Schism Sunday XIV: The Way We Worship

I used to love Sundays. They were my favorite day of the week. I reveled in the ritual of it all. We would go to church for our 1.5 hours of worship, fellowship, and good Bible teaching and afterwards we would go out to breakfast, drink too much coffee and discuss the sermon. We would eventually find our way home and into our bed for a traditional Sunday afternoon nap. I love naps and I loved Sundays. Mark asked me to marry him on a Sunday. I even enjoyed Sundays in college, I would dress up to go to Mass (if I wasn’t too hung over) and afterwards I’d go to the campus cafeteria which was still pretty empty because everyone else was sleeping off the weekend. I’d have an omelet and read the bulletin, it was one of the very few times I enjoyed being alone. And afterwards, you guessed it, I took nap.

A Christian Conundrum in a Political World (redux)

I don't think so...

I have always wondered why so many Christians have such a sickening love affair with the government and war? I have heard it said, “The word Christian makes a great noun, but a lousy adjective.” If you think about that statement one has to ask themself: is America a Christian Nation?

Miracles, Healing, and the Church (Time to raise the dead)

John 14:12-14
Amplified Bible (AMP)
12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.
 13 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name  [presenting all that I AM], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son.
 14[Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name presenting all that I AM].


Much speculation and controversy has resulted from the verses above. There are various individuals and denominations that believe that the power of miracles, healing, and raising the dead- died with the disciples and apostles. Could this really be the case?

More PLEASE?

John 21:25

Amplified Bible (AMP)

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.

Over the past couple days I have been thinking about John 21:25 often. Even though I understand that the Bible is complete and able to stand on its own merits, I cannot help feeling a bit selfish in wanting more. I mean- who wouldn’t want more details concerning the thoughts, words, and actions of Jesus Christ? I must confess that I do feel a bit like Oliver Twist here: 'Please, sir, I want some more.' 

Anyway, I’m going to keep it short and sweet today and simply ask you a question/s


If there were more Biblical books written, concerning the life of Jesus, what would you want them to contain? What more would you want to know about our Lord and Savior?


We look forward to your responses!

Schism Sunday XVIII: Cute Desperation

Have you seen those commercials with Sarah McLachlan’s In the Arms of the Angel playing and all the sad puppies and kitties? I’m sure you have. They get me every time. Every time I see one of those commercials pleading with me to save these animals who only know abuse and neglect by donating to the ASPCA I feel a small tear forming in my eye. The sad kittens and the one-eyed dog really send the message home and I find myself feeling emotionally connected to these animals. I find myself moved by their cute desperation. And then I remind myself of all the human children who only know abuse and neglect and I know it’s not cute and there are no commercials for them.

Total Depravity: A Depraved Christian Concept

Now go share this with someone you love!

 Every time I hear a Christian say: “I am the chief/worst of all sinners” my butt hole puckers up like it just got turd-splashed with ice cold toilet water. Of course these “chiefs” are aping the Apostle Paul, Ala 1 Timothy 1:15, but the reality is that they are either being disingenuous, self deprecating, or worst of all: braggadocios. Can you actually believe that someone would brag about being a sinful piece crap? Well, a lot of Christians do (it's novel don't ya know?) Now being all humble and “Pauline” may seem admirable, however, I highly doubt a little drinking, swearing, and premarital sex, before/after being saved, automatically awards a sinner with the title of “The Chief of all Sinners”. If Paul was living today, I think he would go slap-happy on any Christian making such a preposterous claim. The truth about Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was that if he visited your Christian-church, back in 1st century, he wouldn’t be bringing his famous green bean casserole for the potluck; he’d be bringing a heaping helping of chains, pain, and humiliation! Chief of all sinners? Yeah, I’ll put Saul/Paul in the “chief” category.

Does Forgiveness Require Amnesia?

When you forgive, do you always forget? Is it always a rule to forgive and forget? In my family I’ve heard a lot about old grudges that have been forgiven but not forgotten. I always thought there was a flaw in this logic. If you forgive someone a wrong they have done, shouldn’t it be like the wrong was never done? Shouldn’t you be able to move on with your relationship with love and kindness and not anymore thought to the pain or betrayal or wrong done to you? After all, when Christ forgives us, aren’t we made new? Are we not purified from our sins because they are forgiven? Was it not Paul who said he had wronged no man?