Melvin's Musings

On Assumptions and Listening

On Assumptions and Listening

Melvin Otey

Do you know why, after all these years, we still struggle so badly when discussing difficult issues in America, including issues of race, religion, and politics? Because as soon as people...

On Assumptions and Listening

Melvin Otey

Do you know why, after all these years, we still struggle so badly when discussing difficult issues in America, including issues of race, religion, and politics? Because as soon as people...

A Word of Entreaty to Church Elders

A Word of Entreaty to Church Elders

Melvin Otey

Dear shepherds, if you won’t lead us, then we cannot progress as we should. Managing the treasury and saying yes or no to this or that is not the same...

A Word of Entreaty to Church Elders

Melvin Otey

Dear shepherds, if you won’t lead us, then we cannot progress as we should. Managing the treasury and saying yes or no to this or that is not the same...

Regarding Love and Judgment

Regarding Love and Judgment

Melvin Otey

Many people seem to believe that loving others means refusing to judge them. The principle concern used to be harsh, hypocritical judgment, but the sentiment has gone further so that any willingness...

2 comments

Regarding Love and Judgment

Melvin Otey

Many people seem to believe that loving others means refusing to judge them. The principle concern used to be harsh, hypocritical judgment, but the sentiment has gone further so that any willingness...

2 comments
MLK Day Prayer

MLK Day Prayer

Melvin Otey

Dear Father, we thank you for being a God of justice, not only at the end of time but in our time. We know that you love to relieve the...

1 comment

MLK Day Prayer

Melvin Otey

Dear Father, we thank you for being a God of justice, not only at the end of time but in our time. We know that you love to relieve the...

1 comment
On Excellence and Mediocrity

On Excellence and Mediocrity

Melvin Otey

A young woman once told me in passing conversation she had always been a "B" student. “Okaaaay,” I said. Then she said she had always been satisfied with a "B."...

On Excellence and Mediocrity

Melvin Otey

A young woman once told me in passing conversation she had always been a "B" student. “Okaaaay,” I said. Then she said she had always been satisfied with a "B."...

Beware of Anti-intellectualism

Beware of Anti-intellectualism

Melvin Otey

I sometimes see and hear statements suggesting preachers should not become scholars or academics and aspiring preachers should not read the writings of people they disagree with theologically. These are...

3 comments

Beware of Anti-intellectualism

Melvin Otey

I sometimes see and hear statements suggesting preachers should not become scholars or academics and aspiring preachers should not read the writings of people they disagree with theologically. These are...

3 comments