I don't understand why it isn't the Republicans' job to see that the intelligence folks have the tools they need. I do think that the Republicans have a responsibilty here. Democrats can control the conversation here. It's not that hard to make the case.

Posted at February 8, 2008 5:05 PM in response to House Passes 15-Day Extension to Surveillance Bill

I am a United Methodist pastor near Rochester NY. I have led two groups of lay people through "A New Kind of Christian" and think very highly of Pastor Brian's approach. I'm about in the middle of "A Generous Orthodoxy" right now. Either of these books would answer quite a few of the questions posed here. If one spends some open-minded/hearted time with his work, it is not easily dismissed.

My small caution is that we cannot take responsibility for our neighbors. I think that is a dangerous approach. We are called, I think, to respect our neighbors and be in dialogue with them. We may have something to offer each other. Too much has been inflicted by those who wish to help without taking time to understand the one who is believed to need help.

This effort on the part of North Americans and Europeans to take responsibilty for our neighbors in Africa, for example, has been a disaster for Africa. It is another face of imperialism and arrogance.

Christianity and the West generally can threaten with our efforts to "help."

Posted at December 3, 2007 7:26 PM in response to Christianity as a Global Threat