Is religion like the Pit of Despair, sucking life from you? The good news is you’re only mostly dead. And mostly dead is slightly alive. The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies. In the film, the rogue Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) asks Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) for a resurrection-cure for his slain friend, Westley (Cary Elwes), Aka Dread Pirate Roberts. Miracle Max : He probably owes you money huh? I’ll ask him. Inigo Montoya : He’s dead. He can’t talk.... Read more
In the US, February 19 is Presidents’ Day. How important is it for a President to believe in a Higher Power? History of Presidential Affiliations Since the founding of the United States, every President has at least claimed to be Christian. Here’s a list of the denominational affiliations of the US Presidents, according to the Pew Research Center: Episcopalian George H.W. Bush Gerald Ford Franklin Roosevelt Chester Arthur Franklin Pierce Zachary Taylor John Tyler William Harrison James Monroe James Madison... Read more
February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Here’s what the Bible says about random acts of kindness and seven examples from Scripture. Where Did Random Acts of Kindness Come From? The phrase “random acts of kindness” (abbreviated as RAK) has taken its place in the common language of our culture. But where did it come from? Susan Jeffers writes: According to Wikipedia, the phrase came from writer Anne Herbert, who scribbled it down on a restaurant placemat in 1982.... Read more
At the center of every hurricane, there’s a calm, tranquil eye. At the heart of every troubled soul, there’s a person of peace. Of course, to get to the eye, you’ve got to weather the storm. To find the person of peace, you must attend to the restless soul. A System that Failed Him This week, I met a new client for the first time. As an intensive case manager, I work with folks who are a little too involved... Read more
Nobody likes a Jesus juke—except the jokers who juke the juked. “What’s a Jesus Juke?” Read on as I discuss how not to be annoying. In sports, particularly in American football or basketball, a “juke” is a quick, deceptive move made by a player to fake out an opponent. For example, a running back in football might use a juke to quickly change direction and avoid a tackle. A “Jesus juke does the same thing—only nobody sees it as clever... Read more
“Our church believes in keeping the pastor humble,” said the deacon, regarding my poverty-level salary. “Humble…or humiliated?” I asked. I was a struggling twenty-two-year-old seminary student, pastoring my first church. My second child was on the way. I drove a broken-down car and rented a creepy, creaky haunted house from the turn of the 20th century. (Think the Michael Myers house from Halloween.) With the meager amount the church paid me, I could barely keep food on the table. We... Read more
Groundhog Day dates back to the Pagan celebration of Imbolc, and the Christian observance of Candlemas. Its lessons are still relevant today. These days when you say, “Groundhog Day,” most people immediately think of the 1993 movie. Only after that do they remember the February 2 holiday featuring a cowardly rodent. Most have forgotten its origins with the Roman Catholic celebration of Candlemas. Even more are ignorant of its origins with the Celtic observance of Imbolc. Each of these... Read more
Jesus would have favored drug decriminalization. Yet, we continue to stigmatize and criminalize those who need help instead of handcuffs. Because Jesus believed in offering compassion instead of condemnation, I believe he would advocate for decriminalizing the possession and personal use of drugs. All drugs. Not just weed, which is legal in Washington State where I work as a case manager, dealing with addiction on a daily basis. I’m talking about all drugs. When we criminalize drugs rather than treating addiction... Read more
People ask what type of music will help them focus on prayer and meditation. Everyone’s different, but here’s what works for me… In “Are Christians Allowed to Meditate,” I wrote about learning to meditate during Communion. For the Southern Baptist Church where I grew up, distributing the Lord’s Supper was tedious. Meditation got me through it. First, the deacons would proceed from the rear of the sanctuary. Then, the minister would pass the bread plates to them. Next, they distributed... Read more
What do Macy’s Department Store and Confederate generals have in common? They’re both stumbling blocks that retraumatize people. Recently, I spent some time with my much-loved Uncle Ron, who is eighty. He’s a Vietnam vet who retired from the US Army after a full career of active duty. This loyal service member is as patriotic as they come, never one to completely retire from service to his nation. Even at this age, he continues to work full-time for a branch... Read more
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