The Sermon on the Mount contains some disturbing messages for people who want to identify as Christian but do not want to change their lives. Jesus makes it very clear that one must choose between following Him or pursuing the material things of this world. No man can serve two masters: for either he will … Read more
The “Golden Rule” is often considered to be a one sentence summary of what Christianity is all about. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 Jesus said this in the context of promising that … Read more
The Beatitudes are the eight blessings pronounced by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Each one begins with the words “Blessed are…” If you count Matthew 5:11 separately, there are nine beatitudes, but most commentators consider verse eleven to be an extension of verse 10. Definition of “Blessed” Among other definitions, the Oxford dictionary … Read more
People do not usually grow more open and flexible as they age. We tend to become settled in our habits of behavior and in our opinions. We cluster comfortably into groups of like-minded folks and shake our heads at those who live, think, and behave differently than we do. Because we find safety in the … Read more
This week in Sunday School we discussed the event in Luke 4:16-30 when Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue in Nazareth and announced that the scripture was fulfilled that day in him. Sunday School classes typically emphasize the “no prophet is accepted in his own country” (Matthew 4:24) part of the story and the … Read more
If Republican voters would pay attention to what their party really does when they have power, they would never vote the way they do. The Republican Legislative agenda has actively worked against the interests of American working families since the 1930s. The modern American right was born to defend the anti-majoritarian preferences of reactionary business … Read more
Early in the morning of January 7th, 2023, Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) had finally made enough concessions to the fringe members of his conference to buy their votes. They finally allowed him to become the Speaker of the House (at least for a few months). Part of the ceremonial transfer of power in the House required … Read more
It’s not easy to change one’s mind. It is not easy to admit a mistake. It is not easy to abandon familiar people and places — even when you know they are evil and corrupt. It is not easy even when you know leaving them will lead you to a new world of clarity and … Read more