A Letter to Pope Francis

Last updated on: December 5, 2017 at 7:55 pm By Matthew Distefano

In closing, I hope that your visit goes off without a hitch. More profoundly, however, is that I hope your visit impacts others to take a stand in the name of peace, in the name of unity, and in the name of love. We all have different traditions, cultures, and beliefs but what makes us similar is that we are all made in the image of our Abba. You recognize that and it is a beautiful thing to witness. Keep the faith. Keep spreading the message of peace. Continue loving the “least of these.” Read more

Genesis 2

Last updated on: September 20, 2015 at 2:25 am By Matthew Distefano

Prohibitions are the first pillar of culture. Thus, this account presupposes the existence of civilization. There is a different story being told. That story is because we are creatures of imitation—even each others’ desires—we inevitably come into conflict with one another. Prohibitions are placed by the community to quell violence. However, they, in and of themselves, cause desire to increase and become the “cure” and “poison”; juxtaposed much like the Greek word, pharmakon.[2] This “twisted” desire will lead to the fall in chapter 3, which I will discuss in the next installment. Read more

A Letter to the Arminian God I Grew up Knowing

Last updated on: December 5, 2017 at 9:33 pm By Matthew Distefano

Why did you even create such a place of calamity and sorrow? Doesn’t the “Bible clearly state” that you are light and in you there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)? I mean, that is a pretty strong statement so why in the hell (pardon the pun) did you create a place of objective darkness? I know the answer to that is “sin” but really, the creation of everlasting darkness is your answer to those who choose to “remain in their sin”? And if hell isn’t a place of torment but a state of mind, separated from your presence, can you please explain the metaphysics of that because I thought you were omnipresent. As I understand things, either you are present in hell or simply a demiurge. Read more

Book Update 9/17/2015

Last updated on: September 17, 2015 at 2:28 am By Matthew Distefano

I would like to update everyone on where I am at with my first book, "All Set Free." I just finished hand editing the PDF Wipf and Stock sent me and in the next few days, will be notating the changes and sending it back to them. I have a deadline of 9/30/15 so I cannot see the release being to far in the distant future. Read more

A Letter to the Dispensationalist God

Last updated on: December 5, 2017 at 7:50 pm By Matthew Distefano

Before you decide whether or not to include me in the rapture, please read the following. Actually, I’ll just be frank—this is not going to be pretty. I fear my fate will be sealed by the end of this letter. But, it is not meant to offend you, really. I just want you to be aware as to where I stand on the matter. Oh, but that does reminds me. I’ve been dying to ask you something for some time now. Why is it that those who follow you say that my words are offensive? Doesn’t that imply that you have an issue with your ego, or what Richard Rohr refers to as the “small self?” Well, never mind… Read more

Mimetic Theory and Eschatological Empathy

Last updated on: September 8, 2015 at 2:11 am By Matthew Distefano

When we look at our eschatology, we need to have some empathy. Jesus sure did! That is one reason he brought peace. That is a part of why he said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)” He recognized that we have no idea what are doing to each other. We had no idea what we were doing to Jesus. Read more

Matthew’s Exegetical Series: Genesis 1

Last updated on: September 4, 2015 at 3:19 am By Matthew Distefano

Even though humankind was violent, the writer of the first narrative does not attribute any violence to God. Everything created is called “very good.” Humankind then, as image bearers of God, is to be non-violent. We are to take care of that which is “very good.” We are to also “give freely,” as he has. Read more

The Theology that Set me Free

Last updated on: December 5, 2017 at 9:56 pm By Matthew Distefano

If you have either walked away from Christianity, have never considered it, or are struggling with certain doctrines you think are the only options, I invite you to explore the non-violent Abba revealed through Christ Jesus. This is not an altar call and I do not proselytize. I do, however, believe in the transformative Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe he died for all, while all were yet sinners. If more Christians could embrace the belief that the Father is for us all, then I believe we can heal a broken world and save a fledgling Church. Read more

The God We Follow

Last updated on: November 18, 2017 at 10:03 pm By Matthew Distefano

So what do I say to those who hold to a theology that includes violence?Start everything with Jesus. Read your Bible with Jesus. Approach the Father in the same way Jesus did — as Abba. Stop "searching the scriptures" prior to coming to Jesus. He is our model in all things — in how we engage the world with grace and mercy and compassion, and in how we read our Bibles. Read more

The Bible Clearly States (What Exactly?)

Last updated on: August 20, 2015 at 1:38 am By Matthew Distefano

Then, if you go to the Epistle to the Hebrews, you will again read that the Law requires blood in order for forgiveness to occur (Hebrews 9:22). Nobody should dispute that. However, if you continue on to Hebrews 10:5 – 7 (referencing the anti-sacrificial Psalm 40:6 – 8), you will discover that the sacrificial aspects of the Law were not something the Father ever desired—it was unpleasing even. (See also Amos 5:21 – 22 for God’s apparent disapproval of “festivals” and “burnt and grain offerings”) In fact, in verse 8, the writer goes so far to write: “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings (these are offered according to the law).” Even though such things are offered according to the Law, they were not desired by God. This passage seems right in line with that of Jeremiah 7:22. However, it still is not so plain, is it? Read more