Tag Archives: Philip Gulley

Young Man With Smoke Grenade

Jesus Christ: Terrorist

A pastor friend of mine recently posted this status on Facebook: “‘Just follow my rules and behave, and nothing bad will happen to you,’ is the exact opposite of the message of Christ.” It reminded me that the version of the Christian message I was

Glasses resting on Bible

From Jailbird to Freebird: The Prison of Selfishness

Jubilee! Circle, Columbia, S.C. Readings: We have all become like one who is unclean. (Isaiah 63:17-64:1-9) He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. (Luke 17:11-19) Our first song this morning comes from country singer Toby Keith. I Wanna Talk About Me is the

Hand reaching toward sunlight

God’s Will in Three Questions

“It was God’s will.” We hear this trope a lot in many situations. A child dies. “It was God’s will.” A child recovers from a deathly illness. “It was God’s will.” A storm blows away our house. “It was God’s will.” Unless our house was

Dove flying in Lisbon, Portugal

The Cosmic Justice of Peace

I believe in the power of cosmic justice. My problem is, I just don’t get to see it often enough. Once, I moved out of the left lane to let the guy tailgating me so closely I could not even see his headlights, let alone

Old letters bound with twine

Letters to the Editor

Editor: I just discovered the Whosoever podcasts. Wonderful! I love the magazine. I enjoy your blog and sermons, and now there is a podcast! It looks like you are doing one every month? Whatever the timing I hope you continue; I hope the Spirit continues

Glasses resting on Bible

What a Load!

Preached at MCC Columbia (S.C.) July 3, 2005 Readings: Matthew 11:27-30, Romans 7:13-25 We’ve worked very as a congregation hard to make sure that this is a safe and sacred place – a place where each of us can feel safe to explore our beliefs,

Friends hugging on a hike

Gracious Christianity

A man was walking across a bridge one day, and saw another man standing on the edge, about to jump off. The first man immediately ran over and said “Stop! Don’t do it!” “Why shouldn’t I?” he said. The man said, “Well, there’s so much

Friends hugging on a hike

Revenge of the Blob?

It would be easy for me to write yet another rant about the ungraciousness of the Religious Right. I’ve done it many times before, and will likely do it again. I’m told I do it very well, and it’s pretty much what people expect of