In Exodus, God hands down the Ten Commandments. The second commandment forbids any graven images. Later in the same book, God tells Moses how the tabernacle is to be built and decorated — and all those chapters seem to instruct … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Idolatry and Contrasting Points of View
We passed a campaign sign for a local race that read “Protect Your Religious Liberties. Vote for . . . ” I turn to my husband and said, “As one who has sought to live as Christianly as possible all … Continue reading When Theology Drives a Presidential Race, It is Time to be Scared
Dear Thoughtful Pastor: Is there or should there be a push for an inter-faith message transmitted via sophisticated communication media that counters the narrative ISIS is using to seduce young people? I don’t mean inter-faith get-togethers, which we already have, … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Why Can’t We Have an Ideology like ISIS?
Dear Thoughtful Pastor: I’m torn between being reactive and being Christian and taking the ‘high road’. My predicament. Last night as I reviewed my Facebook News Feed, I saw a friend’s post and immediately felt compelled to post something nasty … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Facebook Fights and Prayers for the Dead
Dear Thoughtful Pastor: How does one trust this institution of marriage after a failed one? Oh, this is a short question heavy with layers of hurt, disappointment, sadness and often despair. I am genuinely sorry. Every culture essentially reinvents marriage. It’s … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Failed Marriages and Mental Illness
How can conservative Christians who believe that homosexuality is a sin support and show respect to their gay family members, coworkers, and friends in ways that will not compromise their personal faith? The adage, “love the sinner, hate the sin,” … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Hate the Sin of Homosexuality or Assume Truth?
What motivates people to show up after disasters to do the rubber-necking thing? I call them “disaster tourists” because they cause huge congestion and keep the trained workers from doing what must be done. Why do we love action movies … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Disaster Tourists and Changing the Paths of Tornadoes
This time of year has always been tough for me, and Christmas is anything but a favorite holiday. In my growing up years, it was a time of growing tension yearly between my mom and dad. I, as the ultra-sensitive, … Continue reading December Sadness and the Timing of Christmas
Dear Thoughtful Pastor: I have a question about praying in public and the scripture verse from Matthew 6:5. There is a man that dresses in a bright neon yellow robe at night. I’ve seen him in the daytime in a … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Public Hypocrites and The Way of Jesus
Dear Thoughtful Pastor: I have been wondering what it is about the Islamic religion that justifies the actions taken against innocent civilians? Certainly people have been making war on each other for as long as we have been called Human … Continue reading Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: Theology Matters, Especially ISIS Theology
