April 2013 - tangible theology

The Ten Virtues (for atheists)

April 10, 2013 by Chris Sicks Leave a Comment

I used to be an atheist. Sometimes I wondered what should guide the behavior of non-believers like me. Author Alain de Botton did more than wonder—he composed a list of 10 virtues for atheists. The list includes empathy, patience, sacrifice, and forgiveness—laudable virtues regardless of your beliefs. (Read the full list, and de Botton’s definitions, below) Christians will recognize the biblical roots of many of de Botton’s commandments. Pointing this out doesn’t seem to bother him, … [Continue reading...]

The Mystery of God

April 3, 2013 by Chris Sicks Leave a Comment

Why does God, who truly wants to be known, seem so incomprehensible? The Mystery of God—Theology for Knowing the Unknowable Steven D. Boyer and Christopher A. Hall Book Review by Chris Sicks for The Englewood Review of Books When I was an atheist, I thought the reason God was unknowable was because he didn’t exist. Today I not only believe he exists—I preach, teach, and write about him. Still, much about God remains mysterious, even unknowable. Why does God, who truly wants to be … [Continue reading...]

Left, Right and Christ

April 2, 2013 by Chris Sicks Leave a Comment

Book review by Chris Sicks for the Englewood Review of Books. I’m a pastor at an evangelical church just 4 miles from Washington, DC. The majority of our people work for the federal government in one way or another. We never speak about politics from the pulpit, for two reasons. First—and most importantly—the purpose of preaching is to exhibit Christ, not talk policy. Second, we want both Republicans and Democrats to feel at home in our church. Left, Right and Christ by Lisa Sharon Harper … [Continue reading...]

Archives for April 2013

The Ten Virtues (for atheists)

The Mystery of God

Left, Right and Christ

Archives