Memorial Day is the official start of summer. Typically there’s a family and friends get-together, a barbecue, a game on … More
Author: stephen matlock
A Review of "Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism"
So this book is several things. One, it is a book of theology of the kingdom of the Messiah. Dr. … More
The Christian Response to Public Restroom Access
In his blog post on April 27, 2016 (https://theboeskool.com/2016/04/27/boycotting-target-is-about-the-least-christian-thing-you-could-do/), Mr. Boeskool makes the case that boycotting Target over its public … More
Structural Racism—It Doesn’t Exist
One of the things about American culture and society is our racism. It’s not the only thing, or the most … More
A Setback and a Resurrection
I am celebrating Easter today, which is a reminder to Christians that death is not the final answer. We celebrate … More
Forgiveness—What Is Possible? What Is Demanded?
I heard a story on NPR the other day. Seems that in Maryland there’s a push to review the sentences … More
Remarks to the Muslim Association of Snoqualmie Ridge
Back in November of 2015, Washington State Representative Jay Rodne (R-05) made some inflammatory remarks about Muslims and Sharia law, … More
He Was Twelve
When I was twelve I discovered in an old box of books a novel by Booth Tarkington. “Penrod” was the … More
Between the World and Me: a Review
Between the World and Me Ta-Nehisi Coates 163 pages Spiegel & Grau, July 14, 2015 So this is a beautiful, … More
We Americans and Our Violence
Someone posted recently that “we Americans” demanded that Muslims in America speak out against violence because “we Americans” were terrified … More
Who Are the Good Guys and Who Are the Bad Guys
Are all Muslims terrorists? Are any Christians terrorists? There are somewheres around 2B Christians in the world, and 1.2B Muslims. … More
Paris, Beirut, Japan, Kenya,…
It’s been a world of hurt lately, and yet it always is. It is always true that the poor are … More
Do I Have Privilege?
The short answer is “Yes.” The longer answer is more nuanced, because of course I don’t see or experience my … More
Christ-follower in All Things
http://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000004005499/would-jesus-wear-a-sidearm.html?smid=nytcore-iphone-share&smprod=nytcore-iphone I don’t get it that Christians claim they need guns to “protect” themselves in America. We aren’t in Somalia … More
Snoqualmie’s Bad Hire Puts North Bend at Risk
Officer Nicholas Hogan of the Snoqualmie Police Department was hired by Snoqualmie after being fired by the City of Tukwila … More
Be the Church
Protect the environment. Care for the poor. Forgive often. Reject racism. Fight for the powerless. Share earthly and spiritual resources. … More
What About ‘Those People’? Why Don’t They Fix Their Own Lives?
“Why don’t ‘those people’ fix their own lives and culture instead of rioting all the time?” I hear this question … More
When We Would Tell Others
There is an awesome story in the Christian New Testament where Peter and Jesus (post-resurrected, not-yet-ascended) have an interaction about … More
Is Truth Nihilism? A Response to Some Charges about “Between the World and Me”
First off–I’m not a trained philosopher. I don’t have special insight. I just have my opinions. And I haven’t finished … More
Why Pursue Justice?
Why pursue justice for our brothers and sisters? Why not sit back? Let someone else speak out, someone else march, … More
What Must We Then Do?
I’m a Christian, and I also believe in the power of reason. I don’t think anyone is convinced to switch … More
Somehow What Matters Doesn’t Matter
Somehow Christians don’t get upset when tens of millions of children in America go to bed hungry. Somehow Christians don’t … More
Review: Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County: A Family, a Virginia Town, a Civil Rights Battle
Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County: A Family, a Virginia Town, a Civil Rights Battle by Kristen Green … More
Questions for Christians Searching for Answers
From the Internets. Some questions to ask before insisting that your version of Christianity should be mandated as a rule … More
Being Jesus to the World We Live In
We always had the chance to be Christian. To be like Christ. To be loving and sacrificial, to care for … More
Black Lives Matter or All Lives Matter?
Someone asked recently “Why isn’t it ‘All Lives Matter’?” Here’s my response: When a house is burning down you send … More
How Marriage Equality Affects You
Here’s the real scoop: A quick guide to how the Supreme Court decision on marriage affects you. (h/t/ Kai Bolger) … More