The Practical Parson

We preach Grace when we have offended. We preach repentance when we have sinned. We preach forgiveness when we have erred. We preach salvation when we have strayed. We preach acceptance when we have excluded others. We preach the Love of God while keeping it from others. We preach the truth of the Gospels while we hide it from the world. We preach the presence of Christ while denying others to it. We preach many things in our lives as Christians, as Priests, as Ministers; but do we do so honestly? The truth is nothing; unless it can change both the recipient, as well as he who carries it. -The Practical Parson

  For the past 2 weeks, an allegedly spontaneous and ongoing revival has been taking place in the chapel on Asbury University campus in Wilmore, Kentucky.  Many evangelical and conservative Christians applaud this event as a demonstration of the Holy Spirit moving in our time, while others question the intent of the entire event. To say the least, this revival is certainly a conundrum. As one who grew up and was sent to an (allegedly) evangelical Christian school, I myself am more than aware of the theatrical nature of evangelical revivals; having witnessed a number of them myself during my school days.  Such revivals are a time filled with preaching, singing, and heightened emotional states that encourage people to act out, supposedly in love of God.   However wonderful and spiritual it may seem though; I have also borne witness to the unfortunate reality of what happens when the singing is over, and life returns to its normal pace.   Those who hurl t...