Author Archives: Paul Harris
How’s This for Cold?
In the bygone years of pre-internet, you only knew something if you read it or someone in authority told you it. I knew the expression “cold as a witch’s tit” and “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass … Continue reading
“Have You Ever Helped Split a Church?”
That’s the first line of Joel Belz’s op-ed piece in the July 17, 2021, WORLD Magazine (“Menders or splitters?”, 8). You might not have before, but it’s highly likely you’re about to. And it will be over the equivalent of … Continue reading
The Song May Remember When but the Internet NEVER Forgets
Trisha Yearwood’s 1993 song referenced above is deserving of an extended quote and better still a listen. I figured out how to add musical media so give it a listen. If not, these are the opening two stanzas.
The Brother’s Grimm Couldn’t do Better
In the Brother’s Grimm oft told tale, The wolf knows he’s a wolf; Red Riding Hood knows he’s a wolf, and grandma does too, but the latter two are swallowed whole by the first in no time. And if you … Continue reading
Close(d) Communion Across Three States
At the 2006, Texas District Convention, my congregation submitted the following resolution: Subject: To Clarify Synod’s Reaffirmation of Close(d) Communion
Obergefell v Hodges – Nine Years In
You have to read the below carefully. It’s about the 2015 ruling that redefined marriage, as if that could be done. You might as well “redefine” gravity. That ruling recognized the right to oppose gay marriage for religious reasons. But … Continue reading
Just a Tool?
But is it? Are smartphones, social media, tablets, smart watches, and more just tools? They can be used for good or bad. Sure they can be abused, but the ancient dictum applies abuse doesn’t destroy use. Executives in charge of … Continue reading
A Statement of 46 Years Ago
The “Statement of the 44” made in 1945 was one of the sharpest turns the Good Ship LCMS ever made. Actually, the turn was made when they were allowed to withdraw it with no consequence, no repentance. It was a … Continue reading
Impacted by Which Spirit?
I attended a virtual service of Impact Family Church, Austin on Sunday, June 19, 2022. I started with the service for that day and my computer crashed while livestreaming, so I switched to the Sunday before. This was serendipitous if … Continue reading
It’s the 1980s Calling….
Visiting Our Savior Lutheran Church, Austin, is like stepping back into 1980’s Missouri Synod. Before the liturgy, vestments, and creeds were completely thrown out. When contemporary music was starting to filter in; when the emphasis was on giving and evangelizing; … Continue reading