Tag: Christianity
-
Something Better Than “Giving Something Up” For Lent?
Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent — the 40-day period leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays). During that time, a lot of people “give something up.” Originally this had more to do with fasting, but now many take a broader approach. Here are some of the most popular casualties: Chocolate Alcohol Certain foods (especially junk food or…
-
The 6 Big Q & A’s About Christmas
Was Jesus actually born on December 25? How does Santa fit into things? Is my nativity scene correct? Each year I get several questions about the curiosities of Christmas. Why? Well, I’m a pastor and this is a big religious holiday for many of us. But it has also morphed into a wider cultural celebration about “giving,”…
-
What Did Jesus Actually Say About Prayer?
I heard an expression that “There are no atheists in foxholes”—meaning that when people are in trouble they call out to God, no matter who they are or what they do (or don’t) believe. A 2004 study revealed that 30% of atheists prayed “sometimes”! My guess is that “Dear God, please help” is most uttered…
-
Is It Wrong to Celebrate Halloween?
Ghouls, goblins. And candy! For some people — not all — Halloween can cause mixed feelings because of its dark undertones. Er, overtones. I recall many Halloween memories (and strategies). Forget the small candy containers—my brothers and I brought pillow cases. And if you went in town you’d hit more houses. But the homes out…
-
What Jesus ACTUALLY Said and Did Most
“I am a Jew,” Albert Einstein wrote, “but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene… No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.” For years, Jesus “meek and mild” dominated many people’s mental picture of…
-
Should We Care For Some People More Than Others?
With the exception of the odd Ebenezer Scrooge, most of us agree we should care for others. But is there an order? A “priority sequence”? With a question like this, it’s easy to sing platitudes. But I’ll be honest: before I even look at what the biblical writers have to say I already know I have…
