The Church today presents a fairly complex panorama. Many different organizations each claim in their own way to be the true Church. But there are various flavors of culture and to some degree flavors of doctrine. Consequently, it is important to help young people figure out how to navigate the Church landscape today. There is a chasm between what the Church is and what itâs supposed to look like. Itâs difficult for all of us. But it is especially problematic for young people who are … [Read more...] about Navigating Church Dichotomy Without Cynicism
Judging
Digital Distraction
If there has ever been a group of people that are called upon to use their minds, it is the people of God who have chosen to live His way of life. When I say, âuse our mindsâ, I donât mean human reasoning or logic; there is to be an emphasis on teaching, thinking, and understanding. Many religious systems are devised by men, who very often downplay teaching in favor of rituals. To them, rituals and traditions are what is most important. But true faith requires that we use our … [Read more...] about Digital Distraction
Are Acts of Violence God’s Judgement?
Judgement is a subject that raises many issues among Godâs people because, on the one hand, we are to make judgements and on the other hand, we are not to judge. Sometimes itâs a struggle to get the balance between those two. But God has given humanity the ability to make sound and reasonable decisions, to evaluate and to form conclusions. The apostle Paul states this: âDare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the … [Read more...] about Are Acts of Violence God’s Judgement?
Examining Our Assumptions
In our relationships with each other, we tend to assume a certain reality that is quite different from the full truth of a matter. So, when misunderstandings occur, our assumptions have the potential of erecting barriers in our relationships without realizing it. This major barrier to proper relationships is our proclivity to make assumptions to âunchecked perceptionsâ, often leading us to jump to incorrect conclusions. It probably wouldnât be a prolonged mental exercise to think about our … [Read more...] about Examining Our Assumptions