Posts About Evangelical
The Doctor as Artist and Chicken Soup as Prescription
Healing is an art that goes beyond mere science and morality transcends legal jargon.
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.
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.
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.
Moral Character, Yes. But Whose Morals?
All politicians tell people what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear.
Media's Glare Off Focus, Again
The black churches I have attended and the black pastors I know are the antithesis of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, but they are never interviewed on TV which prefers rhetorical bomb throwers.
Faith Must Be Shared
The suggestion that faith should never escape the boundaries of one’s own heart and mind is a kind of selfishness, an unwillingness to share the greatest news ever proclaimed.
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.
Integrity Matters
The more important question is, does integrity matter in a president? Having served one flawed president and known a number of others, I would, if I had to make a choice, far rather see character than competence.
Can Wright's Rants Lead to Real Discussion?
If there’s anything redeeming about the Jeremiah Wright controversy, it is that it may lead to a long-overdue national discussion of race and reconciliation. It obviously can’t be conducted in the midst of a political campaign, nor should it necessarily be led by politicians—but it needs to happen soon.
Benedict Couldn't Have Said It Better
As a Baptist, I say three cheers for this Pope.
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.
'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.
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.
'Do No Harm'
A physician’s primary responsibility is to care for his patient, to do no harm, to help in healing, and to protect the patient's life; that is an absolute obligation.
Prayer OK, if Representative
I don’t know what law would prohibit this. Nor do I think it is an issue of separation of church and state. It is a question of appropriateness, however. If there were Hindu members of the Senate, then it would be appropriate from a pastoral sense. If there is not a member being represented in the Senate, then there would be no point in having a Hindu pray because, as I understand it, this is a prayer for the Senators. I personally don’t see any problem with representatives of a religion, practiced by the members, praying....
Muslims Must Speak Out, Louder
I believe, as many do, that extremists have hijacked the faith.
'Much Ado about Nothing'
All good ecumenical discussions proceed not in dumbing down our differences but in exploring them always in service of the truth.
Tradition Must Stay Close to Truth
Worship must be rooted in the Scripture, the Creeds, and the Apostolic teaching that all Christians hold in common.
Paganism May Not Pass Religious Muster
I would have great difficulty supporting an explicit Wiccan or pagan for high public office.
Choices of Eternal Consequence
God doesn’t send anyone to hell.
It Would Be Unjust to Leave Now
For America now to “tire” of its commitment and abandon people who have relied on us would be grossly immoral.
Doubts Are to Be Expected
If a person had no doubts, there would be no faith required.
Works as a Response to Grace
It is the assurance of salvation and the gratitude that flows from it that has motivated Christians through the centuries.
Faith Must Influence All Areas of Life
I take the Democratic discussion of faith as a very healthy sign.
God Closest in Times of Suffering
Ultimately, the answer to where God is in times of war is that he’s on the Cross.
The Church Is God-Made
If Mr. Hitchens would like to see the real thing, I ask him to visit prison with me. It’s an open invitation.
Satisfied - and Full of Gratitude
If we really understand God’s compassion, we have an ongoing concern for people in need in our society, in my case the most marginalized.
A Friend Who Will Be Missed
While he is often associated in the public eye with politics, he has been very unfairly caricatured.
A Revolutionary of Revolutionaries
His was a revolution not of principalities, but of the human heart.
A Long Way from Mainstream
In the eyes of most serious Christians, Mormonism is a long way from mainstream.
A Good Person with Bad Theology
The Reverend Jerry Falwell was apparently a warm and loving person to those who met him. He looked that way –as if one would like a big bear hug from him. But, alas, I believe he preached a divisive and even dangerous form of Christianity. From where I sit, his is a legacy of finger pointing and judgment that is not the Good News as I hear it....
The Great Awakening on the Right and Left
The agenda of the faith community—especially the evangelical community—is changing dramatically to include issues such as poverty and pandemic diseases, environmental care and climate change, trafficking and human rights, genocide, war and peace.
Politics Pushes Uneven Policies
If most American Christians could see the daily and constant humiliation of all Palestinians at Israeli check points in the West Bank they would think such behavior is wrong
Faithful Work Both Sides of the Aisle
A broader conversation, with both sides participating fully, will better for the country, for politics, and for the faith community.
Friend to Israel; Enemy to Anti-Semites
Thanks to Falwell, support for Israel and opposition to antisemitism, became dominant features of Evangelical Christianity.
The Infection of Society
It appears, at least to me that selfishness is the seed of all sin; murder, robbery, lying, cheating, road rage, child abuse, embezzlement, discrimination, hatred and the list goes on.
Spiritual Identity Theft
In my opinion, denying the existence of God is much like getting up every day and denying that there will be a tomorrow, “I have never seen it – so I won’t believe in it.”
Religious Leaders Should Assail Hypocritical Views on Environment
In religions which profess faith in God the Creator there should be special concern by "co-Creators," earthlings, to be good "stewards" of creation.
Notes on Falwell From Afar
We are each called to be true to what we find in scripture and I have no reason to suppose he was not as obedient to that imperative as I struggle to be.
Resurrection Essential to Christianity
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead separates Christianity from all mere religion--whatever its form. Christianity without the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is merely one religion among many
Trust Christ, Not Feelings
The recent revelations of Mother Teresa's spiritual struggle should remind all believing Christians that our faith is in Christ -- not in our feelings.
A Failure of Courage
All this is further evidence of why the liberal denominations are in such a decline in terms of membership and influence.
Educated, Inspired Conservative Christians
The death of Dr. Jerry Falwell brings an end to one of the most fascinating lives of the twentieth century. In so many ways, Jerry Falwell became one of the most recognizable faces for conservative Christianity in America....
Politicians Can't Serve Two Masters
I see precious little evidence that any of the candidate's declarations of faith - all of them claim to be Christians - have a direct impact on their policies.
What Romney Could and Couldn't Say
Romney missed the opportunity to make his best case for a Mormon to be president. Mormons believe that America’s charter documents are actually divinely inspired.
Ask What They Believe AND How They Would Apply It
Mr. Bush, Jesus, your favorite philosopher, expressed concern for the tiniest sparrow. How will that sentiment shape your environmental policies?
Beware Secular Fundamentalists
Mr. Hitchens shares with other fundamentalists a blindness to shades of gray.
Is It About Discipline or Control?
I’ve yet to encounter anyone in my travels throughout North America who said, “Yes, I’m a member of a cult!”
The Church's Sexual Fixation
I continue to be flummoxed by the current fixation on homosexuality in Protestant denominations. Jesus himself said nothing about the matter.
Peter, a Rock He Was Not
Jesus decides to entrust his Church, his entire legacy, into the hands of flawed human beings like Peter.
Immoral Start Begets Immoral Mess
The United States would be morally obligated to finance an international peacekeeping force as well as to pay reparations to the people of Iraq.
The Power of "I Believe"
I decided long ago that I would not allow the canons of Enlightenment Rationalism be the final arbiter of truth.
Belief and Behavior Inseparable
I think the Bible is pretty clear that faith and works are inseparable, though I’m enough a creature of the Reformation to hold that good works do not earn salvation. Martin Luther (following St. Paul) believed that good works would issue spontaneously out of the life of the believer, but they were not the catalyst for salvation. And it must be an arid spirituality indeed that makes protestations of faith, but those commitments find scant expression in how one lives from day to day....
Race, Sex, and Religion: A Personal Perspective
Followers of Christ have the responsibility to speak out against sexism and racism whenever and wherever they occur.