Stackhouse lecture on harm-reduction sites

This is a controversial subject, but it is important. The video is John Stackhouse, Professor of Theology and Culture at Regent College, with Meera Bai discussing harm-reduction sites that provide a safe environment for drug addicts to receive counseling, medical care, rehabilitation, and clean needles.

If you don't have time to watch the video (it's about an hour long), you can read an article on the subject at ChristianWeek.org.

I have come to the opinion that I cannot support ideas or policies that cost lives. Similarly, I cannot oppose ideas or policies that would save lives. There is a grey area where an idea or policy will cost lives and also save lives. That's more nuanced. But if there is something that can be done that saves lives that doesn't cost lives, it seems pretty clear cut that action is appropriate or even necessary.

Watch live streaming video from regentcollege at livestream.com

The end result of Muscular Christianity

It's just too much. I don't really have words.

I've said it was dangerous theologically to prop up this alpha male masculinity as a model for Christian behavior, saying anything less means you're less godly. Yet it continues, and grows daily.

Stupid, idiotic pastors of questionable character keep using violence to sell their version of the Gospel of Peace, like somehow the message of the cross just wouldn't make it into the minds of young men unless someone was kicked in the balls first. As if the love of God to rescue all of creation from certain doom wasn't good enough, so we have to make somebody bleed first.

And now we have a story from a congregation in Tulsa, Oklahoma who stages boxing matches as part of their ministry. And now Muscular Christianity has taken a life.



Stop it. Just stop it.