Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category
Easter and “Convenience-Store” Christians
The Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday are two of the most joyous occasions in the Christian calendar. However, the anniversary of the final week before Jesus’ resurrection from the dead — the week between Palm Sunday and Easter — is a time for personal reflection. For some, it is a time of remorse, sadness and weeping. For others, it is a test of faith and commitment. It is a time when Christians and non-Christians alike often examine their beliefs.
The Reasonable Celebrate the Season
Nativity scenes featuring Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus lying in a manger, surrounded by shepherds and wise men are a familiar sight this time of year. They are part of the Christmas tradition and serve as a reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season.
One that is particularly beautiful went up on Thanksgiving weekend. It is on a billboard outside the New Jersey entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel. It is a silhouette of three wise men riding camels toward the manger under an enormous shining star. However, the jarring words on this billboard are anything but traditional. “You KNOW it’s a Myth. This season celebrate REASON.” At the bottom of the billboard are the words “American Atheists – Reasonable since 1963.” Read the rest of this entry »
Thanksgiving, the Inoculation against Fear and Worry
These are difficult times. The recession is technically over but few Americans are optimistic about the future. It’s little wonder when so many have lost their homes, their jobs. Storefronts are vacant. Our once proud country is mired in debt and individuals and businesses are facing the uncertainty of higher levels of taxation. Where do we go from here?
We go to our knees . . . in thanksgiving. Yes, this is the time to focus on what we have, not what has been lost. Read the rest of this entry »
The Election and the Eighth Commandment
The economy is at the top of every list of voter concerns. As pollsters dig a little deeper, it’s not the economy in general, it’s one’s own personal economy that troubles voters. If one’s personal economy has not taken a hit, the fear that it will be affected is enough to cause every one of us to carefully consider his or her vote. Buzz words like “hope” and “change” simple won’t be enough this year.
I have come to the conclusion that this election may hinge – not on the economy per se – but on the Eighth Commandment: “Thou shall not steal.” Read the rest of this entry »
Christians are Slackers
Christians are political slackers. We have failed to defend the values upon which this country was founded. We have failed to defend the Constitution and we have failed to defend our military men and women who have pledged to defend this country with their very lives if necessary.
As we approach the birthday of our nation, most get all teary-eyed when the flag is raised and the “Star-Spangled Banner” is played. Unfortunately this yearly display is rarely followed by the actions necessary to keep this country “the land of the free” and “the home of the brave.” Read the rest of this entry »
