Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup # 60

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

Andy Bryan is skeptical about the Gospel of Judas and wrote about the grace of God in ordinary strangers, and how American culture could benefit by slowing down.

Andy Stoddard lectionary blogged for April 3, 4, 5, and 7.

Brian Slezak of Appian Way wrote about how "salesperson filters" can block out evangelism.

Chris Morgan explained that the suffering of Christ was like being betrayed by your closest friend.

At Bandits No More, Richard Heyduck wrote about role of the nation state in a Christian society, that Methodist universities must be distinctively Methodist to be faithful to the name, and how the NYT has reported on the Gospel of Judas.

Beth Quick has succumbed to the myspace cult and reviewed a production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Brian Russell wrote that following Jesus means leaving the safety of our self-imposed aquaria, using popular films for sermon illustrations, and how Christians should be ready to witness for Christ as the Gospel of Judas meme emerges.

Bruce Alderman blogged about personal encounters with the risen Christ.

At Connexions, Joel Thomas wrote about the limitations of doctrinal formulation.

CABRN wrote about the causes and purposes for genetic mutation.

Dave Faulkner blogged about how Christians should respond to the Gospel of Judas.

Donald Sensing provided some historical background for the Gospel of Judas.

Steve Heyduck wrote about learning that parishoners shouldn't have control over his schedule.

Sleepwriter blogged about people trying to undermine the historicity of Jesus.

Gavin Richardson wrote about a scientific study on the efficacy of healing by prayer.

Gerry Charlotte Phelps blogged about how Mexican-Americans are responding to illegal immigration, the demographic implications of illegal immigration, and that realistically, we must grant a form of amnesty to illegal immigrants, but must also erect a barrier to keep more out.

Greg Crofford no longer considers himself to be a Republican and wrote about remembering that God can reform even the most depraved person, boredom during worship (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!), the abandonment of capitalization, and being a mechanical klutz.

Greg Hazelrig wrote about what we can learn from Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

Greg Lee would like to know of the best way to organize his archive of sermons and sermon illustrations, distinguishing the voice of God from the voices of others, and being a rebel with many causes.

Gary Zimmerli blogged about what is and what is not sinful in homosexuality.

Henry Neufield wrote about how to be an effective but not annoying witness, views that Intelligent Design is subject to censorship, reading Hebrew manuscripts of Deuteronomy correctly, that Biblical literacism is a false assumption for interpretation, that criticism of Extreme Makeover is unfair, and that Christians should not debate opponents by lying.

Chris Roberts wrote about evaluating the effectiveness of a pastor and dealing with those who fail in appointments and that the UMC doesn't talk about sin.

Jeff Croft blogged about the difficulty of being a pastor's spouse.

John Battern wrote about the fashionable backlash against Christianity, whether he should admit racist members into his church, and what he tries to teach to confirmands.

John Wilks wondered if the American Family Association is right to attack Wal-Mart over the company's decision to carry Brokeback Mountain.

Jonathon Norman had Jesus storm the Temple in a stream of consciousness piece.

Josh Tinley wrote about whether Eric Pianka really advocates genocide and the Gospel of Judas controversy.

Larry Hollon blogged about the importance of being connected in a flat/round world and the connection between public policy and poverty.

Mark Winter wrote about cranky Chuck Colson and the necessity of change in the church and preaching that spurns revival.

Keith McIlwain blogged about the Gospel of Judas.

Michael Daniel wrote about how the mob present at the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem identified him and financial excess among Christians.

Neil Bishop wrote about the heroicism of Jesus and recognizing Jesus when no one else does.

Rick Mang blogged about church small group dynamics.

Peter Raser wrote about our failure to be transformed by Lent.

Joe Tiedemann compared ministry and athletic training in the life of Jesus.

Jason Woolever wrote about Messianic Jews.

Sandpiper wrote about the benefits of actively talking about our faith, the delicate balance between good stewardship and church expansion, and her anticipation of spring.

Lorna Koskela reviewed the book So Much More.

Kurt Boemler preached on trusting God's plan.

Brett Royal rounded up what Methobloggers are saying about the Gospel of Judas.

William Hardt wrote about the first female deacon in the MEC, South.

Jeremy Putnam blogged about how people responded to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Tony Mitchell peached on cheering for Jesus.

Wes Whiddon wrote about the origins of the Gospel of Judas.

Paul Martin blogged about the execution of deserters during WWI and that social services by the government do not remove the Church's charitable obligations.

Jim McKay is stalking Matthew McConaughey and wrote about the UCC advertizements.

Shane Raynor blogged about the ongoing Ed Johnson/Charlene Kammerer struggle.

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