Lindsey Paris-Lopez

Author Bio:

Lucky wife, blessed and busy mother, life-long seeker, writer, poet, inherent aptitude for puns and parodies, car radio karaoke-r, reader of fantasy, and believer that peace is possible.

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Jesus's Kickass Mercy in the Temple

Jesus’ Kickass Mercy in the Temple

When Jesus created a whip and drove sheep and cattle out of the Temple, he was overturning a sacrificial system and providing kickass mercy.

Good News; It's Lent

Good News; It’s Lent

As Lent begins, Adam and Lindsey follow Jesus into the wilderness where his experiences of temptation shape our good news. It's Lent!

Jesus Lights The Way Through Darkness To Love

Jesus Lights The Way Through Darkness To Love

Transfiguration Sunday shows Adam and Lindsey how Jesus lights the way through the darkness of the Lenten journey to love.

The Gospel Wouldn’t Have Gotten Anywhere Without Women

The Gospel Wouldn’t Have Gotten Anywhere Without Women

Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law. She immediately begins to serve them. In that generous act, Adam and Lindsey understand she is a disciple.

The Badass Authority of Knowing You Are Loved

The Badass Authority of Knowing You Are Loved

The authority of Jesus that startles the scribes is the badass authority of knowing you are loved explain Adam and Lindsey.

Starting Anew; Leaving the Old Behind: A Special Inauguration Day Jesus Unmasked

Starting Anew; Leaving the Old Behind: A Special Inauguration Day Jesus Unmasked

When Jesus called the disciples, they left everything old behind to start anew. No longer fishermen, they were to become fishers of people.

The Call of Discipleship

The Call of Discipleship

The savior, the one who will lead us all into a new life, comes from the margins and gathers unlikely followers to the call of discipleship.

Baptism: Immersing Ourselves In A New Life of Love

Baptism: Immersing Ourselves In A New Life of Love

Baptism is the immersion into a new life of Love. Love is the ever-flowing water that quickens new life out of the ashes of destruction.

Merry Christmas! The Love that Banishes Fear

Merry Christmas! The Love that Banishes Fear

The wonder of God, the Love that transforms the world, banishes all the fear. In the bleak darkness, the light breaks forth. Merry Christmas!

The Magnificat: Mary’s Courageous Love

The Magnificat: Mary’s Courageous Love

Mary's song, the Magnificat, expresses her courageous love while being deeply personal, deeply political, and also universal and holy.

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

Adam and Lindsey reflect on John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way for Jesus who comes to heal where we are most broken.

Hamilton Rivalry Redemption

Hamilton: Rivalry, Redemption, and How Not to Kill Your Frenemy

Lindsey Paris-Lopez examines the rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in the musical "Hamilton" then offers a way to coexist, and even thrive, with our rivals.

sheep goats judgment

Sheep, Goats, and Judgment

Adam and Lindsey view the intersection of Transgender Day of Visibility and Holy Week as celebration of Jesus, our Mother.

road tp recovery

The Road to Recovery: 3 Guiding Principles for Building An Infrastructure of Compassion

As we look forward to the future with hope, Lindsey Paris-Lopez outlines three guiding principles to create lasting, impactful change for the better.

Share your oil

Share Your Oil! Changing Our Perspective from Win-Lose to Abundance

Adam and Lindsey discuss the perplexing parable of the foolish bridesmaids and recommend everyone to share your oil!

resistance persistence and hope

The Sermon on the Mount: Resistance, Persistence, & Hope in Troubled Times

From the archives: Lindsey Paris-Lopez takes us to the Sermon on the Mount for a message of hope that is more timely and relevant than ever.

It’s All About the Beatitudes

It’s All About the Beatitudes, Baby!

Adam and Lindsey explore the radical call to action in the Beatitudes. Because it's all about the Beatitudes, Baby!!

Ultimate Authority Affirms Same-Sex Unions

The Ultimate Authority Affirms Same-Sex Unions

The Pope appeals to the Church to support same-sex unions. Adam and Lindsey say this appeals to the greatest authority, Love.

God, Empire, Taxes

God, Empire, Taxes…Oh My!

Pharisees set a trap for Jesus by asking about paying taxes. Jesus tells them to give to empire what belongs to it and to God what is God's.

God is not a murderous king

God Is Not A Murderous King and Other Lessons In Parables

When pondering how the parables of Jesus can guide us in these disconcerting times, Lindsey Paris-Lopez discovers a new call to hope and determined action.

Kicked Out of Wedding Banquet

Getting Kicked Out of the Wedding Banquet

Matthew 22: 1 - 14 relates a parable of a king who held a wedding feast. Adam and Lindsey ask who's getting kicked out of the wedding banquet.

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Why Prostitutes and Tax Collectors are First in God’s Kingdom

Adam and Lindsey and friends talk about what authority is and why prostitutes and tax collectors are first in the Kingdom of God!

Wicked Tenants and a Merciful God

Wicked Tenants and a Merciful God

In the parable of the wicked tenants, Adam and Lindsey warn against its anti-Semitic readings then reveal the presence of the merciful God.

what Jonah can teach us

Lessons From the Belly of the Beast: What Jonah Can Teach Us On 9/11

America's response to September 11, 2001 was scapegoating and violence. Lindsey Paris-Lopez explains how these tools will never bring lasting peace using the Bible story of Jonah and the Whale.

Prison reform and restorative justice

The Truth Will Set You Free: The Theological and Practical Case for Prison Reform and Restorative Justice

The theological and practical case for prison reform and restorative justice is grounded in the truth revealed by Jesus. He demonstrated how punitive and sacrificial systems reinforce rather than quell violence explains Lindsey Paris-Lopez.

A Pilgrimage in a Pandemic

Eid Al Adha: A Pilgrimage in a Pandemic

In unprecedented times, the Islamic holiday Eid Al Adha (also called the "Festival of the Sacrifice") can't be celebrated according to tradition. Lindsey Paris-Lopez ponders on sacrifice, community, and calls for empathy as we all embark on a pilgrimage to find compassion within ourselves.

From Emptiness to Abundance

9th Sunday After Pentecost: From Emptiness to Abundance (Feeding 5000+)

Adam and Lindsey follow Jesus grieving the death of John the Baptist to a deserted place where he feeds throngs from emptiness to abundance.

how would Jesus police

How Would Jesus Police? Service and Protection Through the Lens of Mercy, Not Sacrifice

Asking, "How would Jesus police?," Lindsey Paris-Lopez reframes our understanding of service and protection through the lens of mercy, not sacrifice.

Jesus Was A “Weed”

7th Sunday After Pentecost: Jesus Was A “Weed”

Adam and Lindsey dive deep into the weeds and the wheat to discover what Jesus is doing instead of weeding out the evil ones.

the sower sows love

6th Sunday After Pentecost: The Sower Sows Love

Adam and Lindsey read the parable of the sower through a lens of humility and love because the sower sows love.

Navigating Internal Conflict

Wrestling For A Blessing: Navigating Internal Conflict

Lindsey Paris-Lopez draws on parallels between the biblical story of Jacob in the Jabbok and her own personal faith journey, illuminating three insights about the nature of internal conflict.

Wisdom of Infants

5th Sunday After Pentecost: The Wisdom of Infants

Jesus says the wisdom of God has been revealed to infants. Adam and Lindsey explore what this means for us today.

What Is A Prophet’s Reward?

4th Sunday After Pentecost: What Is A Prophet’s Reward?

Adam and Lindsey reveal as more and more people stand with the prophets, the prophet’s reward becomes hope. and ultimately, justice.

from exceptionalism to empathy

From Exceptionalism to Empathy: Transforming the Triple Evils and Reframing Our National Identity

Lindsey Paris-Lopez draws on Martin Luther King Jr.'s triple evils – racism, militarism, and materialism – as the three pillars of American exceptionalism then offers ways to transform them.

Jesus Sending Us Into Hell

3rd Sunday After Pentecost: Why Jesus Is Sending Us Into Hell?

Adam and Lindsey seek to de-weaponize but not disempower these bold words of Jesus then ask why Jesus is sending us into hell.

Cananean Lives Matter

Sunday After Pentecost: Cananean Lives Matter

Lindsey and Adam discuss Matthew 9:35-10:8, shining the light of God’s expanding, all-inclusive love and showing Cananean lives matter.

Jesus unmasked

Jesus Unmasked

“Jesus Unmasked” seeks to remove the masks of exclusive theology and violent cultural lenses that obscure the truth of Jesus’s unconditional love.

God is a Dance of Love

Trinity Sunday: God is a Dance of Love

The Trinity is the Love-dance of God, ever-flowing in relationship. And the nature of God’s relationship is a dance of harmony.

Pentecost: Love is the Universal Language

Pentecost: Love is the Universal Language

Adam and Lindsey rejoice in the truth of Pentecost - that God’s universal love unites us and brings us into our fullest selves.

How to Avoid Becoming What We Hate

How to Avoid Becoming What We Hate By Saving What We Love: Mimetic Doubling in Star Wars, The Hunger Games, & Harry Potter

Lindsey Paris-Lopez explores mimetic doubling in three works of popular fiction: Star Wars, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter.

Easter Relationship with Love is Eternal Life

Easter 7A: Relationship with Love is Eternal Life

Love is demonstrated in the apostles' relationship with Jesus, and that relationship is eternal life explain Adam and Lindsey.

easter spirit of truth

Easter 6A: The Spirit of Truth

Jesus, our first Advocate, defender of victims and the accused sends to the world the Spirit of Truth state Adam and Lindsey.

Most Misused Verse in Scripture

Easter 5A: The Most Misused Verse in Scripture

The most misused verse in Scripture, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” is inclusive explain Adam and Lindsey.

jesus the sheep gate

Easter 4A: Jesus the Sheep Gate

When Jesus says, “I am the sheep gate,” he is saying he is the way for the vulnerable and marginalized explain Adam and Lindsey.

road to emmaus confusion to understanding

Easter3A: The Road to Emmaus: Walking Through Confusion Into Understanding

The Road to Emmaus in Luke is one of the most underrated stories in all of scripture since it begins in confusion and ends in understanding.

Holy Spirit of Forgiveness and Trust

Easter 2A: The Holy Spirit of Forgiveness and Trust

With the words, “Receive the Holy Spirit”, Jesus breathes new life into his disciples, offering a spirit of trust and forgiveness.

Easter Peace in the Time of Coronavirus

Easter Fear and Easter Peace in the Time of Coronavirus

Celebrating Easter in a time that is very different than anything we could have anticipated, Lindsey Paris-Lopez unearths beautiful messages of love, vulnerability, and connection.

easter we all rise together

Easter: We All Rise Together

Adam and Lindsey discuss “Do not hold onto me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father,” for we do not rise until we all rise together.

Peter’s Betrayal and Jesus’s Words from the Cross

Good Friday: Peter’s Betrayal and Jesus’s Words from the Cross

Lindsey and Adam concentrate on one section from each chapter of the Good Friday readings - Peter's betrayal and Jesus' words from the cross.

Palm Sunday: A Subversive King

Palm Sunday: A Subversive King

Lindsey and Adam explain how Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday subverts all understanding of what it means to be a king.

Transforming Death Into Life Lazarus

Lent 5A: Transforming Death Into Life

Lindsey and Adam look closely at the story of Lazarus, seeing patterns of accusation and a world caught up in violence.

the blinding light that helps us see

Lent 4A: The Blinding Light that Helps Us See

Lindsey and Adam explore the victim-blaming mentality that views misfortune and terrible circumstances as punishment for sin.

good omens talk love doubt certainty

“Good Omens” Stars Crowley and Aziraphale Talk Love, Doubt, and Saving the World from Certainty

In an imaginary interview with the main characters of "Good Omens", Lindsey Paris-Lopez discusses love, doubt, and saving the world from certainty.

the woman at the well

Lent 3A: The Woman at the Well

Lindsey and Adam explore the victim-blaming mentality that views misfortune and terrible circumstances as punishment for sin.

God’s Unconditional Love

Lent 2A: God’s Unconditional Love

Adam and Lindsey explore the meaning of John 3:16, asking what are we saved from and what does it mean to be called to believe in Jesus.

The Treachery of “If”

Lent 1A: The Treachery of “If”

Lindsey and Adam explore each Jesus' temptations and also seek to understand why Jesus goes to be tempted in the first place.

Happy Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

Adam convinces Lindsey to celebrate as we enter the season of Lent together! Happy Ash Wednesday, let's celebrate.

Debunking God's cancel culture

Debunking God’s “Cancel Culture”: How Mercy Can Heal The World

In a world that can be so quick to "cancel," Lindsey Paris-Lopez poses four ways we can have compassionate accountability.

the transfiguration

Epiphany 7A: The Transfiguration

Adam and Lindsey explain how the transfiguration is the story of the transformation of our understanding of God.

Epiphany 6A: Collapsing the Boundaries Between Heaven and Earth

Adam and Lindsey describe how the verses Matt 5:21-37 are very subversive, challenging our sensibilities about God, humanity, and morality.

Jesus Gets Salty!

Epiphany 5A: Jesus Gets Salty!

Adam and Lindsey detail how Jesus is critiquing a method of interpretation and exposing its consequences, not condemning a group of people.

beatitudes Jesus flipped everything

Epiphany 4A: The Beatitudes – That Time Jesus Flipped Everything Upside Down

Adam and Lindsey discuss all of the beatitudes, the ones they find inspiring and the ones they find difficult.

Does God Condemn Us For Wrong Belief?

Does God Condemn Us For Wrong Belief?

Lindsey Paris-Lopez draws on her personal experience to answer a critical question, exploring the nature of God and our search for truth.

Repent! It's Not So Big and Scary

Epiphany 3A: Repent! It’s Not So Big and Scary

Adam and Lindsey explain we have to change our entire outlook on what saves us. This is what repentance is all about.

Following Jesus to Unlearn War

Epiphany 2A: Following Jesus to Unlearn War

Pastor Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez dive into John 1:29-42 where John the Baptist declares Jesus is the Lamb of God.

baptism and swimming in grace

Epiphany 1A: Baptism & Swimming in Grace

Pastor Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez explore Matthew 3:13-17 which describes Jesus' baptism by John, initiating Jesus' mission.

A Nonviolent Theological Throwdown

Christmas 2A: A Nonviolent Theological Throwdown

Pastor Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez delight in the imagery of John 1:1-18 inviting us into a theological nonviolent throw down.

Christmas Eve: God Gets Dirty

Christmas Eve: God Gets Dirty

Pastor Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez explore where you find God in Christmas and the radical message of Jesus that begins at his birth.

the empire strikes back

Christmas 1A: The Empire Strikes Back

Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez wrestle with the passage describing the slaying of the innocents and Jesus' family fleeing to Egypt.

At Christmastime You Belong In Love

At Christmastime (and Always) You Belong In Love

The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but sometimes bring up pain and the feeling that you don't belong., Lindsey Paris-Lopez shares a poetic letter to remind you of an important truth: you are loved.

Keep Dreaming Joseph

Advent 4A: Keep Dreaming

Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez delve into the virgin birth and how Joseph chose to support Mary and her child.

The Joyful Political Subversion of the Gospel

Advent 3A: The Joyful Political Subversion of the Gospel

Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez find joy in the questions of John the Baptist's followers and Jesus' subversive response.

Advent Peace and the Reframing of Hell

Advent 2A: Advent Peace and the Reframing of Hell

John the Baptist calling the Pharisees a brood of vipers is not a peaceful exchange declare Adam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez.

Hope in the Darkness

Advent 1A: Hope in the Darkness

dam Ericksen & Lindsey Paris-Lopez explore the apocalyptic passage that begins Advent and ask what are we asleep to in these days.

Healing A Wounded World

Reflections on Indigenous Wisdom for Healing A Wounded World

Lindsey Paris-Lopez shares what she has learned from indigenous wisdom, and how living a life of gratitude fosters stewardship, hope, and positive change.

Living Your Truth

Bless Your Loved Ones By Living Your Truth

Being our authentic selves is worth the risk. Lindsey Paris-Lopez relates her experience converting to Islam as a teenager and how it affected her family relationships and sense of belonging.

How Forgiveness Can Transform Our Violence and Build a World of Belonging

In a world built on exclusion and scapegoating, Lindsey Paris-Lopez explores the transformative power of forgiveness and how it can help us belong.

How My Atheist Father Helps Me Understand The Trinity

How My Atheist Father Helps Me Understand The Trinity

Lindsey Paris-Lopez explains how her atheist father ultimately helps her appreciate the Trinity, God as an eternal dance of love.

A Passion for Peace

Lindsey Paris-Lopez relates the faith journey that guided her from Christianity to Islam, led her to return to Christianity, and brought her to mimetic theory.

The Urgency Of Love In A Dying World

Twelve years. That’s all the time we have. That’s all the time we have to make a such a dramatic shift in the way we live.