Articles by David P. Gushee

Blogging Toward Sunday

About face

Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8

Mar 15, 2010 by David P. Gushee

In this week’s epistle reading, Paul demonstrates that mix of humility and pride that so definitively marks off his writing from any other voice in the Bible.

Living by the Word

Forgiveness, with music and dancing

Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:11b-32

Mar 09, 2010 by David P. Gushee

In my (southern) Baptist tradition, preachers don’t generally use the lectionary. If we come up with a decent reflection that’s somewhat related to one recognizable biblical passage, it’s been a good week. But these three passages together pack a powerful punch.

Living by the Word

Permanent diaspora

Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126

Mar 09, 2010 by David P. Gushee

I spent my entire childhood in Vienna, Virginia. From infancy to my eighth year we lived on Hillside Circle. In the back yard, a swing took me up above a honeysuckle bush with every push from my mother. I can still smell the honeysuckle. Eventually Mom and Dad bought a nicer home, and although they sold it several years ago, I remember every beloved detail of the place.

Blogging Toward Sunday

Home

Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Mar 08, 2010 by David P. Gushee

I puzzled over this week’s Old Testament passage for a long time. It is hard to see its connection to the other readings. But if we read this ancient story through a lens refracted by the forgiveness and celebration themes highlighted in the other lectionary texts, there are at least tentative connections.

Books

Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America

Mitchell Gold, ed., with Mindy Drucker

Church-based hate

Jun 02, 2009 reviewed by David P. Gushee
Crisis recounts the sad stories of young people who, like Esau, cried for a blessing and too often did not receive it.
Features

Just war divide

One tradition, two views
Aug 14, 2002 by David P. Gushee
Speaking at the U.S. Military Academy in June, President Bush offered an expansive statement articulating a doctrine of preemptive action against rogue states and terrorist groups. Iraq was not mentioned, but subsequent statements suggest the West Point speech laid the foundation for war against that nation.