Category Archives: Christianity

Tamir: A Confession

Posted on December 29, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

I am complicit in your death, Tamir, and in the life-negating injustice which followed. I have never feared for my children’s safety in the presence of police officers. But police officers gunned you down as you played with a pellet … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Racism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

“The Force Awakens” – A Christmas (Eve) Sermon

Posted on December 26, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

(You can listen to a podcast of this message here.  The telling of the Christmas Gospel on which it is based, Luke 2:1-20, can be heard here.) If the Star Wars universe was Lutheran, every time someone said, “May the … Continue reading →

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Joseph Did You Know?

Posted on December 15, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

It was a wonderful half hour. It happened on the day my daughter, Autumn, was born.  She emerged into the world through a C-Section, and after the doctor was done with the delivery, and the nurses were through weighing her and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Christmas, Father, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Nothing To Do with My Savior

Posted on December 8, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Fear provokes folks to do strange things. It inspired the president of the largest Christian University in the country to carry a handgun in his back pocket as he spoke to his students at a convocation this past Friday. He must be really … Continue reading →

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Anxiety Sucks (And So Do Panic Attacks)

Posted on December 1, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

I did something death-defying last week. At least it felt death-defying, kind of like a paratrooper with acrophobia taking the first step out of an airplane. I did it even though I dreaded what might happen, even though the apprehension of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Dear Governor Hogan – Regarding Syrian Refugees

Posted on November 17, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Earlier today Governor Larry Hogan of the State of Maryland issued this statement regarding Syrian refugees:  As governor of Maryland, the safety and security of Marylanders remains my first priority. Following the terrorist attacks on Paris just four days ago, … Continue reading →

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Poisonous Generalizations After – and Before – Chattanooga

Posted on July 18, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

It didn’t take long after the tragic shooting deaths of five Marines for the venomous voices of generalized hate to begin their bellow. The murderer was a Muslim. Therefore all Muslims are dangerous.  Facebook and Twitter feeds filled with anger.  Damn … Continue reading →

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

The Case of the Missing Bible Verses

Posted on July 15, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Is there a conspiracy by Bible publishers edit, abrade, scour, or otherwise corrupt the Holy Scriptures? Maybe you’ve seen the urgent Facebook posts – “PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE” one begins – about the “missing” verses in the NIV and other newer Bible translations. … Continue reading →

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God the Cosmic Artist

Posted on July 7, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Back before I was a Christian, folks would ask me why I didn’t believe in God. Science always figured prominently in my response. Scientists had explained much of what had been attributed to deity over the centuries; it seemed inevitable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Faith and Science, Psalm 139 | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Church’s Radical Response to the Marriage Equality Decision

Posted on June 30, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

In response to the Supreme Court decision about marriage equality, we are going to try something radical at my church. Actually, what I should say is that we are going to continue to try something radical, as it is what God’s people have always … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Homosexuality, marriage equality | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments