Author Archives: Paul Harris

About Paul Harris

Pastor Harris retired from congregational ministry after 40 years in office on 31 December 2023. He is now devoting himself to being a husband, father, and grandfather. He still thinks cenobitic monasticism is overrated and cave dwelling under.

Blighted Thinking

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Paul Harris

(This was originally published by Christian News in 2021 and Life Issues February 2022 (https://lutheransforlife.org/?s=blighted.)

Posted in Families | Leave a comment

From Fox News – Thousands of churches raise alarm about scope of new Canadian ‘conversion therapy’ ban

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Paul Harris

            This was the title of an email recently sent to me. It was based on a Fox News headline of January 16, 2022 which said in part, “An initiative begun by Liberty Coalition Canada and promulgated in the United … Continue reading →

Posted in For Anyone who dares | Leave a comment

The Truth About Grief – And Why It Won’t Matter

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Paul Harris

The Truth About Grief came on my radar in 2012. The book is an exposé of the myth perpetuated in the name of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. I first heard about it, I think, on NPR. It is well-researched and well-reasoned, and will … Continue reading →

Posted in For Anyone who dares, For Pastors Only | Leave a comment

Effeminacy and the Liturgy – Part II

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Paul Harris

This was first posted here on July 27, 2009, but I’m doing more than emphasizing. I’ve added more thoughts and documentation.

Posted in Contemporary Worship, Missouri Megatrends | Leave a comment

Great Book Cheaply Bound

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Paul Harris

               Concordia Publishing House published the book (Dis)ordered: Lies about Human Nature and the Truth that sets us Free. This will upset many. The last point I record him as making does me. But overall Rev. Esget is that guy … Continue reading →

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From Synod, to Corporation, to Bodily Function, to a Typo

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Paul Harris

               It starts with the synod not being a church. Congregational polity rules the day. Then the Synod incorporates and must function as one. Synodical president, District presidents, and even Circuit Counselors – oops now visitors – as officers of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ablaze, LCMS 2007 Convention, Missouri Megatrends | Leave a comment

Danger – Close

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Paul Harris

(This is sermon I wrote in 1994. I had the secretary retype it in this format because if I did it, I would edit as I go. And I wanted you to hear it as I wrote it almost 30 … Continue reading →

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Buy This Book

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Paul Harris

            In 1971 Abbie Hoffman’s book titled Steal This Book was published. It was a call and guide to “fighting against the man.” When I came to Trinity, Austin in 1999, Gene Veith’s Spirituality of the Cross was all the … Continue reading →

Posted in Blast from the Past | Leave a comment

An Open Letter to Helen Andrews

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Paul Harris

This is another letter from the trashcan. This was about an article on pornography where the author placed blame squarely on Baby Boomers. I disagreed.

Posted in Families, For Anyone who dares | Leave a comment

“YouTube’s pre-eminent ‘Father Figure”

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Paul Harris

That’s what the dustjacket for Jordan Peterson’s 2018 bestseller 12 Rules For Life refers to him as. And if this really “is the voice of reason a generation has been longing to hear” better to be deaf.

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