We must take sides

Last updated on: March 20, 2016 at 2:27 am By Jim Meisner Jr.

A simple checklist to determine if you support Authoritarianism or Christianity. If you support a candidate who announces to the world an intent to violate basic human rights and civil liberties; If you think mass incarceration and deportations based solely on religion is justifiable, much less a good idea; If you think the government should torture more prisoners; If you support a violation of the rules of war, including intentionally targeting innocent family members; If you think it’s important to... Read more

American Jesus

Last updated on: March 19, 2016 at 11:45 am By Jim Meisner Jr.

The United States has the second highest obesity rate in the world. Despite easy access to proper nutritional information, healthy food and clean water, as a nation we remain committed to unhealthy, and ultimately deadly, behaviors and beliefs. As a nation, we are just as addicted to bad theology that’s too often wielded wrongly. The United States is obsessed with a theology of unbridled capitalism and American exceptionalism, and, like an attractive and unhealthy doughnut covered in powdered sugar, covered... Read more

You will do well to be attentive

Last updated on: February 14, 2016 at 11:46 pm By Jim Meisner Jr.

The long, dark tunnel of Lent

Last updated on: February 9, 2016 at 4:21 pm By Jim Meisner Jr.

Lent begins this week, with Ash Wednesday. One of the oldest traditions in the Church calendar, the season reminds us to: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.” — Genesis 3:19 The Lenten Season is the 40 days prior to Easter, not including Sundays. It ends on Maundy Thursday, March 29. In many faith traditions, ashes are viewed as a symbol of penance, and the ashes of Ash Wednesday help us be more humble and sacrificial... Read more

Once in a while

Last updated on: February 9, 2016 at 9:28 am By Jim Meisner Jr.

Where is God in your smile?

Last updated on: February 2, 2016 at 10:22 am By Jim Meisner Jr.

I happened to be thinking about Joel Osteen the other day, and here he is talking with Stephen Colbert, a Christian. I have serious concerns about mega churches, but which faith leader best exemplified the joy of Christ? Osteen or Franklin Graham? Being close to God should result in being happy and kind and seeing the presence of God in others, regardless of their sexuality or politics. Who best demonstrates the happiness and kindness of God? Osteen or Graham? God... Read more

Henri Nouwen on comparing

Last updated on: February 1, 2016 at 3:19 pm By Jim Meisner Jr.

“Much sadness and gladness in my life flows directly from my comparing, and most, if not all, of this comparing is useless and a terrible waste of time and energy.” – Henri Nouwen Read more

God speaks to us

Last updated on: January 30, 2016 at 9:32 pm By Jim Meisner Jr.

Rob Bell talking about God

Last updated on: January 29, 2016 at 11:43 am By Jim Meisner Jr.

Beware of false prophets

Last updated on: January 28, 2016 at 4:35 pm By Jim Meisner Jr.

“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” – Jesus The past two weeks have been an interesting time for Evangelical Christians. On Jan. 19, Franklin Graham was on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. Graham said several offensive, bigoted things, but this is crucial: “What happens is we think we can fight by smiling and being real nice and loving. … We have to understand who... Read more