Christian Nationalism is Fascism, Not Faith nor Freedom

Last updated on: September 27, 2023 at 2:01 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

“Fascism is a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.” (Merriam-Webster) Christians may believe that Christian Nationalism would create a culture where people would treat one another as Jesus did. Instead, a government of this type would force people to live under select moral... Read more

Roosevelt’s Caution to Be Afraid of Fear is Still Relevant

Last updated on: September 19, 2023 at 6:29 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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I sense a great fear in the United States today. Our fears are not all the same. We need to be discerning when it comes to fear because many fears are not from God. Franklin D. Roosevelt on Fear In his first inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into... Read more

Who Else Lived in Your First-Year College Dorm Room?

Last updated on: September 16, 2023 at 11:54 am By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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Most people would not know who moved into the room they lived in as a freshman. The other day, however, I met someone who started their college journey where I did: not just in the same dormitory or on the same floor, but in the same room with eight years in between. Her name is Jen. Earlier in the week, I would have answered the title’s question with a response such as “I have no idea.” I mean, what are... Read more

Is There An Ethical Reason to Turn the Football Game Off?

Last updated on: September 12, 2023 at 1:44 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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Over the summer, I primarily watched baseball and a little Women’s World Cup Soccer. When we turned on our first NFL game this past weekend, I was overwhelmed by the sport’s violence. I have watched professional football for years, so my reaction surprised me. I started to question whether it is ethical to watch football because of the physical and mental damage the sport causes the athletes. Additionally, I wondered if watching a violent sport does anything to the viewers.... Read more

Can Sports Achieve What Some Churches Cannot?

Last updated on: September 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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Sports can compete with religious activities but they can also provide elements that a church does not always provide well such as role models, passionate support, and community. Role Models You may have heard the lament that kids’ and teens’ sports on Sundays interfere with church. While Sunday morning games (at some distance) do conflict with times for religious services, I believe that sports, both professional and amateur, can also provide some important elements for personal growth and moral development.... Read more

Can Forgiveness Efforts Stall Because We Fear Diminishing Ourselves or Others?

Last updated on: September 2, 2023 at 1:42 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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There is no doubt that forgiveness is a complex and often arduous process. Can we get stuck because we believe forgiving another person minimizes our own suffering or the pain of someone else? Definitions of Forgiveness I did not realize that people understood forgiveness in such diverse ways. Some believe that the “offender” (for lack of a better word) must first acknowledge that he or she has hurt the victim (for lack of a better word) and apologize. Only then... Read more

Why Do Some Americans Believe that Climate Change is Not Urgent?

Last updated on: August 29, 2023 at 1:30 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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The future of God’s creation may depend on humanity. Are human beings willing to make changes in their behavior to lessen their impact on the earth? Emma Higgs shares “10 Reasons Why Christians Should Care More About Climate Change.” In my own mind, this is a moral issue. Many people do not agree with me, so I wanted to learn more about their views. Just today, Scientific American said that Hurricane Idalia is stronger because of the warm Gulf waters.... Read more

OCD in a Religious Context: Scruples

Last updated on: August 16, 2023 at 3:31 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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When people experience Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) related to Christianity, it can manifest itself as scruples. OCD is a painful and debilitating mental illness as are scruples. What are Scruples? The words “scrupulous” and “scruples,” according to Merriam-Webster, originate from a Latin noun for a small sharp stone. While a sharp stone in a shoe distracts a walker attempting to go somewhere, a scruple is a concern that nags at a person’s mind. Perhaps you want a scrupulous surgeon who... Read more

The Bible is Radical

Last updated on: August 14, 2023 at 4:35 pm By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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I read two articles this weekend that highlighted the radical nature of the Bible. In the first, “The Book Banners and I Have One Thing in Common,” Garret Keizer talks about his efforts to make banned books in his high school available and identifies the book that did radicalize him. The second, “What Russell Moore Knew” from Religious News Service led me to a National Public Radio interview with Moore. He discusses the discomfort some American Christians feel with aspects... Read more

Truth is Essential to the United States’ Social Fabric

Last updated on: August 29, 2023 at 11:41 am By Christine Schmertz Navarro

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Truth is an essential element of society in the United States. The advocacy of false information and reliance on lies has led to a deep divide in our nation. Truth is a value for most religions and is the cornerstone for most relationships in a secular sense. Every Day Reliance Citizens rely on the truth every day without thinking about it. Our cell phones keep accurate time. Most scheduled appointments occur. Food stays good to the sell date. Signing papers... Read more