Rev. Christopher Keating
Faith and doubt evolve for both atheists and believers
Atheism draws a lot of attention these days. Ironically, some of its more militant strains tend to resemble religious fundamentalism.
May 10, 2012 | 3:38 pm
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Skipping church offers lessons in preaching
I skipped church last week. Instead of getting up early, rushing through a shower, grabbing a quick breakfast and making last minute edits to a sermon, I slept late and ate scrambled eggs and toast with my family.
Apr 25, 2012 | 4:05 pm
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Letting the church be the church
Sipping my Easter Monday coffee and reading Travis Scholl's prose I suddenly realized the connection between Fiddler on the Roof, Easter, and the state of the church.
Apr 13, 2012 | 11:13 am
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Holy Week makes demands on believers
Because of the push and pull of life, many abandon keeping track of these days. We touch base with Jesus on Palm Sunday, and are filled with more joy on Easter. But what meaning can the resurrection have on us if we have ignored the passion?
Apr 04, 2012 | 12:28 pm
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Lent's 40 days exacts toll on pastors
I posted this as my Facebook status today. Even ministers smile occasionally during Lent. I actually did almost all of these today.
Mar 28, 2012 | 10:11 pm
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Starting over with an Etch a Sketch
From a theological point of view, an Etch a Sketch is an elegant metaphor for promise of God’s forgiveness.
Mar 28, 2012 | 9:35 pm
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Daffodils offer glimpses of new life
On Easter Sunday, I took Ruby a daffodil plant from church. She said she could not remember the last time someone had brought her flowers. She loved the plant, and kept it near her bedside as she slipped into her last sleep.
Mar 14, 2012 | 3:16 pm
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Talking about sex and politics in church
Though we were taught to never mention sex, politics, or religion in polite conversations, talk about sexuality and religion are now impossible to ignore.
Mar 08, 2012 | 11:33 pm
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Praying in airports provides connections
As the television in the airport gate began broadcasting reports of the school shooting in Chardon, Ohio, my prayer focus turned from my own concerns to that emerging tragedy. Hundreds of people were listening, and I hope at least some were praying.
Feb 29, 2012 | 11:10 am
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Ash Wednesday prepares us for forgiveness
Lent begins with the words of Psalm 51: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."
Feb 21, 2012 | 5:22 pm
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Transfiguration Sunday challenges our spiritual hoarding tendencies
The impact of dying churches is especially hard when local landmarks become targets for demolition. Yet congregations must be more than museums. A church must be something other than a repository of relics or an archive of memories.
Feb 16, 2012 | 9:11 pm
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Burnout brings economic and spiritual challenges
Stuck in the muddy ruts of our lives, burnout seems inevitable. Recognizing the signs of burnout includes gaining a fresh perspective so that we may once again be renewed.
Feb 07, 2012 | 9:33 pm
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Super Bowl brings opportunities for super sharing
Come Sunday, the players will take their positions and the great rematch will begin. Just in case you don't have thousands to spend on tickets to the Super Bowl, you're in luck.
Feb 02, 2012 | 10:19 pm
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Stuff Presbyterian Seminarians Say
A little present for those Presbyterians (PCUSA) gearing up for ordination exams this week. Just a reminder of how wonderful -- and wonderfully ridiculous -- our tradition is. Thanks to all those who helped -- both PCA and PCUSA alike. Good luck on exams!
Jan 26, 2012 | 6:10 pm
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Stuff people say to pastors
Naughtiness is creating a stir these days. Viral videos promoting "stuff (fill in the blank) people say" are everywhere. It led me to think about what sort of stuff people tell their pastors.
Jan 26, 2012 | 5:35 pm
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Reconsidering God's Whale of a Tale
For years I've resisted preaching about Jonah. I'm not sure exactly, but perhaps I wasn't ready to tackle this story. Decades ago, a seminary professor reminded me that sometimes there are stories preachers are not ready to preach
Jan 26, 2012 | 12:25 pm
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Exploring MLK legacy as pastor and theologian
It's planning time for many congregations. Pastors and churches plunge into the New Year by tearing off the shrink wrap of new calendars and making plans. It's time to hit the reset button and start over.
Jan 11, 2012 | 9:02 pm
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King weekend services planned
The Dismantling Racism & Privilege Ministry Team of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has planned two events for the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend.
Jan 11, 2012 | 8:52 pm
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Epiphany's light shines brightly for all
Friday, January 6 is the Feast of the Epiphany, a day Christians celebrate the manifestation of God in Jesus Christ. Epiphany concludes the incarnational cycle of Christmas, and is most often celebrated by reading Matthew's story of the visiting magi, or wise men
Jan 05, 2012 | 10:44 pm
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Through all the circling years, God's faithfulness shines
Through it is tempting to rehash all the tragedies of this year - significant as they were - today I want to think about what worked well.
Dec 30, 2011 | 8:57 am
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Bringing the light of Christmas into a New Year
For many Christmas is just about done. The leftovers are just about picked over, and one or two of the new toys have already broken. Come Sunday, the lights will be plucked from houses and packed away until next Thanksgiving.
Dec 28, 2011 | 5:52 pm
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Letting Christmas Eve worship dispel holiday fatigue
To borrow a line from the Gospel of Luke, the drive toward Christmas Eve feels as though the entire world is about to be enrolled. It's a busy time. The days are an awkward mix of rushing around followed by impatient waiting. We're pushing ourselves to the holiday finish line, searching for gifts…
Dec 20, 2011 | 10:06 pm
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Angels deliver messages of vocation
Given the news of Albert Pujols' move to California last week, I gave some thought to creating a new Christmas play in homage to the slugger. The basic plot would be the same, of course. I tinkered with the idea of having the main character negotiate with a pastor for a better role in the play, a…
Dec 14, 2011 | 11:05 pm
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Dreams reveal more than sugar plums at Christmas
"Dreams," remarked Protestant reformer John Calvin, "are to be taken in a good sense, for God was wont to make himself known to his servants by dreams." ("Institutes of the Christian Religion," book I, chapter II, section 8, 108.) Or, as I'm prone to say, pay attention to polar bears on sleds or …
Dec 07, 2011 | 4:38 pm
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Advent Sundays are typically less than glamourous
All around us, the sights, sounds, and even smells of the season fill our lives.
Dec 01, 2011 | 5:24 pm
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Rev. Christopher Keating
Chris Keating serves as pastor of the Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Wildwood, Mo. His wife, Carol, is also a Presbyterian minister. They are parents to three daughters, a son, and two theologically grounded dogs. He has degrees from the University of La Verne, Princeton Theological Seminary and Saint Paul School of Theology.
