Richard Dawkins rejects the violent god in the Bible. But did you know that Jews and Christians have been rejecting the violent god depicted in the Bible for thousands of years? Read Rev. Adam Ericksen's latest article and discover the nonviolent God of love. Read more
The words of the hymn were still echoing in my mind after the service on All Saints Sunday when I learned about the terrible massacre in Sutherland Springs, Texas. O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine! Yet all are one in Thee for all are Thine! Alleluia! Alleluia! It was the day Christians celebrate the eternal life of their departed loved ones in Jesus, a day in which we are meant to remember and feel... Read more
I frequently talk about Islam and my experience with good, American loving Muslims. And whenever I tell those stories, someone inevitably says, “What about Sharia? Muslims are trying to take over the United States with Sharia Law!” Sharia is a big buzz word for many who fear Islam. They claim that Sharia is a divine law code from the Qur’an and so Muslims are forced to live by its violent and archaic standards. Not only that, but they assert that... Read more
Lindsey's daughter didn't want to be a leader, because she was afraid to make mistakes that might hurt people. That concern is a leadership quality we need! Read more
It is one scandal after another with the Trump administration. And there are so many layers of scandals within the scandals. So. Many. Layers. The Russia investigation is heating up, as we learned today that George Papadopoulos attempted to arrange a meeting for the Trump campaign with the Russian government. According to page 9 of the “The United States of America vs. George Papadapoulos,” a campaign supervisor apparently encouraged Papadopoulos to make a trip to Russia, “if it was feasible.”... Read more
Happy Halloween, Dear Friends! As it is Halloween, my article tonight is going out in costume — disguised as a parody of the original Raven by model-obstacle famous master of poetic horror, Edgar Allen Poe. Just have fun with it friends; it’s my “treat” for you this Halloween! Once upon a midnight dreary I woke pondr’ing mimetic theory – How we imitate each other and role models gone before – Patterns of human behavior, And our deep need for a savior From the... Read more
If we imitate Jesus we will move in a different direction than if we imitate Caesar. If we imitate Caesar we will become coercive, violent and out of touch with human weakness and vulnerability. -Tom Truby Pastors have a frequent question when they begin to discover mimetic theory. “That’s great. But how does it preach?” Reverend Tom Truby shows that mimetic theory is a powerful tool that enables pastors to preach the Gospel in a way that is meaningful and refreshing... Read more
As the #MeToo Campaign sheds light on the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and abuse, Lindsey-Paris Lopez finds hope in the truth coming to light. Read more
I arrived at the airport after a long flight. After getting off the plane and picking up my luggage, I opened my Uber app. I tapped on “Uber X” and a young man named Bakr drove around the corner 10 minutes after I entered my address. I instantly recognized the name Bakr because I studied Islam in graduate school. Abu Bakr was one of Muhammad’s closest advisers and was the first person to become a Muslim outside of Muhammad’s family.... Read more
Jesus knew that crashing the party would lead to his expulsion but he did it anyway. He was the one bound hand and foot and cast out where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. -Rev. Tom Truby Pastors have a frequent question when they begin to discover mimetic theory. “That’s great. But how does it preach?” Reverend Tom Truby shows that mimetic theory is a powerful tool that enables pastors to preach the Gospel in a way that is meaningful... Read more
Teaching Nonviolent Atonement
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