Sometimes Thanksgiving Isn’t Easy
Thanksgiving is the beginning of the holiday season. This week, in spite of Covid precautions, many families and friends will gather. We will eat, drink, watch football – all in the spirit of gratitude. Even so, many of us will be experiencing depression and grief. The celebration will mask our sorrows.
Continue reading “Sometimes Thanksgiving Isn’t Easy”
Were David and Jonathan Homosexual Lovers?
This week two events provoked me to reflect on this question. First, Pope Francis called for the Catholic Church to recognize same sex civil unions. Second, I participated in a Q & A with young adults at a local church in which the above question was asked. So, I will briefly address these issues.
Continue reading “Were David and Jonathan Homosexual Lovers?”
Encountering God with Confidence
Snake-handling, the Coronavirus, and the Prayer of Faith
In a recent worship service, the pastor invited worshippers to come forward to the altar for prayer. He then explained the precautions involved in the laying on of hands and anointing with oil in the season of the coronavirus pandemic. As we were driving home after the service my daughter-in-law asked, “If we are to have faith to believe God for healing, why can’t we have faith to trust God to keep us safe from the coronavirus?”
Continue reading “Snake-handling, the Coronavirus, and the Prayer of Faith”
It’s a Conspiracy!
Conspiracy theories abound, especially in times of crisis. In the church, conspiracy theories are given additional credence when combined with wild eschatological themes. For example, the recent claim that a forthcoming Covid vaccine is the mark of the beast. False-prophets have enriched themselves by peddling fear and lies among the people of God.
Continue reading “It’s a Conspiracy!”