I don’t know if it is fair to categorize some sins above others, however, I do think it is beneficial to dialogue concerning the affect sin has on individuals as well as our society.

The concept of the seven deadly sins, also known as the cardinal sins or capital vices, is a part of early Roman Catholic doctrine that divided sin into two principal categories: "venial," which are relatively minor, and “mortal,” which are more serious in nature in terms of action and judgment.

Although I do believe that there are particular infractions that can be flagged as toxic regarding the human condition – I am fully aware, as I have worked with people for over two decades that any sin can be as bad as the next depending on its influence with a particular person.

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Talking and working with community leaders, students and officials at Virginia Tech for the last several weeks reminded me of just how precious life is. On April 16th, 33 individuals lost their lives but the magnitude of loss was immeasurable. Family members, fellow students, faculty and the community had their lives altered forever. Recovery and healing will take some time. It reminded me not to take for granted the people, opportunities, even moments that I presently enjoy.

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I spent the better part of last week in Blacksburg, Virginia on the campus of Virginia Tech University. The atmosphere was quite different than a few weeks earlier following the horrific shootings in which 33 individuals lost their lives. There was a tremendous emptiness and sadness that surrounded the university grounds.

There were no counseling tents, crisis action groups, emergency personnel or large contingents of law enforcement details. Instead, there were just somber students and grieving family members weeping at flower-covered memorials located throughout the picturesque campus. The news media was gone also – except for a few one-camera teams there to cover the graduation.

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If atheism is popular, it’s probably because it is more fashionable to be different. Wearing baggy pants almost to the ankles is this generation’s fashion statement of differentially. But in reality - there are not many true atheists.

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People are really products of their experiences. We think, act and live what has been programmed into us.

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America is categorized by many as a Christian nation. This is a label of majority rather than a title of spirituality.

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The origin of “Thanksgiving” makes one consider it more of an American rather than a religious holiday. Holidays such as President’s Day or Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday or even Independence Day are American holidays because their observance references the History of the American experience.

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