Author Archives: Matt

About Matt

Software engineer by trade; lay theologian by nature; Lutheran by grace.

Let Exceptions Be Exceptions

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Matt

Perfection in design is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but rather when there is nothing more to take away. –Antoine de Saint-Exupéry As a software engineer, I can appreciate this statement.  Good engineering isn’t cluttered and … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theology | Leave a comment

I Do Not Wish We Had Women’s Ordination

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Matt

Back in June, Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, had a Q&A session at the Northwest district convention.  One of the questions (starting at 34:50)  was how he would explain the LCMS’ refusal to ordain women as … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, Lutheranism | 2 Comments

Peer Pressure by Design

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Matt

Peer pressure is generally considered a bad thing.  We usually hear about it as some mysterious force that makes kids want to have premarital sex, do drugs, and so forth.  It was certainly placarded as a major villain back when … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, The Modern Church | 1 Comment

Shame and the Slut Double Standard

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Matt

I’m not a big fan of shaming.  In other words, I don’t like the idea of emotionally manipulating people specifically for the purpose of making them feel shame.  On the other hand, I don’t like the idea of emotionally manipulating … Continue reading →

Posted in Chastity, Ethics, Feminism | 7 Comments

In Defense of Thomas Kinkade

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Matt

First, let me make it clear that I am not defending Thomas Kinkade’s artistic talent or sensibilities.  I am neither an art critic nor an art conisseur, and am entirely unqualified to make such a defense if, indeed, one is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | 1 Comment

The Ten Commandments of Reaching Younger Generations

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Matt

The other day, my alma mater posed a question on Facebook:  “How can the Church more effectively reach out to younger generations?”  Many Christians are asking this as church membership in America declines, and there are a lot of bad … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Youth, The Modern Church | Leave a comment

In Which a Stream of Consciousness Overflows its Banks, Devastating the Local Ecosystem

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Matt

The other day, I was told about about Disney’s new Habit Heroes–an extremely short-lived Epcot exhibit that sought to combat obesity by teaching kids healthy habits.  It included heroic and fit characters like Will Power and Callie Stenics who need … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Politics, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Equality is Marriage Poison

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Matt

A few centuries ago, humankind added a novel component to their politics–the idea that all people are created equal.  This concept of equality proved to be very successful in advancing the common good.  It helped to modify and remove distinctions … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism | 6 Comments

Abusing Sola Scriptura

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Matt

“The Bible doesn’t say it’s wrong, so I can do it if I want to.” Unfortunately, this is a common refrain among protestants and Lutherans looking for some kind of license.  We can see this very clearly when it comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Law, The Modern Church, Theology | Leave a comment

The President’s Shell Game

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Matt

This past Friday, President Obama announced what he called a “compromise” in his plans to forbid those Christians who recognize the moral problems surrounding contraception and abortion from putting those beliefs into practice.  This new plan, he claims, is no … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, Politics, Uncategorized | Leave a comment