Personal Archives — R. L. Solberg

Happy (Improbable) Anniversary!

Back in the early ’90s, when my wife Debra and I were in a band touring around the upper midwest, we drove past a restaurant called Happy Chef. In front of the restaurant stood a 20-foot-tall statue of an endlessly smiling chef raising a wooden spoon in the air. Our drummer, Chris, laughed and said, […]

R. L. Solberg 11 months agoJanuary 11, 2024

The Musings of a Dad

Yesterday, May 7, at 2:22 AM, marked the 23rd birthday of my youngest daughter. That got me reminiscing about the day she was born. And it occurred to me how crazy it is that none of us chose to be here. We’ve all been sort of thrust into life without being asked or consulted about […]

R. L. Solberg 3 years agoMay 8, 2022

Culture Faith Personal

Faith, Racism, and the Future

A black pastor I deeply respect shared the post above on Facebook. His meme equates historical American slavery with the recent actions of a US Border Patrol agent on horseback who chased down an illegal immigrant on foot. Understandably, the Facebook post was generating quite a few comments. I typically pass by these types of […]

R. L. Solberg 3 years agoSeptember 30, 2021

Apologetics Faith Personal Theology

A non-Jew experiences anti-Semitism

Ever since the video about my book Divergence came out, I have been on the receiving end of straight-up anti-Jewish racism. And here’s the kicker: I’m not even Jewish. So I put out a video in response in which I talk about what anti-Semitism really is, and why racism is un-Christlike. This is an important […]

R. L. Solberg 3 years agoJuly 29, 2021

Apologetics Interviews Personal Theology

Introducing: Divergence (the Book)

When I began the research that eventually turned into this book, I had no idea the world was about to witness another wave of anti-Semitism. It breaks my heart when any people group suffers hostility and prejudice at the hands of anyone else. I find it even more tragic when the people doing the hating […]

R. L. Solberg 3 years agoJune 30, 2024

Book Reviews Personal Philosophy

Why Religion Matters (Book Review)

In Why Religion Matters, author Huston Smith examines the question “Who is right about reality?” by contrasting the positions of what he calls traditionalists, modernists, and the postmoderns. To do so, he employs an analogy of the great outdoors and a tunnel within it, a concept based on the 1995 novel The Tunnel by William […]

R. L. Solberg 4 years agoMarch 10, 2021

Academic Faith Personal Philosophy Theology

Augustine: A Personal & Theological Reflection

I have now had a few weeks to let my recent weekend intensive class (emphasis on intense) and its related reading and writing assignments simmer in my brain. It turned out to be a providentially-timed class for me, one that spoke to both my mind and heart. Augustine’s impact on me was equal parts intellectual […]

R. L. Solberg 4 years agoDecember 16, 2021

Culture Faith Personal Theology

Should I Attend A Gay Wedding?

Before reading this article please make sure to review the LGBTQ+ Sensitivity Statement. I was recently invited to attend a gay wedding. Little did I know the depth of wrestling it would require of me. The relationship between the LGBTQ community and Christians can quickly become contentious and, sadly, has been mishandled by both sides […]

R. L. Solberg 4 years agoSeptember 24, 2024

Apologetics Faith Personal Theology

LGBTQ+ Sensitivity Statement

The following sensitivity statement is offered in an effort to provide context and balance on a sensitive subject which I write about from time to time. I recognize how deeply personal LGBTQ+ issues can be for many people. For that reason, I want to take care to approach these matters with a healthy balance of […]

R. L. Solberg 4 years agoNovember 23, 2023

Apologetics Faith Personal Philosophy

Clown Car Inquiries

“Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day. Fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way. Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town, waiting for someone or something to show you the way.” —R. Waters My father, who considered himself a “quiet atheist,” once asked me a question […]

R. L. Solberg 5 years agoNovember 21, 2020