It’s one of the great mysteries: why are so many Christians so mean, hypocritical, and hateful? If God is love, why, why, why? Things aren’t always what they seem. For example, almond milk is a lot like cow’s milk. But have you ever tried to milk an almond? It’s tricky. It’s a trick like no udder. Similarly while we often think that power, money, popularity, and success are keys to happiness, it’s the other way around. It’s the same for... Read more
I appreciate the zombies in this world. That is those folks who drift through life, aimlessly, shoved this way and that by events and people. People who don’t seem to have a constructive urge but who complacently accept whatever is and whatever comes their way. They are people who make me wonder in awe at God’s creation. Are we each required to have some value, something to offer, some unique niche, some contribution? No. In this man-made economy of capitalism,... Read more
As the Internet matures, more legislation is being considered to regulate it so that it is “safe.” This isn’t necessarily related at all to book banning in some communities in public schools and even public libraries. It’s a growing concern over a number of issues affecting young adults and children. Freedom of speech is a US standard deeply ingrained in our culture. Personal information collection The Internet causes concerns that go way beyond access to information. Should Websites such as... Read more
This series focuses on the question of whether there is anything worth believing in the Bible, and is it credible. Each will find what they want to believe. The series includes these articles We have to study hard and prove in our lives that the way God has shown us is right and other ways are wrong. We’re able to choose either. We learn from both. – Bible and Religion – What To Believe? For people who want to be... Read more
Which is easier to believe? That pigs can fly, or that you can put lipstick on a pig, or to believe the Bible is factual? Pigs love to be scratched behind the ear. Can the Bible help us? I’ve written before that I regard the argument over Bible credibility to be a gold rush for fools gold. All that glitters isn’t gold. All that’s gold doesn’t glitter. You find what you’re looking for. As someone recently put it, some can... Read more
God is. Nothing and no person was created without God. The Big Bang and other scientific theories, excellent and true as they may be, don’t explain First Cause – that is what brought everything into existence and caused the Big Bang. What do we know about God from Judaism, Christianity, and other religions? God is love and loves all of creation. Love is not a feeling but is action situated in benevolence and goodwill toward others. It’s treating others as... Read more
Where did the Bible come from and is it credible? The previous articles explained that God “breathes life” into what we view as scripture so that it is meaningful to us. God could do the same with a magazine article. The Hebrew Bible (Christian “Old Testament”) was written through the lens of many people: oral tradition stories of creation from that area, prophets, judges, kings, and others. Each expressed their point of view, not to direct our feet, but for... Read more
Can we believe the Bible? Seeing it in context helps. When Jesus was asked about the “Greatest” or most important commandment he said it was to love God with all your being, but didn’t hesitate to add to love others as yourself. – Matthew 22:36-40. If there is a philosophy of Christian belief, this is it. What is the Bible about? You can get answers that differ from the four major Christian denominations, the over 200 minor denominations, and the... Read more
My “blog” on Patheos is in the “Progressive” category. I really hate labels because they Pidgeon hole everyone into strict definitions so that there is no need for understanding and no differences. Just throw a label at someone so you can hate or dismiss them. I don’t even like definitions, I like descriptions which are open to growth. But if you’re on Patheos, you’re in some category or you’re not on Patheos. Argh! Someone recently created a post with a... Read more
These are the author’s series so far on Patheos and One Spirit Resources for 2022. Featured Series Author’s series on Patheos: New Generations Explore Faith Series are excellent for group discussion. The Bible and Religion in Context Religion can become about being an institution or about what we want as individuals. For those who have their own agenda when reading the Bible, perception is the path to insanity and ruin. Before drilling down into the nitty gritty details of religion... Read more
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