I know that Jesus said he desires mercy more than sacrifice, but there are times when sacrifice becomes a spiritual necessity, such as when we metaphorically cast out our own eye or cut off our own hand rather than give in to temptation; or when we go without so that we understand the gifts God gives...

Portland Monthly recently ran “Jesus’s Favorite City“, a cover story that touched on the unique nature of Christianity in Portland by speaking to prominent Portland pastors.  “A group of emerging liberal Christian leaders is rethinking GOD—in Portland’s image” the...

The church I grew up at had a sister parish in Saint-Louis-de-Sud, Haiti. The church sent mission trips to Haiti twice a year. We would build schools, run electricity and hold medical clinics. From a young age, I was fascinated by the stories we heard from those returning from trips to Haiti. I repeatedly...

Ten years ago today, I wrote my first top 10 list, a cobbled list of the best albums of the millennium (mostly, it was Beatles and U2).  I think that’s when I fancied myself a writer for the first time.  Ten years later, I’m still that deluded. This New Years, I’m in Murietta, California,...

David Gentiles’ memorial service was held last night on a ballfield in Austin. I wish I’d been there. From what I’ve heard, it was a fitting tribute. Here’s what I wrote about David a few days after he died. Fortunately, you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s...

First I hear about this great holiday gift idea (via JesusNeedsNewPR): Then Larry Shallenberger saved this figurine from almost being used in his church’s nativity set: Larry titled this image “Why Shepherds Need Jesus”: Larry and Jordan don’t want me to turn this picture into...

The first article we ran on this new site…or one of the first, anyway…was a diary of this years International Christian Retail Show in Denver. The opening speaker at this year’s convention was Josh McDowell.  I didn’t know who Josh McDowell was at the time, but I wasn’t...

In about 3 hours, the 113th Civil War game will kick off at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. In the history of the game, the stakes have never been higher.  The winner will go to the Rose Bowl.  If the University of Oregon Ducks lose, they’ll end up in the Holiday Bowl.  If the Oregon State Beavers...

We have a Christmas tradition around these parts.  Every year, shortly after Thanksgiving, we re-post Burnside’s most popular article of all time: “The Abominable ‘O Holy Night’”.  Along with the Advent Conspiracy, this insanely awful little diddy gets us in the Christmas...

In a community it’s important to be reminded that a single person with the courage of her convictions can have a profound impact. Because I work in a small high school, I’m on a bunch of email lists for students. On Black Friday I got copied on a note from one student to her peers.  She’s a senior...