Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Idolatry of Nationalism

Posted on November 12, 2018 by

The New York Times reports that at a ceremony in Paris for the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, President Emmanuel Macron of France rebuked the nationalist impulses that are reshaping the world today. “Patriotism is the exact … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, politics, Theology, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

First Things First: A Sermon For All Saints’ Day and Election Day

Posted on November 5, 2018 by

I don’t often post sermons, but this week is an exception.  Our congregation observed All Saints’ Day last Sunday as we were reeling from the news of a shooting a few blocks away at a yoga studio. The victims are … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

National Refugee Shabbat

Posted on October 21, 2018 by

Here is a slightly edited version of the sermon I preached on October 19 at Temple Israel, a neighboring synagogue led by my friend and colleague, Rabbi Jack Romberg.  The occasion is National Refugee Shabbat.  Shabbat Shalom As-salamu alaykum Pax … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Words Matter

Posted on September 4, 2018 by

Last week I participated in a press conference called by the Rev. Mr. R. B. Holmes of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.  At that conference, Mr. Holmes called upon Congressman Ron DeSantis to apologize for saying, in response to Andrew Gillum’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The Bible Tells Me What?

Posted on July 2, 2018 by

A sermon preached at First Presbyterian Church, Tallahassee, Florida, July 1, 2018 6th Sunday after Pentecost Romans 13:1-10 Those of you attuned to such things will notice that Tip did not read the Epistle Lesson assigned for this day by … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Out of the mouths of babes

Posted on February 21, 2018 by

Today I stood on the steps of Florida’s Old State Capitol with fellow clergy and watched thousands — most of them young — restore my faith in democracy.  It’s hard to express how moving it was to see such determined, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments

No Place to Call Home

Posted on December 21, 2017 by

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day takes place on December 22, the longest night of the year. Tonight some 200 communities will gather to read the names of their neighbors — neighbors who have experienced homelessness and who have died in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments