Growing Our Souls Through Struggle
I wish we could grow and mature without pain and struggle. But that’s not the nature of human experience.
Entries by Martin Thielen
Rethinking the Metrics of Congregational Success
In a pandemic/post-pandemic world, what metrics should be used to determine congregational effectiveness and success?
Gunslinger Theology
At this point in my life and faith, knowing too little about God feels healthier than knowing too much.
Three Possible Paths for People Who Lose Traditional Faith
It’s no secret that large numbers of people are rapidly losing faith in traditional Christianity. For those who do, what are their options?
A Christmas Dream
For December’s post, I’d like to share a Christmas legend from Russia. It’s an adaptation of a short story by Leo Tolstoy.
Hurricanes, Holocausts, and Other Horrors: Three Theological Responses to Suffering
In the face of suffering some believers abandon faith, some defend faith, and some redefine faith.
The Benefit of the Doubt
I will never understand all the mysteries of God, nor do I need to. Instead, I only need to follow the call of Jesus to live a life of love. It’s as simple as that. And it is enough.
Friends for the Journey
People cannot make it by themselves. So instead of writing an overtly theological article for this month’s Doubter’s Parish post, I’d like to remind you (and me) about the priority of relationships.
What to Do about Church?
Doubter’s Parish readers discuss their relationship with institutional religion.
Book Review of Brian McLaren’s “Do I Stay Christian”
In his provocative new book, Brian McClaren offers ten reasons to abandon Christianity—and ten reasons to stay.