4 Stupid Substitutes for Humility

Last updated on: July 21, 2014 at 12:23 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

When Ben Franklin turned 20, he was determined to become virtuous. He put together a list of 12 virtues (frugality, sincerity, justice, etc.), and worked out a system of regularly focusing on one virtue a week while tracking his progress as he went. He showed his finished list of values to a minister who pointed out that Franklin was missing humility—the queen of all virtues. Ben added it to the list bringing the total to 13. After spending many months working on the virtues, Franklin’s friend asked how he was doing... Read more

The Cross Isn’t a Brand—It’s a Mission Statement

Last updated on: July 15, 2014 at 5:14 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

Constantine was certain that God had come to him in a dream. The first “Christian” roman empire had looked up at the sun and witnessed a cross-like apparition along with the words, “ἐν τούτῳ νίκα” (In this, conquer). Unsure of the meaning of this vision, Constantine went to sleep a couple nights later to be met by Christ who explained to him that he must use the sign of the cross against his enemies. History tells us that Constantine marched into the Battle... Read more

Ask Jayson: Finding the Good in Terrible People

Last updated on: July 14, 2014 at 3:44 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

Dear Jayson, I need some insight and help regarding Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Can you describe the meaning of each word . . . ie . . . true, honorable, just . . . and how to daily put this verse to work. This passage truly messes me... Read more

Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony

Last updated on: July 9, 2014 at 3:38 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

Taking gluttony seriously is more than simply wringing our hands about the Western obesity epidemic. Although the idea of gluttony is often tied to food, it’s much, much bigger. Simply put, gluttony is the act of taking something acceptable, useful, or even necessary and indulging in it in an unhealthy manner. With this in mind, gluttony includes, but is not limited to, things like: Food Technology Information Entertainment Praise You can usually tell gluttonous behavior based on how much attention and effort... Read more

4 Ways to Ruin a Perfectly Good Joke on Social Media

Last updated on: July 7, 2014 at 2:39 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

If social media’s taught me anything, it’s that many well-meaning people have a sort of super power when it comes to ruining jokes. When I’m not filling the internet with writings about spirituality and music, I’m telling jokes on Facebook and Twitter. After having thousands of great jokes destroyed within a couple comments, I’ve learned a few things I’d love to pass on to you. Here are 4 ways to ruin someone else’s perfectly good joke on social media. (more…) Read more

Ask Jayson: How Do I Share My Trials in a Healthy Way?

Last updated on: July 6, 2014 at 8:14 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

Dear Jayson, My husband was recently diagnosed with cancer and we’re going through a lot right now. Suddenly, a question as simple as, “how are you” is an enormous challenge. Most ask how we’re doing with concern and sincerity but socially it’s awkward to know just how much they want—and how much I’ll feel like sharing. Any advice? Overwhelmed (more…) Read more

Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins: Envy

Last updated on: July 4, 2014 at 2:31 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

Samuel Beckett, the famed Irish novelist and author of Waiting for Godot, married his long-time companion Suzanne in 1961. As his fame continued to grow, she was consumed with jealousy and their marriage weakened. One day in 1969 she answered their ringing phone, spoke to the person on the other end, and hung up. Turning a pallid face to her husband, she mumbled, “Quel catastrophe. . .” (What a catastraphe) She’d just been told that the Swedish Academy had awarded Samuel the Nobel... Read more

Get off the Assembly Line and into the Wilderness

Last updated on: July 1, 2014 at 12:01 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

To desire the intangible over the physical is one of Christian spirituality’s biggest challenges. It’s hard to wrap our minds around longing for an invisible Christ, especially when we compare it to more “practical” concerns. It’s even more difficult in a post-enlightenment culture that’s suspect of anything that isn’t measurable and concrete. Rather than learning to embrace the mysteries of spirituality, we resort to a faith that’s either mimicked or prescribed. At least copying someone else’s behavior or submitting to their direction, for Christ’s sake, has... Read more

Ask Jayson: Dealing with Judgmental Christian Parents

Last updated on: June 28, 2014 at 2:54 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

Dear Jayson, How do I get my extreme Christian parents to see that their views of the world are antiquated and no longer functional? They’re super judgmental and difficult to be around at times. I love my parents. I just want to see them love the world and people around them more. Background: I’m not Christian so they don’t value my opinion a lot of times. Thank you, Frustrated (more…) Read more

5 Steps for Embracing Real Christian Spirituality

Last updated on: June 26, 2014 at 12:22 pm By Jayson D. Bradley

The old cliché says that, “Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.” And while there are aspects of this saying I’d quibble with, there is more than a morsel of truth here. The struggle is that we’re all learning what it means to live out this relationship in a concrete and natural way . . . When it comes to spirituality, we’re all absolute beginners. Those of us who live within the context of post-enlightenment Christianity struggle with intangibles. We’re suspect of... Read more