Posts About Christian
Heaven, Yes; Hell, Not So Much
Even Tony Soprano (who did believe in hell) didn’t think he was going there, though he admitted to some extra work in purgatory for his gangster behavior.
Trust God, not Clergy
As a Catholic, I find it strange that some commentators presume that the people listening to a sermon are supposed to agree with everything the preacher says
Leader of the Movement, not the Party
Were the historical Jesus in our midst, he would oppose the notion that running within the system would produce a president to change the system.
What’s Missing from the Unsurprising Pew Study
In the PARAL Study we found that the religion of the mother is more likely to dominate in a family where only one faith is chosen for the children.
Religious or Spiritual?
Obama may have changed the meaning of “faith and politics” into “spirituality and politics” for a long time to come.
Jesuits and Shariah
In high school, the Jesuits taught me that to find a principled answer to any question, it had to be stood on its head. So, before responding about Islamic law, we ought to ask first if U.S. law should make room for Christian teachings?
Getting Secularism Right Leads to the Left
Atheists like to take credit for having invented secularism; they did – in Europe. Secularism in the U.S., on the other hand, is derivative of a high tolerance for all organized religion and a preference for no particular one.
One Incarnation is Enough to Save the World
Jesus died once and for all: no second life is necessary. If, as Dostoevsky mused, much has gone awry since the first Ascension Thursday, it is the fault of we who follow him.
Structural Sin
The exaltation of greed constitutes the structural acceptance of one of the Seven Deadly Sins. It goes against the teachings of my religion, if not also most religions, to reward the rich and punish the poor.
Jewish Identity and Popular Religiosity
The Jewish faith is not burdened with the Christian notion that “Outside the Church there is no salvation;” or that only baptized Christians go to heaven.
Presidential Spirituality, not Religion – Please!!
I put less stock in formal religious profession than I do in spirituality (or the lack of it) when I evaluate a presidential candidate.
Holiday or Holy Day?
Popular culture has so wounded the original sacred celebration that no amount of tinkering can restore its Christian meaning in the public square.
Romney’s Bit Will Bite Back
More worrisome was Romney’s characterization of religious extremism only as “jihad,” squarely making this abuse Islamic alone.
Forget Sin: Pay Attention to Relationships
What should concern a voting public is not the acted-on sexual urge of prominent citizens but the proclivity to betray a spouse or lie about an escapade.
An Earth Religion Thanksgiving Day
The meaning of the day no longer rests upon the dominance of one religion, such as that of the Pilgrims, which conquered the other one belonging to the Native Americans.
And Who is My Neighbor?
In finding a way to protect themselves, religions wind up teaching the world how to tolerate others. What the world needs now is more religions.
Sherlock Holmes and the Spirits
Some years ago, I awoke suddenly from my sleep at the sound of my dead father’s voice, ringing in my ears.
Atheist's or Believer's Delight?
At issue is not the religious preference of the voter, but the religious practice of the candidate.
Fair and Balanced Hitchens
Certainly, one can appreciate that Chris has made known the fitting targets of his moral indignation: Mother Theresa but not Vice President Cheney. Perhaps for Chris, the former is the threat to the world; the latter, only to duck hunters.
Using Personality Cults and Being Used
It is not the presence of strong leaders that matters, but rather how that gift is used.
Religious Utopias Gone Amuck
The best tool against distorted religious teaching is virtuous religious practice. Faith matters when it is put into practice by good works.
Belief is Harder than Disbelief
Teresa continued to work within religion despite her doubts of God’s presence. That makes her a saint.
Mary's Magnificent Magnificat
I pray every day to the Blessed Mother to help me live my life in the spirit of her Magnificat.
The Doctor as Artist and Chicken Soup as Prescription
Healing is an art that goes beyond mere science and morality transcends legal jargon.
All the Deities vs. No God At All
Notice that the Pledge of Allegiance is about “one NATION under God” not “a nation under ONE GOD.”
Cards on the Table
The Pope rejects relativism that would have us believe that in substance all religions are equal. This ought not to be confused with the equal right of everyone to believe as they choose.
Counseling Chaplains and Earth Ritual Enactments
Are these modern day shamans up to the professionalism required of today’s chaplains?
Spirits are Everywhere, not in Heaven or Hell
Heaven and Hell are not places, but forms of virtual reality.
Wearing Faith and Works on the Sleeve
Clinton struck just the right note for the Democratic Party by saying she did not wear her religion on her sleeve.
More Religion Means More Peace
What concerns me about war is not my faith in God, but the role of institutionalized religion in letting itself be used to legitimize violence
Bridging the Hitchens’ Gap
Christopher Hitchens is an author with a masterful domination of language who writes about only one thing: Christopher Hitchens.
The Wolsey Moment
Falwell gave religion a bad name among most of the people in the United States who do not believe in theocracy.
A Prophet Who Changed My Life
His courageous words that day -- earnest, unafraid, challenging America’s moral failings without judgment or alienation -- changed my life.
Faith Doesn't Just Tell, it Shows
Faith in politics can be best seen in the ethical ways candidates conduct themselves when the cameras are off, and in the policies they propose to help society's most needy as well as they serve the public interests, not the special interest.
Greed and Other Social Sins
GREED and its brothers and sisters ARROGANCE AND SELFISHNESS lead the pack.
Wrestling with God
This is why Mother Teresa is a SAINT! She lives in my SOUL! Doubt is essential to an authentic life of faith. Several of those we call saints talk of the same kind of things we read in Mother Teresa's letters. St. John of the Cross called this time in his life as "the dark night of the soul."...
Sex and the Gospel
I would commend the ELCA on how they openly and prayerfully processed this difficult issue.
Jesus, the Healer
Christian physicians don’t have to look very far for an example of what to do about this. Jesus was a healer. He touched people that would make him unclean. Or he healed people on the Sabbath to the chagrin of his religious authorities. Time and time again throughout the gospels you find him touching people in order to heal them when such an act would violate his religious laws. I spent part of my early ministry as a chaplain. When someone is trained to be a hospital chaplain the stated goal is to meet the spiritual needs of the patient...
Timing is Everything
While some interpreted the restatement as shunning non-Roman Catholics, the most important section was virtually ignored by the media.
Tradition vs. Idolatry
Worship, or liturgy, is built on tradition. Much of what we do in our houses of faith has roots in history. Even the self-described non-denominational or non-liturgical churches perform actions done thousands of years ago. Singing in church has roots in the ancient Hebrews singing the Psalms. Processions down church center aisles finds its tradition in early Christianity parading from one location for reading of Holy Scripture to a second location for the breaking of the bread....
Define 'Pagan'
Some who read this blog will bring images of godless hedonists who worship nothing or, worse, come close to worshipping satan.
Heaven on Earth
If God is love then God’s heaven is dwelling in that love.
Iraq. What Next?
I find it hard to see the morality in either choice.
Questioning is Faith's Lifeblood
Using reason based on experience is one of the best ways to deepen the life of faith.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
The faithful followers of Jesus must respond as Jesus would want us to.
Time to Renounce the Renouncing
We should collectively denounce and renounce denouncing and renouncing.
Making Room for New Neighbors
While some might be saying the the Archbishop of Canterbury is guilty of dangerous compromise, I would suggest we are witnessing a sincere attempt to express a truly Christian love of neighbor.
The Moral Cost of Torture
Torturing secretly and then seeking to defend torture as a valid moral option only hardens us in a monstrous identity.
Both Sides Need Help with Facts, Truth
The alliance Wilson calls for is necessary and possible, but its progress will be halting and shallow until both sides experience a deep shift in their thinking.
Faithful Often Fail, Never Give Up
Many of us - inspired by our faith - are devoting our lives to working for justice, compassion, equality, mutual care and respect, and the pursuit of peace and wisdom.
No Pain, No Gain
Sometimes doubt is absolutely essential. I think of doubt as analogous to pain.
The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5-7 puts into words what Jesus lived in deed, and it keeps surprising me with new levels of meaning - and challenge.
Dare to Wonder
For too many people, faith is a kind of "auto-pilot" flight plan.
The Seach for Higher Common Ground
It shows there are more than three alternatives: religious right, religious left, and secular left.
Love Among the Ruins
In times of war, my faith teaches me to look for signs of love gathering around the evil and violence.
Religious Leaders Must Avoid Partisan Entanglements
What I did not hear in Senator Obama’s remarks, but still needs significant emphasis is a clear statement that religious leaders should avoid partisan entanglements within houses of worship.
Base Public Policy on Shared Values, Not Religion
I find Obama’s electoral “faith clubs” as disturbing as his Sunday sermons in which he asks Christian congregations to pray for his ability to bring in “the kingdom.” I am appalled at McCain who declares that the Constitution established the United States as a “Christian nation.”
Religions Thrive Under Secular Law
The architects of the American experience chose to create a nation based on secular law as the only way to ensure that no religion ever could impose its laws on those with different beliefs, whether religious or not.
The Race for Pastor-in-Chief
I have witnessed more abuses of religion in this primary season than in any other election in recent memory.
Leadership Matters!
Every segment of a religious organization is impacted directly by the styles, personalities, priorities, and beliefs of the organization’s leaders.
Presidents Must Follow the Constitution's Standards
In my capacity as president of The Interfaith Alliance, I have written Gov. Huckabee two letters recently asking that he reexamine his understanding of the Constitution and the responsibilities of the presidency.
Jewish Identity Requires Freedom
Never have I experienced or heard about the Jewish community using the Holocaust to impose a giant guilt-trip on anybody.
Red Meat for Theocrats
I’m concerned with how much of Romney's speech was designed as red-meat for conservative Christian voters.
God’s Grace is Greater Than Any Sin
To withhold grace and forgiveness from people guilty of adultery constitutes a wrong equal in its severity to that of adulterer.
Tortured Values, Tortured Logic
It’s a tragic commentary on our times that questions about the efficacy of torture are even asked.
Health Insurance Should Not Be a Luxury
Surely, this is an issue on which all people of faith and goodwill can come together in order to find a solution that will save lives and reaffirm the dignity of all our children.
Both Can Sustain and Enhance Life
Science and research should not be influenced by any set of religious beliefs.
Embracing our Differences in a Pluralistic Nation
Rather than trying to ignore or blur those differences, we must respect and honor the differences, using them to build a better community and nation.
McCain is Wrong
Senator McCain’s comments on his litmus test of religion as a qualification to be president of the United States are simply outrageous.
A Message and Recommendations
Acting in the name of religion, extremists assure a broad-based rejection of religion.
America: One Nation, Many Faiths
Inviting Chaplain Zed to deliver his beautiful prayer to the Senate was not only good for Hindus; it was good for our nation.
Electing a President, Not "Holy Man of the Year"
Few questions were raised that lay outside the realm of popular hot-button issues.
Parsley's Opinion No Threat to Islam
Numerous Islamic leaders advocate killing Jews and Christians. They state their intention to wipe out those faiths. They claim they have a mandate from Allah to do this. And we're worried when one American preacher says Islam must be wiped out?
Scripture Condemns Both
Both are considered sins and both are equally rejected in Scripture.
He Arose, or There's No Hope
If Jesus was not literally and bodily raised from the dead - as He said He would be and demonstrated in front of witnesses who just days before had abandoned Him in fear of the mob that called for His crucifixion -- then all humanity is without hope.
What Else Was in Spitzer's Hotel Room
Spitzer should have reached out for the Gideon Bible in the hotel room drawer instead of reaching out for prostitutes.
Asked and Answered by Email
Anything that saves time and postage, which is going up again, is a blessing. The curse, of course, is that you are never out of touch.
He Wouldn't
He comes down to lift us up, not to stay and be brought down to our level!
Another Reason Evangelicals are Growing
Evangelicals preach and teach with an assurance often lacking in churches and denominations that seek to make peace with the world more than they do peace with God.
Accomodation is Capitulation
Accommodation with those who would deny freedom of conscience, freedom of worship and equality to women only encourages them to turn up the heat and convinces them they are winning.
Show Us Your Freedoms
If freedom of speech is tolerated, even encouraged, in the Islamic world, we need to see more demonstrations of it.
Only One True Leader
We have too many "leaders" and not enough followers of the only Leader (Jesus of Nazareth) who knows where he is going.
First, Consider the Context
What I heard him saying was not that we had to conform the Constitution to the Bible, but rather conform the courts to the Constitution. There's a big difference.
Only One Truly Deadly Sin
There is no "gradation" of sin in Scripture.
We Need a President, Not a Pastor
Candidates' religious beliefs are interesting but tell me nothing about how they would run our country.
Oh for a Silent Night from Politicians
It is instructive that language about Jesus was deleted, making the resolution no more significant than National Pickle Week to some members of Congress
God Not Subject to Government Approval
Let those who still "keep Christmas" in their hearts observe it well and not look to governments to ratify what they have abandoned.
Temporal and Eternal Cures
It is Jesus Christ who has the ultimate answer to the poverty of the soul and the "disease" called sin.
Give Thanks for Freedom of Worship
In the midst of conflict and chaos, we can be thankful that we live in America which still guarantees the freedom to worship.
A Family Peace Treaty?
Families with difficult dynamics might consider preparing and formally signing a "Holiday peace treaty."
Enemies and Whether to Love Them
About the terrorists who wish to destroy us, I intend to resist them until they give up trying to kill me. Then I will try to love them.
Torturing Ourselves to Death
It is not coincidental that the trailer for the new season of the TV series "24" features Jack Bauer testifying before a congressional committee on the subject of torture.
Best Way to Help 'the Least'
The more parental rights that are ceded to government, the more authority we relinquish to government.
One Love Above All Others
God demonstrated what real love looks like by dying in our place "even while we were yet sinners."
Yes and No
Yes, I believe in life after death because Jesus taught about it came to assure we could live it with Him; and and Paul also testifies to it. No, I have never been visited by a dead relative or friend....
Religion is Human, God is Divine
God has nothing to do with religion. What God has everything to do with is relationships.
Serving God or Servitude to Man?
It is no coincidence that cult leaders required their followers to die for them. The real God has died for us.
Let God Be God
Conversion by coercion does not change hearts or minds.
Tribulation and Redemption
A merciful God offers Heaven and perfection -- with no terrorist attacks, no storms and no tears.
Doubt is Not Disbelief
In her actions as well as her words, she exhibited more faith than any doubter -- or non doubter -- I have known.
Clear Instructions, Clear Choices
If these bishops choose to violate God's instruction book, church members have two choices: They can remove the bishops from office, or they can leave the denomination.
More than a Sign at a Football Game
For the Christian, the classic and central verse is John 3:16, because in that one sentence encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message: God loves us so much He sent his only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have life everlasting. There are many, many other wonderful verses that have touched my life, encouraged me and reminded me of what matters most in life, but this one is the capstone of them all....
Physician, Heal Thy Patients
Most doctors respect the religious beliefs of their patients, except when they might conflict with sound medicine and the best interests of the patient.
Prayerful Posturing
Politicians have always sought a covering of faith for their policies, and during most of the invocations, most of the Members are not on the floor.
Putting the Church Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Jesus saw his church as a body of believers in whom He would dwell, not an ecclesiastical hierarchy which he fought against in His time.
Theory vs. Reality
I wonder about a person's judgment if he, or she, has embraced paganism.
One-Way Tickets, Non-Refundable
Waiting to find out for sure is too late.
Depends on the Question
The way in which we question God determines the kind of answer we get.
Get Saved, Then Get Busy
A genuinely saved person loves God so much that that person desires to do good unto others.
Faith in God, Not Man
I keep my faith because it is not in fallen humanity, but in God.
True Religion Works From Inside Out
True religion works from the inside-out when Jesus transforms us, not the outside-in through laws, rules and regulations.
Upward and Onward
The question reminds me of one I was asked some years ago by a salesperson for my newspaper syndicate. After crossing a milestone in the number of papers carrying my column, I called to thank him for his efforts and then said, "What are we doing next for more sales?" He responded, "Aren't you ever satisfied?" I answered, "I am content, but never satisfied." I can always do better in my work, as well as be a better person in my inner character and outer relationships. If you're satisfied, you will never grow. The lyric from an old hymn says...
Trying to Serve God and Politics
The Jerry Falwell was torn between the two kingdoms he represented: one that could change lives and the other that changed little.
Salvation the True Liberation
A person who engages in political revolution, but dies unredeemed, spends eternity apart from God.
Good People, Bizarre Beliefs
People are still "suspicious" of Mormonism, in part because mainstream religions consider some of their doctrines not only extra-biblical, but bizarre.
Put Competence First
We ought to vote for the most competent person rather than one who might use religious language, but not mean it.
Benedict's Words Should Spark Dialogue
No one in the Islamic world should bear ill will towards Pope Benedict, especially in regard to the conversion of the Italian Muslim, Magdi Cristiano Allam.
Violence Against Innocents Should Be Renounced
There's nothing particularly shocking about calling Islam a false religion. If I were a devout Muslim, I would believe that a Christian who believed in the substitionary atoning death of Christ on the cross and the resurrection, as I do, believed in a false religion.
Honor King's Legacy by Learning His Lessons
He is the last public figure that I can remember who preached his message straight from the Bible, including the prophetic works of Amos and others.
Christians Are Called to Fight Both "Isms"
I would argue that it is the duty of every Christian to fight against racism and sexism, and the record of the Church in doing so, despite some conspicuous lapses, has been exemplary.
Overwhelming Evidence Says He Is Risen
To me, the resurrection is the central doctrine of Christianity, and if you don’t believe in it, then you can’t really call yourself a Christian. But I don’t know why people would not believe in it, because the evidence for it is overwhelming.
Obama Must Be Clear Where He Stands
My advice to Senator Obama would be to flee that church and find one where the Gospel is preached, and anti-Semitic and anti-white doctrines are not propagated.
Morality Cannot Be Divided
Christians do not believe that we can separate public and private morality. A man who will cheat on his wife will cheat on the taxpayers.
Freedom in Information
So generally, the Internet is helping Christians, at least, share their message throughout hitherto unreached lands.
'Not of This World'
The only possible way in which one could deal with this question is to simply assume that someone wanted to be as Christ-like as possible, which means to take a biblical perspective on the various issues.
Faith Revealed by Action
I cannot judge Barack Obama's faith except by looking at his public positions. His stands on the poor and caring for the environment are clearly consistent with biblical commands. His public pronouncements about the sanctity of life are something else
Archbishop Misunderstood, or Quite Mistaken
I have read carefully the Archbishop of Canterbury’s words and believe that he muddled them. I don’t believe any responsible Christian leader would ever propose trying to mix Anglo-American jurisprudence with the law of a regressive theocratic movement.
Do Not Be Deceived
I would view with great skepticism anybody telling me they were Jesus Christ, even someone who had amassed a lot of followers; maybe especially someone who had amassed a lot of followers.
Looking for Authority and Respect
In this age of celebrity, even religious leaders who some of us might not be particularly enamored of nonetheless have authority and followings that are as much a sociological phenomenon as religious.
Faith and Reason -- Compatible and Constitutional
God’s standards were quite explicit as well as implicit in all of the founding documents. What is needed today is not to amend the Constitution but to interpret it according to its original intent. Doing so would eliminate 90 percent of the so-called church-state issues which so bitterly divide us.
Pride Before Many Falls
From my choice to join the Marines, to cramming through law school nights, to marrying into the right family, to angling for my position as Special Counsel to the President, I had been driven out of pride.
Character Counts First
From my perspective, moral values flow from one’s deepest personal convictions, which is why a candidate’s religious beliefs are relevant.
Resolution of the Heart
Resolutions are meaningless if people don’t resolve the same thing in their own hearts.
'Daft' Is the Right Word
The issue is more than political correctness. We are being “daft” by suppressing even the public mention of one’s religion or religious holidays.
A Sufficient Speech
The last president I gave advice to got run out of town on a rail; so Governor Romney was wise not to ask for my advice.
A Faith of Hope
I believe God uses the efforts of well-intentioned believers, who rely on His strength, to shine into the darkness and advance the light.
Private Actions, Public Consequences
Voters would have every right to question whether a politician who cheats on his wife or her husband would cheat on his or her constituents.
Justified Under Some Circumstances
If a competent authority honestly believed that torture was the only way to get information that might save the lives of thousands, I believe he would be justified.
A Missed Opportunity
At best, it's an excuse to ask total strangers for candy. At worst, it's a celebration of the mindless paganism that our ancestors wisely turned their backs on.
A Worthwhile Idea
Isaac Newton who not only pioneered great scientific discoveries but wrote Sunday school theology.
Motivation Is the Difference
Scratching below the surface, there is quite a difference, especially when it comes to what motivates these acts of charity.
Bible Promises Life After Death; Condemns Channeling Spirits
I've never had any visions from dead people of any kind, and would be terrified if I did. Consulting mediums or spiritists is clearly condemned in Scripture.
No Separation of Religion and Values
It is impossible to separate people's religious faith from their worldview, their values, and their character.
Shout Louder
I would suggest that Mr. Hitchens read a good book: professor of sociology Rodney Starks' The Victory of Reason. It might embarrass Mr. Hitchens in his ranting and raving, but probably not.
The Real Issue Is Truth
The term “cult” is used largely in a pejorative sense. That’s unfortunate because historically it is a good word. It means "belief system" and is the root word for "culture."...
Difficult to Separate Politics from Religion
The problem in the Middle East is basically the problem of theocracy plus a virulent anti-Semitism, more the consequences of fascist ideology than theology.
Extreme in Love, Not Violence
If you believe there is anything in the teaching of your religion that promotes the death of innocents, you should flee from that.
Short Answer to a Hard Question
The question of why a merciful God allows disasters has been one of the most vexing questions for thousands of years. Any answer to such a profound question in so short a space is going to feel either inadequate or cold, but in maintaining the spirit of these short posts, I will do my best to answer concisely. God is, in the Christian and Jewish understanding, all powerful and all loving. In the beginning God, loving us so much, created us to be like Him with a free will. But a free will presupposes that humans can disobey. The biblical...
Doubts Are Inevitable, But Hope Prevails
Despite the 50-plus years of spiritual struggle, she kept going. A person of lesser faith would have quit.
Distressing but not Surprising
Who wants to belong to a church that doesn't treat biblical teachings as truth?
A New Creation
I have seen the process that the Apostle Paul described repeated hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of times.