Today I’m giving away a fine art print of one of my most popular Sophia drawings, “trapped”. This will be one of the first drawings in my book of my Sophia collection… the beginning of her story towards her own independence and freedom. It’s almost ready to be assembled! If you want to go ahead and buy a print, GO HERE. All you have to do is: 1. leave a comment on this post. Anything… even just a “hi”. 2.... Read more
I went through a horrendous church split in 1997. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. In this short video I share some of my insights into how church splits can happen. I know there are lots of stories out there. None of them are the same. Each one is unique. Like snowflakes. Demonic snowflakes with tooth and claw. Enjoy! You could read my books, if you haven’t already. Go HERE. Read more
Oh, it’s okay to ask mundane questions. Questions that don’t mean anything. Harmless questions. “How many days was Jonah is the belly of the whale?” “What must I do to be saved?” “How can I serve you?” I’m not talking about those kinds of questions. I’m talking about questions that threaten the status quo, the establishment, popular belief, or the endorsed course of action. Like some of the questions I’ve asked in the past that have gotten me in trouble:... Read more
I have a tendency, when going through a difficult time, to shut down and become hard-hearted. I remember many many years ago my spiritual director encouraging me to explore this. Over the years I have. It is a self-protective coping mechanism I instinctively use to secure my own safety. I’m not alone in this. I have learned that during difficult times of transition, it is important to keep your heart soft. At least try. It is crucial to try to... Read more
This is an older cartoon of mine. But I’m very interested in labels. Words are powerful. Words have the power to bless and the power to curse. To label someone is, in a way, an attempt to control them. It is, I claim, an act of violence. It will take every bit of your integrity to resist the power of the labels people would wish to apply to you. But you must. Keep speaking, doing and being what you know... Read more
Be careful when you leave the herd that you don’t simply find a new one that suits your opinions better. You haven’t really changed. You’ve only switched. Tweaking is the favorite pastime of the spiritually discontent. Switching is the hobby of ego enthusiasts. Waiting patiently, alone, to find your own self and path… now that takes courage! Do you need to talk? I’m making myself available for spiritual coaching sessions. email me. My rates are reasonable. Read more
Of course we need labels for things. Sometimes they are necessary and helpful. Things need names. But can we see how labels such as “Canadian”, “American”, “Russian”, “Indian” can be divisive? Or labels such as “Christian”, “Muslim”, “Jewish”, “Hindu”, “Buddhist”… how they can be divisive? How they differentiate and separate? Can we see how such labels constrain us to think a certain way which leads to enmity towards other labels? I hold onto the label “Christian” unapologetically. But very lightly.... Read more
This is really true. I’ve seen it locally. I notice that the people around me, from Christian church-goers to Christian non-church-goers to non-Christian non-church-goers to atheists to whatever… I’ve found around me a rich tapestry of spiritual people who encourage me, teach me and support me, and I them. I’ve seen it online. I’ve found gathered around nakedpastor a rich tapestry of spiritual people. It is you! It is profound. The other day I posted a message one of my... Read more
I would like to compare church membership with circumcision. I was ordained Presbyterian. I was, and still am to some extent, a fan of Reformed Theology. There was always lots of talk about infant baptism and how, like circumcision, it was a badge or sign of one’s membership in the holy community, the people of God. The same applies to adult baptism. Circumcision, in the Old Testament, was a declaration of one’s belonging to Israel. But Paul makes it clear... Read more
Going against the flow is a decision that has to be made. But it doesn’t necessarily start with “I’m going to go against the flow!” It doesn’t need to begin with an attitude of resistance, rebellion or non-conformism. It may begin with “I’m not happy with my life and the way its going.” Then, when you decide to be true to yourself and find your own way, you suddenly realize this means going against the flow. You may suddenly discover... Read more
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