In my lifetime I have never seen the nation so divided. The divide isn’t just a difference of opinion, it’s almost a hatred of people who are different. Healing this divide is in the purview of the church. Unfortunately, in many ways the church has abandoned that responsibility and has allowed itself to become part … More Judging One Another as Christians

I was reading in Lamentations recently and came across some verses that I found particularly interesting. It’s traditionally claimed that Lamentations was written by the Prophet Jeremiah. This is based on the reference in the Book of Jeremiah to the writing of a lament for King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:25. However, the Book itself … More Laments and Carrying On

There is something that is no longer appreciated. Perhaps it was never really liked. We live in a world filled with mystery, yet, many people seem to see mystery as something to be overcome. In our insatiable drive to eliminate mystery for the world, there has been an explosion of knowledge. “In his 1982 book … More The Discomfort of Mystery!

There’s one thing that I know I need more of: physical exercise. I regularly attend an exercise class, usually three times a week. And have taken up swimming ½ to ¾ mile before the class. It’s hard to keep the body in shape. (I should say, “in a healthy shape.” After all, round is a … More The Discomfort of Growing Spiritually

I wish I could know what was going to happen in the next few weeks or, at the very least, in the next few days. My life would be much more comfortable if I didn’t have to guess about the future. I suspect there are many who feel the same. However, I have some bad … More Life is Unpredictable

I have to admit, I want to be right. Still, why do so many people strive to prove they are right no matter what other people say? Desire to be right drives me to look for research on topics of interest. I look at what is said, how the research was done and who was … More Believing the News or Not

I recently came across a Facebook post which said that most of the trouble in the world was because of religion.  The person who wrote the piece was advocating for the banning of all religion because religion was a public health issue.  What bothered me most about the article was that it was very accurate … More Religion and Politics

When someone is asked about their religion today, it isn’t uncommon for them to respond that they are “spiritual” but not “religious.”  What is meant by that statement can be anything from the person being anti-church, to the person being heavily involved in Eastern meditation practices, to someone just wanting to have their own way … More Spiritual

There’s a difference between being a “Christian” and being a “disciple.”  During the time Jesus walked the earth and immediately following the resurrection, those who followed him were called “disciples” or “followers.”  It was only years later that they were called “Christians.”  Since that time there has been a fundamental shift in what it meant … More Being a Christian and Being a Disciple

Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks? Or, a day to overindulge? What are we to do? Each November, in the United States, we celebrate one day as Thanksgiving Day. This isn’t a uniquely Christian idea.  Many religions call for a time of thanksgiving related to the end of the harvest. The actual date might change … More Thanksgiving