Category Archives: Christianity

A Millennial’s View: The Unexpected Pastor’s Daughter on the Election

Posted on November 11, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

My 19-year old daughter posted on Facebook last evening a reflection that struck me with its clarity of thought, honesty, and charity . . . more charitable, if I’m honest, than I feel like being right now (although I’m working on it). … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Political | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

How Can You Vote For HER?

Posted on November 3, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

NOTE: I write this is as my own opinion, not on behalf of any church or denomination. The link to this blog from my church’s website has been removed until after the election to alleviate any confusion. While pastors are not … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | 26 Comments

“I’m Not Very Religious”

Posted on October 26, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

I met her at the door after worship. This young adult had come to church at the behest of a family member. If enduring the service wasn’t bad enough, now there was no clear path to the exit;  she had to wait … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Lutheran Theology, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

“What Do You Preach about at a Same-Gender Wedding?”

Posted on October 18, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

This past Saturday on a bright beautiful blue-sky fall afternoon next to the glistening Chesapeake Bay, I had the privilege of presiding at a same-gender wedding for the third time.  I hope someday to lose count.  I hope, as someone … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, LGBTQ, marriage equality, Sermon | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Trumptape: Silence is Assent

Posted on October 8, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

I have certainly heard the reprehensible attitudes expressed by Donald Trump and Billy Bush in their taped 2005 conversation. But not in any “locker room.” Mr. Trump and Mr. Bush echo the misogynistic mindset of many sexual offenders I dealt … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Faith | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Black Lives Matter: A 21st Century Beatitude?

Posted on September 28, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

Jesus kicked off the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes. “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . .” A guy on the mount interrupted Jesus. “Hey! ALL lives are blessed!” Jesus ignored him. “For theirs is the kingdom of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Racism | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Unexpected Pastor Goes to Camp

Posted on July 19, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

What does hope look like? For me last week it looked like 70-some young people, from 8 years old through high school age, singing crazy camp songs, laughing, learning, and listening to camp stories, swimming and zip-lining and sitting in … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, ELCA, Faith, Lutheran, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Deconstructing the Narthex

Posted on June 10, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

Last Sunday I removed the narthex from the church I serve. Some of you may be wondering, “What’s a narthex?” It is for you that our narthex was eliminated. In a church building, the narthex is the entrance lobby, the room … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Lutheran, Worship | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Jesus, Water Fountains, and Wedding Cakes

Posted on March 31, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

In the 1960’s, “States’ Rights” meant the “right”to discriminate against people of color. Today, “Religious Liberty” means the “liberty” to discriminate against LGBTQ folks. Advocates of both have invoked Christ. But Christ no more died on the cross so you … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Homosexuality, LGBTQ, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Too Smart for God – Chapter One – Who’s This Book About?

Posted on January 25, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

Here’s a DRAFT of the first chapter of the book I’ve been working on for the past several years. If you have comments or suggestions for improvement I’d love to hear them. Or if you know of any agents or … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments