A Question Asked to Ann Landers About "Group Blogging"


Dear Ann,

I am at the end of my rope and in desperate need of your advice! As a member of a group blogging effort, I find myself struggling with the fact that one of my blogging colleagues is always writing silly, outlandish and narcissistic posts. His blog posts (which for the most part are pseudonymous) are an embarrassment to our otherwise fine group of bloggers. But what makes this all the more difficult for me is this: he cloaks it all in "humor." Please help me/us before the entire blogging community writes me/us off.

Signed,
A Concerned Group Blogger

Clerical Collars + Soul Patches = A "True Man" and a Cool Pastor

First, for hundreds of years, if not a millennium or more, clergy have been sporting clerical garb. This is not limited to Roman Catholics, Anglicans or Lutherans. What's more (and what's interesting) is that Puritans (the ones we'd all think would not sport such garb) also thought it a good idea to do so. Here, see for yourself:












If a clerical collar was good enough for this Puritan, I'm sure it's good enough for anyone else. Moreover, I could have posted the likeness of Thomas Boston, Thomas Brooks, etc. to make my point.

Second, if there's one style of facial hair that screams "COOL" it's the soul patch. And who's cooler than Johnny Depp?










Therefore, the math is simple:
A CLERICAL COLLAR + A SOUL PATCH = A "TRUE MAN" AND A COOL PASTOR

P.S. Methinks he doth protest too much. Perhaps he's just jealous?

Finally, Apostolic Succession!

Does my shaking the hand of N.T. Wright (the "right hand of fellowship") and shooting the breeze with him for five minutes constitute Apolstolic Succession? Does the applying of his hand to my shoulder (his right hand, mind you--the one with his bishop's ring) transfer the bishop's power and authority? Is one hand enough? Does his parting words, "God bless you," count as the finally blessing/benediction and the fulfillment of my apostolic-succession ordination? I would tend to believe it does! Finally, Apostolic Succession!

What St. Paul Really Didn't Say: Ephesians 6:10-17

The Rev. Scott Strickman gears up to demonstrate to his congregation that the "Armor of God" is more readily available than most believe.

Four Steps on Becoming a "Full Professor" (a Photo Journal)

Step One: There must be at least one godly dressed man in the crowd!


(Left to right: Rev. Craig Higgins, Dr. Tremper Longman III, the godly dressed man, Dr. Pete Enns, Dr. Dan McCartney)


Step Two: One must be able to adopt the 1980's fluff-hit "The Lady in Red" as a theme song.



Step Three: At least two heretics must be present.


(Left to "right:" Dr. Douglas Green and Dr. John Franke)

Step Four: And the ridiculous looking hat award goes to...?
Rev. Craig Higgins

Paying Homage Where, When and to Whom Homage Is Due

Professor Douglas Green assumes the proper posture when confronted by newly ordained Rev. Matthew Paul Buccheri. Douglas--who obviously understands the significance of apostolic succession--kneels to kiss the ring of the good Rev'd.