Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup # 25

Here's the week in review in the Methodist blogosphere:

James Gibson wrote about David Seamands' 'moral failure' and its impact for his ministry and the Church of England's recent decision to allow gay priests to marry.

Andy Bryan took umbrage at the notion that outward church success (e.g. financial and membership growth) are demonstrations of true Christian discipleship.

Gerry Charlotte Phelps speculated about whether people who are saved but do not spiritually develop are truly saved (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!)

Chris Morgan wrote about Benny Hinn, the human habit of relegating people to categories, and paired physical fitness with personal responsibility.

At Bandits No More, Richard blogged about a moral revival in America and the overestimation of the importance of Bible reading in spiritual development. Steve Heyduck wrote about the importance of teaching theology to the laity and female teachers having sex with students.

Ben Thomas wrote about how different societies view aging.

Ben Witherington blogged about the movie Alexander.

Beth Quick wrote about the humanitarian disaster in Niger and what individual Christians can do about it.

James Swanson observed that computers are increasingly disposable, and wonders if modern Christians are likewise more inclined to dispose of failing churches rather than repair them.

Will Willamon wrote that spiritual growth entails letting go of harmful emotional baggage.

Cole Wakefield blogged about a planned progressive Christian response to Justice Sunday.

At Connexions, Richard Hall compared dog breed standards to the standard of Christ and wondered if Christians measure up and the joys of playing the tin whistle. Joel Thomas blogged about the impact of price inflation relative to income level, corporal punishment, and the National Rifle Association's suggestion that gun rights trump private property rights.

Dean Snyder wrote about successful campus ministry, how church publications should handle controversy (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!), the moral obligation of government to help the unemployed and the need for statistical analysis in the UMC for understanding the church's membership decline.

Donald Sensing blogged about Al Qaeda threats (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!), the cult of jihadism, comparing the Iraqi insurgency with others, and the death of fourteen Marines in Iraq and the design of their vehicle.

Steve Heyduck (who apparently has two blogs now) wrote about the importance of being Christian rather than just looking Christian.

Gavin Richardson wrote about how the monastic tradition has affected his spiritual growth (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!).

Gospel According to the Hood blogged about Denzel Washington's visits to wounded soldiers, UMC groups participating in pro-choice rallies, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Greg Hazelrig wrote about judging others, the spiritual value of corporate worship, how the light of Jesus exposes our sin to view, and accidental evangelism.

Greg Lee blogged about models of spiritual development used in a prison ministry, spiritual navigation techniques gone awry, finding opportunities in the midst of disaster, and how each individual can choose to make a real difference for the Kingdom of God.

Growing Up wrote about the subtle transformation of people by mission trips.

Inside Mike's Head blogged about how young people view the church.

Jay Voorhees wrote about the tendency of Christians to adopt identities other than 'Christian' and compared Alfred Kinsey and the emerging church movement.

John Wilks blogged about the seriousness of sin, the value of book burning (under certain circumstances), the appointment of John Bolton as UN ambassador, the spiritual tasks and travails and evangelicals prefer to ignore.

Jordan Cooper, as you will recall, is very ill. He has written about the kindness of other Christians to him during this difficult time (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!)

Josh Tinley wrote that Christians should use government to help the poor, Chick tracts, teaching intelligent design in schools, and the utility of being white.

At Locusts & Honey, Joel Thomas blogged about the nature of the Trinity.

Maobi wrote about Japanese attitudes about WWII, the Pope's stance of terrorism, remembering Hiroshima, shariah law in Malaysia, dhimmitude in Britian and how it could lead to disaster during the 2012 Olympics, and the jurisdictional limits of shariah courts (or lack thereof).

Matthew Johnson blogged about deconstructing the Enlightenment in his theology (I think).

Michael Daniel wrote about enforcing immigration law in America, that Christians worry too much about what other people are doing instead of focusing on our own cross to bear, and the ethics of Senate maneuvering.

Theresa Coleman prayed for forgiveness (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!).

See Through Faith blogged about losing friends, the experience of losing the desire for God, growth past a plastic faith, trying to find God while hurrying, the value of an old and worn-out Bible, playing it safe with her faith, her dog -- the evangelist, and detecting guidance from God from the mouths of people around you.

Stephen Fife wrote that modern American Christians are very 'me' focused.

Tim Sisk blogged about translating the Bible as a wiki project.

Tony Mitchell wrote that Christians need to evangelize by living their faith instead of proclaiming it.

Victor in Jesus wrote about his struggle with homosexuality.

Jim McKay blogged about Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur and some amazing bulls--t (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!).

Wes the Wesleyan wrote about how Reconciling Ministries has responded to the Lake Junaluska controversy.

Shane Raynor blogged about the need to promote conversion in UMC churches, sex scandals in the church, and the famine in Niger.

Additions? Corrections? Do you know of a blog that should be included in the Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup? Leave a note in the comments or e-mail locustsandhoney2005 at yahoo dot com.