Friday, July 22, 2016

What's With Pokémon Go?

So there’s a new cultural phenomenon, and it has a lot of people talking. Just about everyone has at least heard about Pokémon Go, if they’re not playing it. And it has also been making news for the number of accidents it seems to be causing. I thought it could be interesting to take a look at it here, too. We’ll discuss what it is, what its dangers and benefits may be, and what spiritual wisdom we can apply to it.

Friday, July 15, 2016

What About Racism?

We are faced with another moment of national crisis. After police shot and killed black men in Minnesota and Louisiana, and five police officers were killed in retaliation in Texas, tensions are high. Many in the African American community feel persecuted by the police, and police officers are feeling hunted. A sober look at the facts of the situation would show that the dangers, while real, are not as pervasive as they seem. Not all police are racists, not all black people are agitators, and not all of either are murderers. But at times like these, it is hard to allow reason to guide us. It is easier to lean on emotion and to speak in general terms. Sadly, that simply perpetuates the stereotypes and leads to the hardening of positions, resulting in an almost ironic defense and obscuring of those who really ought to be condemned.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

How Can We Get the Desires of Our Hearts?

The next meeting of Quest Forums is taking place on July 10. We will be looking at another one of those “church–y” words that Christians often use but that can be frequently misunderstood. The topic this time will be prayer, and I thought my article for this week could take a short look at one of the things we are likely to discuss. Consider it an appetizer, and if you are interested, think about joining us for the main course this Sunday!

Friday, July 1, 2016

Is American Christianity in Trouble?

This isn’t going to be a book review, but I do want to start off by discussing an interesting one I have been reading lately. Written by Bradley R.E. Wright, Christians are Hate-Filled Hypocrites…And Other Lies You’ve Been Told is an interesting read. I’ll admit, it’s been a bit of a slog for me. I’m no sociologist or statistician, so I have had to do some rereading to grasp a few points. But it has been worth the effort.