by Susi Lamoutte Amy Simpson, in her book Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission, provides both information about mental illness and a portrait of how people who are mentally ill and their families … Read More
The Advocacy That Matters
In a recent conversation, a friend mentioned to me that she perceived a great amount of angst among parents of teenagers and pre-teens. You might be thinking, Of course. Parenting—at any age—is hard work, so … Read More
Cannibis and Christ
It was 60s cultural icon Bob Dylan who sang, “…the times they are a-changin’.” With the recreational use of marijuana now legal in Colorado and Washington, we are indeed witnessing that, the times they are … Read More
Primates in Paradise
In 2007 the London Zoo had a special animal exhibit. Eight humans—three men and five women—were placed in one of the areas normally reserved for bears. The exhibit was made to look like the Garden … Read More
The Half-Dose That Destroys
Like the Edsel or the pay phone, repentance seems to be a relic from our not-too-distant past. Repentance was once a part of the call to conversion. Preachers called for repentance with tears in their … Read More
Numbering Our Days
Just about everyone I know is aging. Kaya, our eighteen-month-old grand daughter is not just walking, she is running. Single, barely intelligible words have given way to what could almost be considered rudimentary sentences. Soon, … Read More
Why I Love Santa Barbara Community Church
by Susi Lamoutte Santa Barbara Community Church… Why is it special? What has made a difference in my life? Growing up, my family did not go to church, not even on Easter or Christmas, and … Read More
Five Words
by Heidi Palladino My hero is of a different breed. She does not possess any talents, gifts, or outward appearances that one might be duly impressed with. If an idol is defined as anything that … Read More
A Lazy List of Books I Think Most Christians Should Read (or Own)
Have you noticed? 2014 is upon us and it is time for a few resolutions. Have you resolved to read a good book or two in the coming year? I hope so. Reading is something … Read More
Masculinity, Monarchy, and the Miami Dolphins
South Beach Scandal A generation ago, the image that came to mind when one thought of the Miami Dolphins was that of Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino throwing the football around in unprecedented fashion. … Read More