnership. I’ve assembled a team of 7 people that will be going in …
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Going to Somalia
A door has opened to me that I believe I am to walk through. It’s not an easy door. And, I’m not exactly certain all that is on the other side. But this is one of those times that I just know it’s a step …
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Theological Purity vs. Sociological Inclusivity
I often get asked tough questions about Muslims, or LGBT friends. Or, I encounter a person from one political perspective asking a complex question about someone with an “other” perspective. Basically, the questions are usually along the line of, “how can we love the sinner and still hate the sin?” Of course …
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How Do We Know Jesus? (Week 3)
How do we really know Jesus? A few weeks ago I promised to give you my best three suggestions for moving beyond knowing about Jesus, to really knowing Him. Over the last two weeks, I’ve shared the first two: We know Jesus from what we …
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How Do We Know Jesus? (Week 2)
How do we really know Jesus? That’s the big question. If you read last week’s entry, you will know that my first suggestion can be summed up as follows: If you want to get to know Jesus, read the four gospels until they become part …
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How Do We Know Jesus? (Week 1)
I speak about politics, religion, and Denver Broncos football. But, I speak of Jesus. You see, I speak of what I know. Do we really know Jesus? And, what exactly does that mean, anyway? Over the next 3 weeks, I will make three suggestions that I believe …
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“You’re all Pharisees!”
Dr. Larycia Hawkins was removed from Wheaton College for her “extreme views.” (She donned the Muslim women’s hijab, took a selfie with it on, and equated Allah with God.) Then we invited her to share at Simply Jesus. Between her and Shane Claiborne, well let’s just …
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Black lives. White police. Brown Syrians.
It’s typically unwise to provide wide-ranging social or political commentary right after a horrible tragedy. The challenge however, is that in our current “tragedy-a-day” world and with 24 hour “news” coverage and social media blaring on our ears non-stop, waiting until things quiet down, might …
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The Key to Everything – Paying Respect to Dr. Kenneth Bailey
A year and a half ago I met with one of my three modern literary mentors, Ken Bailey. (The other two would be N.T. Wright and Dallas Willard). I’d always wanted to meet Ken, and finally, through some serious stalking, I made an appointment with …
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