I read this article today questioning the effectiveness and importance of organized religion. It’s a perennial question, but I see it being asked more and more (like in Lynnea’s post about Anne Rice). One of my favorite authors, Diana Butler Bass, is working on a new book about people who say they are “spiritual, but not religious.” I’m curious what others have to say on the subject. Has Religion Run Its Course? Social Bookmarking
When I was 23, I moved 750 miles away with some friends to plant a church. It was what I had determined that Jesus had in mind for me at the time. Some people acted like it was a big leap of faith. It didn’t seem that way to me, more like just the next step in that nebulous idea known as “my future.” I was enthusiastic and evangelical (although at the time, I didn’t know that word, I was simply a Baptist.) A large… Continue reading →
I am a doubter. I have always been one to question, although usually I didn’t question God. I began my journey into doubt about 14 years ago. The levels of doubt have changed, back and forth–but a hint of doubt always remained. I have never quit church in the process, which is confusing to all, including my pastor. He is glad I am there, but he has told me it is unusual. Today during service I wondered why I am often inspired, by things I… Continue reading →
I realize I’ve been sharing other people’s thoughts more than my own lately, but that’s the beauty of the internets, eh? Anyway, I liked McLaren’s response to this question on his blog. http://brianmclaren.net/archives/blog/q-r-evangelism-and-evangelists.html#more Social Bookmarking
Anne Rice’s Facebook: My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn’t understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me. But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been, or might become. Social Bookmarking
I had a great and restorative day of being myself (by myself) today. I checked a book out from the library called Faith & Doubt because I loved this poem on the back cover: GOD SAYS YES TO ME I asked God if it was okay to be melodramatic and she said yes I asked her if it was okay to be short and she said it sure is I asked her if I could wear nail polish or not wear nail polish and she… Continue reading →
…or lack thereof. Last night I was having dinner with my boys (my husband wasn’t there as he was on his way home from a business trip) when the subject of angels came up. I don’t remember why we were talking about angels; I think I just said something about them being my little angels or something and then my 4-year old asked, “What’re angels?” While I was trying to explain angels on a preschool level my 7-year old interrupted. “I don’t believe in angels.… Continue reading →