When someone sets out to be controversial or provocative or shocking as an end in itself, I don't think that's a noble goal.
Swords appear strong, but they're actually quite weak. Jesus appears weak, but he's actually quite strong.
Over the years, I've realized that I have as much in common with the performance artist, the standup comedian, the screenwriter, as I do with the theologian. I'm in an odd world where I make things and share them with people.
The fundamental story arc of the Bible is God is passionate about rescuing this world, restoring it, renewing it.
We live in a world where we have friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, people we journey with for years who are gay. And we need to love, affirm and all of us together work on the real problems that we have in the world.
As a pastor, you get invited into the most poignant moments of people's lives. Whether it's a wedding or a funeral or a hospital visit, you get invited into the center of the event, whether or not you know the people.
