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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
The Pew Research Center recently surveyed whether people in other countries view the U.S. as more religious than other wealthy nations. This statement surprised me: “A modest share of people around the world see the United States as more religious than other wealthy nations – despite considerable evidence that it is.” Most citizens in other countries likely form their impression of American religiosity from the headlines they read. They cannot follow people as they worship nor look into their hearts.... Read more
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