What would you do if there WAS a God?
By Glen Campbell | January 25, 2009
Here’s a fascinating video of Penn Jillette discussing a visitor to his live show who chatted with him afterwards and who gave him the gift of a Bible.
What I find intriguing about this is how respectful Penn, a well-known atheist, is to the proselytizing of his guest. He makes the statement (and I’m paraphrasing here) that, if you believe in God or eternal life, or in Heaven and Hell, then how full of hate must you be to avoid telling other people about it? In other words, if the circumstances of God’s existence really does make the difference between eternal life and damnation, why in the world would you let a little social awkwardness get in your way?
The problem, of course, is not those who respectfully approach others to tell them of the good news; it’s those who use their position to condemn and foster hatred. Jesus used the example of someone who sows seeds: you cast your seeds on the soil, and some will take root and flourish, while others will wither and die.
Respect and tolerance go a long way towards spreading your message, whatever it is.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Who Would Jesus Assassinate?
By Hugh J. Donagher, III | December 31, 2008
Apparently the president of of Iran. This according to our new national pastor, Rick Warren, in his appearance on FOX “News” program Hannity & Colmes. Watch for yourself:
Okay, then. Open season on “evildoers.” Careful, the “gooddoers” are protected, so leave them alone. He who holds the gun makes the call as to which list Warren himself appears on. Happy Hunting!
Topics: General | 2 Comments »
Newsweek Analysis of Gay Marriage
By Hugh J. Donagher, III | December 19, 2008
Newsweek has published an excellent analysis of Biblical commentary on love, marriage, human relationships and contemporary society. Of course, since this analysis was not in lockstep with conservative extremist thought, the evangelical community immediately launched its usual attack of hysterics and histrionics. <Sigh.> Makes intelligent discourse frustrating and difficult.
Topics: General | No Comments »
What Would God Do?
By Hugh J. Donagher, III | December 18, 2008
Some Christians are fond of debating the question “What would Jesus do?” They often use this as a framework for deciding an appropriate personal course of action or response to a moral conundrum. The intent is to remind oneself to take the Christ-like course of action.
While many folks make good use of this exercise in determining personal actions and behaviors, rarely is the logic extrapolated to larger social questions. For example, what would Jesus do if he were asked to bless the union of a gay couple? What would he do if a woman came to him for counsel on whether to have an abortion or not?
From the Christian perspective, Jesus is, of course, a manifestation of God. In an attempt to expand the question beyond the limits of the Christian faith, this site will explore the question “What would God do?” if she were confronted with the same questions and issues that we debate daily today.
Topics: General | No Comments »