The bus left. The train departed. The horses fled the barn. Elvis has left the building! Increasingly, more of the faithful are ignoring religious leaders due to false humility, being out of touch, or just getting it wrong too many times and not having the security to admit it. As I’ve observed many times in the past the strength, endurance, timelessness, and truth in Christianity is evident in its effortless ability to overcome the obstacles put in place by men... Read more
Orthodox theologian and philosopher Fr. Alexander Men said that the use and pursuit of power is one of the most corrupting forces in humankind. Its misuse and manipulation is seen at the workplace, in relationships, within families, and unfortunately among high ranking church officials of all denominations. Those with the experience of seeing secular political power up close and the Machiavellian maneuverings of church leaders behind the scenes often conclude that religious politics is far worse then its secular counterpart. ... Read more
Almost 10% of churches surveyed nationally will close this Sunday because of Christmas. Although some denominations have a different understanding of the Sabbath than the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, it’s still worth exploring the overall impact it could have on faith. Specifically, what message does it send? What is the perception? Does it suggest that Christians themselves are more responsible for secularizing the country? John Paul II observed that “East (Orthodoxy) and West (Catholicism) are the two lungs by... Read more
Texas governor and Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry is airing a new campaign ad pledging to stop President Barack Obama’s war on religion. The Governor’s ad laments that gays can serve openly in the military (to die for their country by the way), but kids can’t pray in schools or celebrate Christmas. The Governor makes an odd charge considering that one of his key supporters doesn’t think much of Mormons. Only after being asked if he thought Mormons were Christian... Read more
The McCarthy like putsch to derail Christmas has become an annual obsession. Some Christians accuse atheists and humanists of attempting to deny Christians the joy of a co-opted Pagan holiday that promotes the nation’s addictiveness to consumerism. The non-religious will put up billboards challenging the faithful. “Christmas is a myth” billboards are making their way onto highways and well-traveled roads. Every year a handful of vocal Christians will be outraged by perceived attacks on their faith. They will create problems... Read more
Credit cards are a way of life. Non-profits, faith denominations, and religious stores selling dashboard figurines of Jesus and the Madonna take plastic. The Salvation Army, one of the most efficient charities when it comes to keeping administrative costs down, is testing the use of credit card donations by mobile devices. Understandably, the Salvation Army needs to keep up with the times. Most people carry little cash. In some cases people only carry debit or credit cards. There’s irony for... Read more
In a new report published by the London based St. Paul’s Institute corporate responsibility is an illusion, morality among bankers has dropped sharply, and a sense of duty to the community has eroded. According to Stephen Bates of The Guardian, the report questioned “500 bankers and other financial sector workers about the ethics of business practices in the City. It found a substantial number accepting they are overpaid compared with professions such as teachers and nurses …” He added that... Read more
Holy Sophia (the Holy Spirit), seems to be at work again. As reported on October 30th, Richard Muller, a scientist and long-time skeptic of global warming has experienced a revelation that will benefit the world. Based on his own study, funded in part by the conservative Charles Koch Foundation, he concluded that earth is 1.6 degrees warmer than sixty years ago. Dr. Muller’s research may shift the focus from debating about the reality of Global Warming to the steps needed... Read more
It happened again. A gay teen took his life. This time it occurred in Ottawa, Canada. Jamie Hubley, 15 years old, decided to end it all on Friday, October 14th. Like thousands of other LGBT and Searching young people he felt alone, isolated, and made to feel ashamed by society. Based on his postings as reported by the Ottawa Citizen he was like any other adolescent or adult. He wanted to hold and be held by someone. Jamie simply wanted to... Read more
It’s unfortunate, yet reality in America, that something that should be private and personal like an individual’s faith and relationship with God should be evaluated, dissected, and judged when seeking public office. Pastor Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Church in Dallas has called GOP presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith a “cult.” At one time cult was defined broadly to include religious veneration and commitment to a particular person or persons. Based on this meaning it... Read more
Faith With Wisdom
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