Did Jesus fight? Of course he did. Did he criticize? Without question. In fact, he directed his anger and his scorn at the very behaviour that so characterizes religious life today. But the purpose of his ministry was not to condemn the thinking or the behaviour or the character of those with whom he disagreed; Jesus did not devote his energy to preserving a tradition of orthodoxy or promoting a cause in which his ego was deeply invested. His mission was much simpler but at the same time far more challenging; it was embodied in the new commandment he issued to his apostles: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Why Jack-o-lanterns Are Politically Incorrect
The custom of hanging out orange lanterns on Halloween has its roots in Protestant-Catholic conflicts in Ireland. Other holidays this time of year with a similar theme are William of Orange’s birthday (November 4) and Guy Fawkes Day (November 5). Customary observances of a public nature, even if of dubious origin, are valuable community builders.
5 Protests That Shook the World (With Laughter)
Great moments in “laughtivism” from Yes Men Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, the guys who duped the BBC, embarrassed Dow Chemical, and mocked Halliburton.
A Restless Soul
During the past year Ross Lonergan has been restlessly moving from church to church. He has finally realized that he’s not going to find God in religious ritual.
Wrestling With Faith: Embracing the Tension Between Head and Heart
Ross Lonergan reflects on the tension between faith and reason in the modern age.
What Will You Give Up?
Phyllis Wilson ponders what she will give up this Lent. Could she actually give up Facebook?
A Heritage of Beliefs
Julia McLean explores the cultural heritage of Christianity, and its ongoing destruction.
The Fallen Traveller, Part 2: Honeymoon and the Cathedral
In Part 1 of “The Fallen Traveller” a young man falls from a Barcelona work of art. In Part 2, Darcy and Alison visit Gaudi’s cathedral, where nothing is accidental.
Heart, Soul, God
One day I was in a session with my healer, my fabulous shaman, and she told me she was going to speak to me from God. My initial reaction was to push back. I didn’t want to hear anything “God” had to say.
The Bible Tells Me So. Oh, Really? Part 1
In light of the recent focus on the pain often suffered by gay teenagers as a result of bullying and harassment or lack of acceptance by family, church, or community, Ross Lonergan suggests taking a look at a 2007 documentary about Christian parents and their gay children.