Which God Saves?

Politicians tell us to pray. But to who?

Politicians tell us to pray. It was a classic headline. At least at the beginning. Top lawmakers call for prayer. It’s not unusual. Politicians praying or telling us to pray. But then there’s the rest of the headline. Top lawmakers call for prayer, unity after Iran launches missile attack against US forces in Iraq. That begs the question – Pray to who?

Many Americans pray, as do many people around the world. But again, pray to who? Maybe especially in this case, it’s a huge question.

Politicians tell us to pray. But to who? Read More »

All things are yours … Really?

Who - or what - God is - or isn't

All things are yours … Really? Does the Bible really say that? Well, yes, but … if you’ve read much from this site, you know how important context is. The phrase – all things are yours – is taken from the book “What we talk about when we talk about God”. Bell, Rob. What We Talk About When We Talk About God. HarperOne. Kindle Edition. You can get some background information from the main page for this series.

Back to context. It’s from the preface to the book. We haven’t even made it to the first chapter and something’s messed up.

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Do not be afraid. Unless I hate you?

Politics and religion

Do you know what “Do not be afraid” is supposed to mean to Christians? And if you’re a “Trump” Christian, do you understand the significance of adding “unless I hate you”? Christian or not, I’ll tell you, there’s no place in the Bible where you’ll find “unless I hate you” said in the same sentence as “do not be afraid”. So why do some Christians insist on hating?

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What is freedom of religion?

Religious regulations in China

What is freedom of religion? It depends. Who gets to define freedom? And who defines religion? Maybe even who defines “of”. We’re looking at China in this series, but the same issues come up everywhere. It’s all about who sets the rules. One thing we can be sure of – it’s not God. Not in China. And not in my country or yours either.

Here’s the thing about freedom – of religion or of anything. See that eagle flying around in the sky? That eagle is free. But he’s probably looking for someone to eat. Something alive. And when the eagle finds his target, a little bit of freedom is lost. A life is gone. And the eagle remains free.

With people, freedom of religion is kind of like that. Someone’s “flying around” above us. Someone who either doesn’t like our religion, or likes theirs better. Sometimes they hate our religion so much they want to kill it. If they’re strong enough – they can certainly take out individual people. Even any given church building. But can they destroy an entire religion?

What is freedom of religion? Read More »

Freedom of Religious Belief versus Social Harmony

Religious regulations in China

Is it possible to have “freedom of religious belief” and maintain social harmony? Sounds difficult, doesn’t it. Experience tells us it’s pretty much impossible. Does it have to be this way? Or are there things outside of religion that make it so difficult?

Is it even worse when governments get involved and laws are created? And does it get even worse when the laws are created to enforce “harmony”?

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china-christianity-islam-flag indicating China's Religious Affairs Regulations Article 1

Will religious regulations in China to eliminate God be a blueprint for others to follow?

Religious regulations in China

Part of the goal of the Chinese government is to water down Christianity to the point where it retains so little of Jesus’ teachings that it means nothing in terms of salvation. In essence, they are trying to put the Chinese people into the scenario of the Church in Laodicea from Revelation.

Will religious regulations in China to eliminate God be a blueprint for others to follow? Read More »

The problem of love without caring

is this Christian?

We use the word love so much these days that it often doesn’t seem to mean much. There’s lots of love, but without caring. Love without caring. For instance, I love sushi, especially ikura and uni. Add a quail egg, and there’s even more to love. But does that love include caring? No. It’s just food, there’s no caring associated with that love.

But then there’s you, the person reading this. Chances are I don’t know you – and you don’t know me. How can I love you the same way I love sushi? But I do care about you. I care enough about you that I spend lots of time and energy writing things for this site and my other one. That’s caring without love. Or is it?

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Should Christians vote based on where tax dollars go? Give to Caesar and give to God.

What did Jesus really say to Christians about paying taxes?

is this Christian?

Should Christians vote based on where tax dollars go? I know many Christians who think they do exactly that. As in give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. You know the issues. Abortion. LGBT. Immigration – illegal immigrants, emphasis on “illegal. These topics and many others are hot button issues for many on the so-called Christian-right. While they may be “right, in the sense that “right” indicates conservatives / Republicans – are they “right” as in the sense of right and wrong? We’ll get to the liberal left in a moment.

What did Jesus really say to Christians about paying taxes? Read More »

Why does it matter that we’re not a Christian nation any more?

is this Christian?

Why does it matter that we’re not a Christian nation any more? Maybe a better question – Does it matter that we’re not a Christian nation any more? Forget about the why – does it even matter at all? For those who think we still are a Christian nation, please see Americans want to read the Bible more, but don’t. That should remove any doubt that we really aren’t. And while this is written with the U.S. in mind – it’s true for any country that used to be Christian, but no longer is.
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The passage in Malachi says, Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”The question isn’t whether or not God will provide. No – the question is whether or not we will even bother to test God.

Why does it matter that we’re not a Christian nation any more? Read More »

Some questions for Christians on immigrants

is this Christian?

I have some questions for Christians on immigrants. What are your feelings towards and about immigrants? Doesn’t matter if they’re legal or illegal immigrants. By the way, in the Bible, they were called aliens. There was nothing about legal or illegal. Is your view Biblical? Or is it the one put forth by our President? I have to ask because, well, it can’t be both. It’s one or the other. And you know what Jesus said about things that came down to one of two choices.

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