Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup # 33

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

James Gibson sees little hope for growth for Christianity in the West.

Andy Bryan wrote about how Jesus takes delight in befuddling us whenever we grow complacent and that success in ministry can be measured by how many people you upset.

At Bandits No More, Steve Heyduck wrote about Banned Books Week and the attitude Christians should take when helping hurricane refugees.

Ben Witherington blogged about what Jesus and Paul had to say about marriage.

Betty Newman blogged about lessons from the Book of Esther.

Beth Quick wrote about pastoral leadership.

Brian Russell blogged about what it means to be created in the image of God and what the Book of Exodus and Bob Dylan have to say about freedom.

At Connexions, Richard Hall wrote about why Jesus taught in parables, whether The Times is anti-American, and the secular Left faking Christian faith.

Dean Snyder blogged about a recent controversial statement by the Confessing Movement, a Biblical view of meetings, and interviewed Donald Sensing.

Derek Tang wrote about pink locker rooms at the University of Iowa and the latest newsworthy items from the NFL.

Donald Sensing blogged about the threat of a military coup d'etat in the US and categories of Al Qaeda threats.

Gavin Richardson wrote about the hidden agendas of Methodist bloggers and the consumption of alcohol by ministers.

Gospel According to the Hood blogged about transubstantiation and Scriptural support for Purgatory.

Grandma Jean wrote about the usefulness of charge conferences.

Greg Crofford blogged about different views of good and evil, Bill Bennett's remarks on abortion and race, the misuse of the word 'war', his affection for France, the takeover of the church by the state, and honesty.

John Wilks wrote about the popular notion that faith is just something that people cling to when times are bad, addressing the priorities of the world and the priorities of God, and good preaching.

Jonathon Norman blogged about Bishop Wills' ideas for a healthy pastoral life, why Christians should be odd (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!), and the proper way of reading and studying the Bible.

Josh Tinley wrote about federal reimbursement for churches who have contributed to Katrina relief efforts, politicians blogging, and GBCS Chairman Winkler's statement about the Iraq War.

Ken Carter blogged about lessons from living in the wilderness.

Larry Hollon wrote about communication difficulties, Bill Bennett's remarks and the dangers of hyperbole, the work of war correspondents, and organizational roadblocks in relief efforts.

Maobi blogged about how the Malaysian government budget rewards smugglers and Muslim forms of evangelism.

Matthew Johnson is writing his responses to his ordination questions.

Michael Daniel wrote that there is no middle ground between good and evil, abortion, how much money needs to be spent to rebuild from Katrina, and Mike Brown of FEMA.

Nate Loucks blogged about Perdue's football program.

Joe Tiedemann wrote about the political games that pastors have to play.

Wes Magruder announced the publication of his new book. It's an introduction to Methodism for Cameroonian congregations.

Dan Gates blogged about the utility of measuring apportionment receipts and dialoging with the Left.

Theresa Coleman wrote about what's in her car and what it says about her.

Lorna Koskela blogged about how readily people emotionally abuse their own families, being open and unmasked before God, being able to admit one's faults to a congregation, and sacred silence.

Panbar West hates Halloween.

Thoughts from a Clay Pot wrote about an orthodox relational understanding of God.

Tony Mitchell blogged about modern-day pharisees.

Shane Raynor wrote about Christian consumption of alcohol.

Corrections? Additions? Do you know of a blog that should be added to the MBWR? Leave a note in the comments or e-mail locustsandhoney2005 at yahoo dot com!

UPDATE: Misunderstood post of Thoughts from a Clay Pot re-annotated.