This one of Sophia, our young woman on her courageous journey towards her independence and wisdom, must have a beginning. This is how I picture her… trapped and surrounded by trappings. I find these pieces so emotional to create because I know she represents my spirit, my inner self, and its journey out of religious slavery towards independence and wisdom. This one is called “Trapped”. Sophia is chained to a stone cellar wall. She is surrounded by words of submission.... Read more
Here’s one of my oldest cartoons from over 5 years ago. We all know, I would hope, that John’s philosophy and his subsequent actions don’t make sense. But it is a daily occurrence of individuals, corporations and nations. Buy a $15 print (free shipping) of it. (Just email me.) I published a book of cartoons just like this one. For just $9, order “Nakedpastor101: Cartoons by David Hayward“, from amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.de. Great for laughs and serious discussion! Read more
The desert is sometimes imposed. Sometimes it is chosen. In Mark 1:12 it says that the Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the desert. The verb used is the very same verb used for when Jesus drove out evil spirits. It’s like he didn’t have a choice. It’s like he didn’t have time to think or prepare. Suddenly, he abruptly and violently found himself there and had to deal with it. He not only had to deal with the desert,... Read more
Shiny happy people are annoying. When they collect it’s even worse. Sometimes going against the flow, not following the herd, walking your own path… whatever you want to call it… means admitting the seeming meaninglessness of life, the sorrow, the unanswerable questions, the tragedy, the emptiness of certainty. Often you have to do this swimming in the syrup of illusion, pretense and superficial happiness. For many people, that’s a problem. You’re a problem. Buy a $15 print (free shipping) of... Read more
Jesus didn’t go to church and neither can I. On May 5, 2011 I posted this article: Should I Start Another Church?. Boy, was that a mistake! A mistake for certain reasons: I upset people. Some people from the church I left over a year ago misunderstood and thought I would set up an alternative or competition and threaten the life of that church. I had no intention of doing that and still don’t. I excited people. The expectations people... Read more
It often takes a crisis for us to change our minds. Even then it is most difficult. Naomi Klein, in her book Shock Doctrine, suggests that governments will use this for selfish ends, i.e.: create the crisis to change the mind of the public. But crises can provide us with the necessary incentive to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The original of this cartoon is available. Or buy a $15 print (free shipping) of this cartoon. (Just... Read more
Ha! This cartoon is from over 4 years ago when “The Secret” was hot hot hot. Hey I’m all for positive thinking. I’m all for optimism. But I’m also a realist. I don’t believe in magic. Magical thinking is our worst and most persistent enemy. Buy a $15 print (free shipping) of this cartoon. (Just email me.) I published a book of cartoons just like this one. For just $9, order “Nakedpastor101: Cartoons by David Hayward“, from amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.de. Read more
I understand Harold Camping’s dilemma. I believe that he really thought he heard from God. There’s no convincing him otherwise, so don’t bother trying. As a pastor I’ve seen this a lot. I can’t count how many people I’ve known who truly believed they heard from God. And when it doesn’t come to pass, rarely do they say, “Oops. I was wrong. I didn’t hear from God. Oh well…“. Rather, the mental and spiritual gymnastics they go through to desperately... Read more
Everyone wants to give up sometimes. We all get discouraged. Even the best of us. I think it’s important to admit that. It’s also important to remember that wanting to give up and actually giving up are two different things. Admitting and expressing discouragement can be a positive step in an encouraging direction. Buy a $15 print (free shipping) of this cartoon. (Just email me.) I published a book of cartoons that includes this one. For just $9, order “Nakedpastor101:... Read more
Leonard Cohen says in his song “Anthem”: every heart to love will come… but like a refugee. We are surrounded by people to love. And when it comes right down to it, that’s what ultimately matters. Have you seen this video on Youtube of people hiding in a convenience store refrigerator during the tornado in Joplin, Missouri? All the emotions exhibited in the face of imminent death… fear, screaming, praying, comforting, crying… and one guy saying, “I love you. I... Read more
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