I’m taking an early Spring Break this week and will be running a guest blogger series featuring some of my favorite writers. Today meet author and speaker Margot Starbuck. After enjoying Amy Julia Becker’s blog at Patheos last week, I wandered out of the safety and comfort of the “evangelical” zone and landed at The Friendly Atheist. (He really is very friendly.) Because my book that released this week is called Permission Granted: Learning to Live Graciously Among Sinners and... Read more
In church growing up I got two messages about sex: It’s dirty, and; Save it for the one person you love enough to marry. Got it! Wait… Church Sign Epic Fails, “Surgically Altered” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Show Me the Money” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Family Values” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition... Read more
Hang on to your junk, folks. This one might sting a little… Church Sign Epic Fails, “Surgically Altered” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Show Me the Money” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Family Values” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “God Likes Weed” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Crush China... Read more
There’s all matter of speculation about why Pope Benedict is stepping down, especially since he’s the first to do so in 600 years. One theory is that he’s grown weary of the scrutiny around the Priest sex scandal cases, particularly with HBO’s recent release of their movie, “Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God.” The film digs deep into the layers of obfuscation, obstruction and denial, in part to see just how far up the patriarchal chain this stonewalling... Read more
I did an interview recently for a parenting blog called www.DadofDivas.com. They have a feature called “Dads in the Limelight” where they ask public figures who also are dads some questions about parenting, marriage and family life. Thanks to DadofDivas for allowing me to reprint the interview here. Be sure to check out their website for more resources on parenting, and family life from the male perspective. 1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers’ knowledge) ... Read more
Nearly everyone has felt the pinch of the economic slump in the past five years. But despite tough times, Americans tend to be a remarkably generous nation of people. According to Grantspace.org, based on recent reports from Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, “Total charitable contributions by individuals, corporations, and foundations was an estimated $298.42 billion in 2011, up 4 percent in current dollars and 0.9 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars from a revised total of $286.91 billion... Read more
There are only two things I can’t stand: people who are intolerant of other cultures, and the Dutch… Church Sign Epic Fails, “Show Me the Money” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Family Values” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “God Likes Weed” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Crush China for Jesus”... Read more
You know what Jesus says about the almighty dollar: “Mo money, mo problems.” Or was that Notorious B.I.G.? Anyway… VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “God Likes Weed” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Big Ass” Edition “Satan’s Graffiti” VIDEO Edition of Church Sign Epic Fails “Beer... Read more
I’ve heard a lot about “The Nones” lately. No, they’re not crusty ladies in penguin-like habits, tormenting kids with rulers. Basically it’s the new “spiritual but not religious.” The Pew Center, a major force in the socio-cultural research world, issued a report last fall that found one in five young adults in the U.S. chooses “none of the above” when asked about their religious affiliation or identity. We humans love ourselves a meme, so of course, the “Nones” became a... Read more
Yesterday, I discussed some of the historical bases for our contemporary understanding of Satan. Today, I’ll consider how hell evolved as part of the Christian faith. In Old Testament scripture, the resting place for the dead is called Sheol. While some believe this is the same as hell, there are indications to the contrary. In the ancient Jewish tradition, Sheol is a place of rest for both righteous and wicked, with no distinction. Not everyone is happy about it either.... Read more
Christian Piatt
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