What do the Olympics have in common with the Christian observance of Lammas (Loaf Mass) and the Neopagan celebration of Lughnasadh? At the beginning of August, the summer Olympics are in full swing. It’s also time for the first harvest, as evidenced by roadside produce stands in many neighborhoods. This is a time-between-times, when it still feels like Summer, but you know it won’t be long before the first leaves change. Pagans and Christians both mark this time with the... Read more
Donald Trump isn’t the fictional Antichrist as depicted in apocalyptic literature. But I am convinced that he is soundly anti-Christ. When I say that Donald Trump is an antichrist, I don’t mean that he is the Antichrist. There’s an enormous difference between the two. In my last article, “No, Trump Is Not the Antichrist (Neither Is Anyone Else)” I discussed the myths about a future Antichrist character that emerged among American Evangelicals in the nineteenth century. I invite you to... Read more
People are asking—Does Trump’s wounded head mark him as the Antichrist? The answer is no. And nobody else is the Antichrist, either. I don’t take apocalyptic literature in the Bible literally (I do, however, take it seriously). If I did take it literally, I might be persuaded that Trump is the Antichrist. When I was young, my parents raised me to interpret the events of the Book of Revelation as a literal prediction of future events. I must admit that... Read more
I’m not prejudiced,” my friend said. “I mean, I even have Black friends!” He needed help navigating cultural icebergs without getting sunk. He continued, “I even like rap music, Mexican food, and Asian art! My church did a mission trip to work with the Indians (American or South Asian, I can’t remember which). I was raised not to see color, to treat everybody as equal, and I raised my kids that way, too. So, I can’t be prejudiced. Pass that... Read more
What does the Bible mean when it says that Jesus emptied himself? Taoist philosophers Lao Tzu and Winnie the Pooh offer some insight. We live in a world preoccupied with acquiring more, filling ourselves to the brim. But Jesus, Lao Tzu, and Winnie the Pooh suggest that emptiness is a better way to be useful. Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11 JH McDonald Version Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel, but it is... Read more
Was Donald Trump’s shooter justified? Absolutely not—political violence never is! Every liberal and conservative should agree on this. I haven’t pulled punches in my opinion of Donald Trump. I believe he characterizes everything opposed to the love and peace of Jesus. For years, liberal and progressive writers have warned about the societal consequences of Christians climbing into bed with their “Chosen One.” For this reason, I’ve heard some suggestions that the best thing would be for the candidate to drop... Read more
Canadians are known for being polite and apologetic. But “I’m sorry, eh?” is more than a trope. It’s an expression of reconciliation. When I moved to Canada, I found that it’s not just a stereotype that Canadians are friendly and quick to apologize. The first day I visited the country, I went to Walmart and heard, “Sorry,” at least ten times. The world can learn something from Canadians about how to apologize. When to Apologize If you’re like... Read more
Gandalf and the apostle Paul shed light on the smoke and mirrors of religion and politics. Who’s blowing smoke in your life? In The Two Towers, Gandalf the Grey visits Theoden, king of Rohan. Much to his dismay, the good wizard discovers his friend possessed by the evil wizard Saruman who seeks to control him. Saruman’s lackey, Grima Wormtongue, has become the king’s advisor, whispering deceptions into his ear, and manipulating every decision he makes. Gandalf frees Theoden from Saruman’s spell,... Read more
On the Fourth of July, Americans hear “If my people, called by my name” taken out of context. But it doesn’t mean what you think it means. Many Americans are celebrating Independence Day in a Christian context. This could mean that the Sunday prior to the holiday, your church’s worship service was a patriotic gala. Or it might mean a civic celebration “blessed” to have a minister give an invocation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is almost ubiquitous at these events.... Read more
Paul and the other apostles practiced selective Bible reading, just like Jesus. Here’s how you can learn to pick and choose verses like them. In my last article, “Be Like Jesus—Pick and Choose Your Scriptures!” I discussed a conversation with a friend, in which he accused me of picking and choosing scriptures to fit my personal beliefs. I pointed out that Jesus did exactly that and expects us to do the same. Check out that article, then continue with this... Read more
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