How Giving to the Church Increases Poverty

Last updated on: December 1, 2023 at 9:30 pm By James Travis Young

One thing Christian churches of all denominations, sizes, and structures have in common is that they accept tithes and offerings. Some are more assumptive in their approach by leaving giving envelopes strategically all around the sanctuary as well as the foyer, then at least once per scheduled service passing offering plates. Others have boxes either at the front or back where individuals can nonchalantly slip in their offerings. Of course, those techniques have now existed for centuries. Today, a growing... Read more

“The Exorcist: Believer” Film Review

Last updated on: October 22, 2023 at 8:29 pm By James Travis Young

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER William Friedkin‘s 1973 film, The Exorcist, is the best Christian movie of all time. The fact that The Exorcist (1973) is an R-rated horror film produced and distributed by a major Hollywood studio does not change that fact in any way. In The Exorcist (1973), individuals with and without faith face unspeakable evil, and the conflict is resolved through a sacrificial act of Christlike love. Not only is it perhaps the most... Read more

Uprooting the Racism of American Churches

Last updated on: December 1, 2023 at 9:27 pm By James Travis Young

The heritage of evangelical Christianity in the United States is founded upon systemic racism that perpetuated itself generation after generation for centuries. Although both the church and America remains racially divided today, you and I can participate in a future where healing takes place. The Great Compartmentalization In the early 19th century, a religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening swept across the nation, igniting spiritual fervor and inspiring many to grapple with slavery among other issues. Christians compartmentalized their... Read more

I Am the Real Church

Last updated on: October 22, 2023 at 8:33 pm By James Travis Young

I am the real Church. I don’t care about status or wealth. I don’t care about what clothes you wear. I don’t care about your past. I care about you, and about what is important to you. I’m a great listener. It’s not my place to judge you—just to love you. I pray for you. When you hurt, I hurt too. When you are happy, it gives me joy! I am excited about worshipping with you! I want to be... Read more

The Purge is Real

Last updated on: October 22, 2023 at 8:35 pm By James Travis Young

I call it “The Purge.” No, I’m not talking about the horror film franchise depicting an annual night where any and all crime is 100% legal. Nor am I referring to the notable but unequivocal free fall in church attendance that began during mandatory COVID-19 lockdowns and has if anything accelerated, especially among the young, singles, and progressives. I mean pastors seem to be getting fired, and ministers are losing their credentials at an increasing rate. I’m not a statistician, but... Read more

Go and Guilt No More

Last updated on: October 22, 2023 at 8:37 pm By James Travis Young

As I grew up attending church, the story of “The Adulterous Woman” from the Gospel of John was a familiar tale. Whether it was delivered from the pulpit by grave, serious pastors, grandmothers teaching Sunday school, or even a socially awkward youth volunteer trying but failing to appear cool by giving a devotional over pizza, the closing message “Go and sin no more” spoken by Jesus was invariably presented as a threatening mic drop. I could almost hear in those... Read more