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Posts Tagged ‘Current Events’

Did Jesus have a wife? From the NYT today

Posted in Christianity, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on September 18, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I just read a fascinating story in the New York Times discussing the possibility that Jesus was married based on the probable authenticity of a recently uncovered papyrus.

If this is true, what does it mean? Why is the possibility that Jesus wasn’t celibate so threatening to some of the article’s detractors? (Some immediately dismiss it; others assert that “wife” simply means “the Church?”.)

Edit: moments after posting this, the story mysteriously disappeared from the NYT blog. I’ve changed the first link above to point to a similar story at NPR.

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Less ‘never forget’ and more forgiveness

Posted in Social Commentary, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on September 11, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I cringe every time I see a “Never Forget 9/11” sign. Is it because I’m insensitive to the unimaginable loss of victims’ families? No. Is it because I’m unpatriotic? No.

It’s because I’m tired of the victim mentality that’s gripped our country since that fateful day, and am even more weary of the negative effects it’s had on our economy, our civil liberties, and our government.

The quotes that follow put better words to my feelings than I can myself. The first refers to Auschwitz, but is also very relevant to the 9/11 tragedy. The second is from an article in Wired. Both are well worth reading.

Maybe the answer isn’t just to ”never forget” But to SEE the wounds of our past actions, to ACKNOWLEDGE the suffering and brutality that happened to all the people, to FORGIVE and LEARN.
We can’t change history. But we can learn from it, and be thankful for its lessons. They were given for a reason, and it was to teach us something. Perhaps the only way through it, is with forgiveness.

—Chloe, in response to “Can We Heal If We Never Forget? An Album From Auschwitz”

We can honor the 9/11 victims without being permanently haunted by them.

—Spencer Ackerman in “How to Beat Terrorism: Refuse to Be Terrorized”

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Which Heaven Is For Real?

Posted in Christianity, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on March 11, 2011| 3 Comments »

Heaven is for RealThis morning The New York Times reported that Heaven Is For Real, a book based on the near-death experience of a 4 year-old boy in which he met various biblical figures including Jesus, has become a “publishing phenomenon, dominating best-seller lists and selling hundreds of thousands of copies.”

Reading the article left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, it’s clear by its sales that this book has brought hope and inspiration to many. With these in such short supply, I’m truly happy for anything that adds more of both to the collective conscious.

On the other hand, it was the boy’s father who decided to flesh out the story and publish the 163-page book. As I thought more about this I began to feel a little insulted…though that’s really too strong a word. Perhaps “excluded” is a better fit.

The book’s title feels like yet another declaration that the Christian path is the only path. It’s distressing that the book may serve as proof to some that what lies beyond the veil is indeed the Christian heaven, and only the Christian heaven. The renewed fervor it may lend to those who’ve memorized and constantly regurgitate the tired and worn “Jesus is the only way” argument also concerns me.

To be clear I actually admire Jesus immensely, and am open to different ideas about where our souls go when we leave the physical world. (I have my ideas, and so do you. Without verifiable facts, who’s to say which is right or wrong?) What I don’t like is the monopoly on tickets to the afterlife and “salvation” Christianity claims to have, which I’ve always viewed as an instrument of control more than anything.

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Thank you Pat Robertson

Posted in Christianity, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2010| 5 Comments »

…for hastening the demise of mainstream evangelical Christianity.

As more Christians realize the extent of your arrogance, insensitivity, righteousness, and general asshattery, many will undoubtedly hasten to distance themselves from you and your rhetoric. If I were a Christian, I’d certainly be embarrassed to be associated with you.

[The earthquake in Haiti] may be a blessing in disguise.

Would you say the same if someone you love was there at the time of the quake, still missing and likely buried under rubble?

[The Haitians] made a pact with the devil, [and] have been cursed ever since.

You’re a jackass, Pat Robertson. You’re insulated by wealth and privilege and are completely out of touch with reality as a result.

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