The Bible is inexhaustible. No matter how many times you read it, study it, and hear it preached, you can always learn something new. A recent sermon here in Australia about Mary of Bethany and her anointing of Jesus made me see how her action connected to her earlier portrayals in the Gospels and to the raising of her brother Lazarus.
Vox has been running a series on the importance of forgiving and finding forgiveness. Though it doesn't mention religion, it uses theological terms, such as "atonement" and "grace." But without a basis in God, these concepts remain subjective and can't get beyond retributive justice. Holy Week, though, shows how to find an objective atonement, grace, and forgiveness.
Once I get back from Australia after Easter, I'm planning some special activities for subscribers in hopes of creating a true "virtual community." Subscribers can get to know each other, hold open discussions on topics apart from my posts (including those you suggest), pray for each other in time of need, and, in short, create a "virtual community" in the best sense.
Russian president Putin, losing in Ukraine, is threatening to use nuclear weapons. This has U.S. and N.A.T.O. officials trying to decide what to do if that happens.
The Biden administration is laying the groundwork for the "digital dollar." This would be the opposite of "cryptocurrency," which is decentralized, private, and impossible to control. The digital dollar would be created, monitored, and directed by the federal government. Some observers fear the impact this could have on civil liberties.
A new study of American religion has found that 54% of respondents believe in God as described in the Bible. This is true of only 31% of young adults, with the percentage going up with age. But what do people mean by that? And what about the other gods that nearly half of Americans believe in?
During World War II, Australians fully expected to be invaded by Japan. Abandoned by Great Britain, which pulled away much of the Australian military to defend the Empire, the Aussies rejoiced when the Americans came to their aid, ending the threat with the Battle of the Coral Sea.
A close encounter with the stinging tree of Australia, which, to touch, creates such excruciating and long-lasting pain that it can lead to suicide. And a reflection on what it means.
The subscription model is a much better deal for writers than paying them royalties or a share of advertising. Do I really need to feel guilty for going along with the plan to put my blog behind a pay wall? At any rate, this new phase starts on Monday, April 4. An explanation of how it will work.
I hope my break from the blog made you feel that "absence makes the heart grow fonder," as opposed to getting you out of the habit of reading it. Because during our break Patheos decided to pull the trigger on a development for this blog that has been in the works for months. Let me explain. . .
