A Look at “God’s Wonderful Plan” Theology
Let me start by saying this isn’t an attack on anyone’s faith or church style because we are passionately multi-faith. What’s also important to understand about Bridging Austin is that we believe God’s plan for us and the church is rooted in spirituality first, even when that means setting aside other pursuits. Another motivation for this article is to challenge the increasingly popular idea that Christianity is about self-improvement or personal comfort. In our community, it’s more about shaping how we live together in ways that create harmony and justice, and through that, we reveal the love and grace God has extended towards us.
2026
The Invisible Bridge: Linking Spiritual Realms and Spiritual Dimensions
Today, when pastors talk about spiritual realms, they typically draw a distinction between the natural and the spiritual worlds. By contrast, discussing…
2025
Yielding to God’s Ecumenical Embrace
British cosmologist and astrophysicist Martin Rees’ book, Just Six Numbers, explains how six basic values may define the universe and make life possible….
2025
Demystifying the “Social Gospel: God’s Ultimate Act of Socializing”
In my first book, A Story of Rhythm and Grace, I wrote that I had lived in two worlds: performing in popular music, where racial tolerance was prized,…
2025
Racism, the unpardonable or unrepentant sin?
Recently, I came across a 2012 interview with John Tyler’s grandson as he toured his family’s Virginia plantation on YouTube. Tyler was the tenth…
2025
Judaism: God’s Pathway to Race-Free Christianity
While serving at a church in Maryland, Julaine and I developed a close friendship with a couple, Nicole and Donnie Christianson. One day, Nicole made…
2024
Politics, faith and mission: A conversation with Jimi Calhoun
Jimi Calhoun is full of stories about musicians with whom he’s performed, churches he’s served, and the human possibilities for which he hopes….
2024
Faith: Be the bridge of love toward the stranger
My first commercial recording contained lyrics that read, “Love is a thing that you need now; Love if you want to succeed now.”
Nice rhyme right?…
2023
Celtic Christian Doctrines That Guide Our Triune Faith
In 563 AD St. Columba arrived on the island of Iona located just off the Isle of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland. There he built his first Celtic…