Category Archives: Free Range Philosophy

Emergence of Winter Wheat

Posted on October 9, 2021 by John

Martin Luther was smart enough to remember what we all forget. Every day we forget how great life can be if we live to the potential God has built into us. Sadder still, we forget how much God does to … Continue reading →

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Pentecost 18B: Friendship, Peace, and Social Distancing

Posted on September 22, 2021 by John

The readings for this 18th Sunday after Pentecost are Old Testament      Numbers 11:4–6, 10–16, 24–29 Psalm                    Psalm 19:7–14 New Testament     James 5:13–20 Gospel                   Mark 9:38–50 Are not the biggest twin challenges of this time the social … Continue reading →

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Palm/Passion Sunday B: Meaning Shines Out From Steadfastness

Posted on March 24, 2021 by John

The readings for the Liturgy of the Passion: Old Testament      Isaiah 50:4–9a Psalm                    Psalm 31:9–16 New Testament     Philippians 2:5–11 Gospel                   Mark 14:1–15:47 or Mark 15:1–39 (40–47) Friedrich Nietzsche was a harsh critic of religious belief; but … Continue reading →

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Try Being Less Spiritual and More Decent

Posted on January 1, 2019 by John

“What then should we do?” That was the cry of the crowds who were touched by John the Baptist’s message in the region of the Jordan, that God’s ax was laid at the root of the trees, and those that … Continue reading →

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Refugees, Trump and the Light of the World

Posted on February 5, 2017 by John

Several months ago a team of people went into my heart and fixed it. They, in fact, probed with wires right up through both an artery and a vein in both of my upper thighs, right up into my heart, … Continue reading →

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Immanuel Kant, and Why I Will Not Watch the Super Bowl

Posted on January 31, 2015 by John

Tomorrow all the world will tune into a gladiatorial contest. We fancy ourselves more civilized than the ancient Romans, but college and professional football are popular because of the hits. And each year the hits get harder as the linemen … Continue reading →

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Is Government Too Big or Our Interests Too Narrow?

Posted on October 20, 2014 by John

                The Republicans have hammered at it for over a century now. Libertarians refined and focused the message. The Tea Party at first was against any Big Guys picking on the little guys, but their message was co-opted.                 They … Continue reading →

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My World for a Kleenex

Posted on October 4, 2013 by John

I walked out the door, into the parking lot and to my car. The class was over. Had I taught anything at all? Did the threat of a test open any minds to Buddha, no-self, compassion?           A push on … Continue reading →

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Shadow and Substance

Posted on July 25, 2013 by John

                      The apostle, Paul, writes to many congregations whose main problem is not the lack of religion, but too much of the wrong kind. The church at Colossae is one of them.             In the lesson for the 10th Sunday after … Continue reading →

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Preaching That Slices Like a Sword

Posted on October 19, 2010 by John

Sermonizing has a well-earned bad reputation. Can it be redeemed? Yes, if conviction, civility, good information, realistic story-telling, respect for all, and compassion for the oppressed are brought together Continue reading →

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