by Rich Hansen | Mar 22, 2018 | Provocative Questions
People who focus on law are called legalists. In the old days, legalists were portrayed as sour-faced folks who forbid any fun or enjoyment and had strict rules about no movies, or dancing, or card playing. Today, “legalist” is a term of ultimate condescension and is...
by Rich Hansen | Mar 15, 2018 | Provocative Questions
Those of us currently celebrating the season of Lent know it is a time of self-examination. This year I have especially been reflecting about the meaning and practice of power. Jesus’ kind of power is so contrary and counter-intuitive to the macho, strutting...
by Rich Hansen | Feb 15, 2018 | Provocative Questions
Like many Americans, I have followed the horrific story of Dr. Larry Nassar, sentenced in January to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing at least 156 young woman who gave statements during his trial. From girls as young as six to several gold medal winning...
by Rich Hansen | Feb 8, 2018 | Provocative Questions
This is my first post since last October. I took an extended break to concentrate on finishing well in the final months of my interim Senior Pastor position and also prepare for my impending retirement after 37 years of professional ministry at the end of 2017. On...
by Rich Hansen | Oct 26, 2017 | Provocative Questions
How should we think about diversity in our contentious political climate, especially when racism, xenophobia and general fear of the ‘other’ increasingly rear their ugly heads? Do we lose something by retreating into enclaves populated only by people like us? The...
by Rich Hansen | Oct 12, 2017 | Provocative Questions
In the last few weeks, those who have lost loved ones are asking about heaven. Thinking they are not alone, today I want to try to answer a few questions. Much of what we believe and imagine about heaven comes from our popular culture, not from the authority of the...
