You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly city, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to…

I wrote this letter for Glenn Yamakawa, who thinks everything through to its furthest and fullest conclusion.   You’re a thinker. You like to puzzle things out and see how…

This letter was written to Ken Brewer, chair of the Religious Studies department at Spring Arbor University. Ken’s the guy who helps me get theologically un-stuck.   The Bible is…

How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife…

I wrote this letter for Nathan and Christy Randall, who are equal parts Google and granola.   One of my favorite writers is Wendell Berry. He’s a poet and a…

This letter is for the best bartender in America, whose kindness and steadfast constitution give every young man a healthy model of strength: Bill Burch.   Our cities are messy,…

I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of my city! Regarding my city…

This letter is for Kevin Nichols—singer, songwriter, illustrator, and friend.   There’s a pretty substantial difference between playing guitar by the campfire and playing on stage in front of a…