In the United States, so many on Thanksgiving will gather together with loved ones and others they can marginally tolerate to eat too much food offered in combinations we would likely not intentionally select any other time of year. There are regional nuances for sure; in certain areas in the south, black-eyed peas are required and sweet potatoes without marshmallows look naked, meanwhile in parts of New England it is a scandal if the vegetables lack maple glaze. Then again,... Read more
No one ever intentionally joins a cult. Most of us seek community by joining fitness classes, book clubs, organizations such as the local PTA or a political party, or even institutions like churches. Although Jim Jones may have been the infamous Peoples Temple cult leader who orchestrated hundreds of his follower’s deaths in Jonestown, Guyana, he was also the pastor of the Peoples Temple Christian Church. Not only was Jones a well-respected ordained minister of a major Christian Evangelical denomination,... Read more
When someone quotes a scripture to support a particular point of view or argument without considering the broader context or the original intended meaning of the text, it’s called proof-texting. We’ve all seen it. Some of you probably even do it. But cherry-picking verses to support preconceived notions or personal biases is not only dishonest, it’s dangerous. This Will Make Some of You Angry There are those who selectively highlight specific passages while ignoring others, manipulating scriptures to suit their... Read more
Celebrity tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and reality TV star Kat Von D recently opened up about her faith in Jesus, sparking criticism from certain Fundamentalists who scrutinize her past and question the authenticity of her witness. Her response has been, in a word, Christlike. We should not dismiss these incidents as just another gossipy celebrity scandal. The treatment Kat Von D has received starkly illuminates how the attitudes of a small but vocal minority could successfully misrepresent all Christ-followers, and her... Read more
As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, its impact upon Christianity in the Western world continues to resonate. Because the majority of Christians in the United States identify as Evangelicals, their actions and beliefs have an unique influence upon broader society. Unfortunately, many American Evangelicals have begun to believe and spread lies which not only damages the witness of all Christ-followers, but also has the potential to endanger and harm innocent individuals whom Jesus identified as our neighbors. Cruel Intentions As I’ve... Read more
A few years ago, I read a social media post in a pastors’ group written by the pastor of a small-town evangelical church that left a lasting impression on me. One quiet weekday afternoon, the pastor arrived at the church to find a disheveled man wandering in the front yard. His body odor could be smelled from several feet away, and dirt was noticeably smudged all over his face and arms. He had clothes that were torn and soiled, and... Read more
Regrettably, there is abundant evidence which demonstrates that many evangelical Christians exhibit intolerance towards individuals of other faiths. However, by embracing Christ’s personal example of love and compassion, we have an opportunity to transcend biases and unify a church culture that has become increasingly polarized. Social Monsters I have struggled to find a charitable description of the changes I have witnessed in people I love over the course of the past decade. Evangelicals, including a significant number of clergy, who... Read more
Too often, Christians suggest to individuals suffering from depression that God is the answer. While some people of faith may believe this kind of advice comes from a good place, not only are these sentiments less than helpful, they can also communicate judgment, prejudice, and even hatred. The complexities of faith and mental health require a more compassionate approach. Though a profound source of strength, faith cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges of depression. If We Are the... Read more
In his book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence (SacraSage, 2023), theologian Thomas Jay Oord argues the traditional assumption that God is all-powerful is neither biblical nor logically coherent, and is incompatible with human freedom as well as the existence of evil and suffering. He proposes a new understanding of God as “amipotent,” or powered by love. While these are bold ideas, Oord writes that, more importantly, this shift “accounts for what’s loving, true, good, and beautiful in... Read more
Because most institutional churches prioritize attractional events and programs over authentic relational discipleship, many churches only become concerned about the spiritual lives of members if there is a change in attendance. Discipleship Cannot Be Programmed Many institutional churches assume that connecting people to events and ministries is exactly what every person must need. Sure, sporadic life transformation happens occasionally, but the organization is so dependent upon perpetuating itself through programs, scheduled services, and tithes/offerings, it assumes the “Jesus part” will... Read more
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