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.

Gateway to Bait and Switch

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Paul Harris

               This visit to Gateway was to the mother ‘church’ of the Austin area, Gateway North. My wife’s initial impression as we’re walking to the car: “I don’t know why this week I came away depressed while last week I … Continue reading →

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Gateway to What?

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Paul Harris

               Gatewaychurch.com says of itself: “Gateway is a COME AS YOU ARE kind of church – a community of imperfect people doing life together, helping each other become all that God created us to be. Whether you’ve had a relationship … Continue reading →

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Of Popular Music and Unpopular Crime

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Paul Harris

I’m breaking my 10-year rule. This blog is not quite 9-years-old, so I’m repeating myself rather than citing. In a discussion over the recent shooting, I was reminded that I wrote something after Sandy Hook. Actually, I wrote right after … Continue reading →

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The Library of Babel

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Paul Harris

Below is an excerpt from the book The Square and the Tower by Niall Ferguson. Two things commend this book in my mind. None of the 5 or so people I have recommended it to have been disappointed. Also he … Continue reading →

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Pleasantly Surprised – Visit To Redeemer, Austin, Texas

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Paul Harris

               Over twenty years ago a confessional pastor after visiting the above’s 8 AM traditional service said, “There was nothing about the service that you would recognize as Lutheran.” So when I “attended” the 8 AM traditional service for 28 … Continue reading →

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Self Surgery

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Paul Harris

“Physician heal thy self,” is the old canard against pastors. Well, originally quoted against the Pastor of pastors. No, not churchmen, bishops, or district presidents, but Jesus. Why doesn’t it go the other way? You would think among those who … Continue reading →

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Living in Fear of Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Paul Harris

            The other day my gastroenterologist called me up and asked me how my stomach was doing. About two weeks ago my GP called to check on me. The week before that I heard from my chiropractor and dentist. Can … Continue reading →

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Yes, There is a Difference

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Paul Harris

Lutherans aren’t the only ones who distinguish between themselves with letter acronyms. The Reformed do too, particularly the Presbyterians. They have PCUSA, PCA, and OPC. This corresponds to Lutherans ELCA, LCMS, and ELS. I’d never been to an OPC that’s … Continue reading →

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Dataism, Reductionism, and Edellism

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Paul Harris

The first two are real. The third is a term coined by me, but it means the same as the first two. My research assistant, Dr. Richard Strickert, Ph.D., showed me this. I brought up Dataism in Bible Class; he … Continue reading →

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Halfway to Concord

Posted on January 11, 2022 by Paul Harris

Concord is a Lutheran word. We have the Book of Concord of 1580 and the Formula of Concord of 1577, and yet we never seem more than halfway there. Despite having a formula  for it and book of it. Something … Continue reading →

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