Any time we put anything in the center of our life besides God, we have started worshiping an idol. I’ve worshipped many idols, from parents to teachers, from occupations to people with whom I had close relationships, even to diets and exercise programs. None of
When I was a student at Furman University in Greenville, SC, and serving as pastor at Beaverdam Baptist Church, I went through a severe spiritual crisis of doubting that I was “saved.” I had gone to hear a well-known evangelist preach in a revival in
Friday afternoon sunlight streams through the stained glass windows of the cathedral’s Parish Hall. The rustling of the trees outside the windows makes the shadows of color dance on the large canvas that covers the floor. Printed on the canvas is a life-size replica of
Outside a picturesque village in the countryside stands a very beautiful, old gothic chapel, high up on the hill above the village. It has beautiful stained glass windows and adds an air of tranquility and peace to the area around the small village. It can
If I were to describe my childhood in one word, it would have to be dysfunctional. I was literally the product of adultery. At the time my parents met they were both married and had families of their own. Shortly after, they “fell in love”
It has become clear to me that to argue against same-sex civil marriage rights on the basis of religious belief is to argue that civil marriage rights equal sacramental marriage. Certainly there are those who are legally married who are not sacramentally married in the
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure … We ask ourselves: “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be …? Your playing small does
“God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.” — Psalm 46:1 Everyone experiences fear. Some people don’t call it fear. Some call it anxiety or doubt, but it all boils down to plain old
I’m a pretty fearful person. As I learn more and more how violent the world is, I grow less secure in the apparent safety of the town where I live. As I realize more and more how ambitious and ruthless one has to be just
To be afraid is to have more faith in evil than in God. (Emmet Fox) If I were to single out one bumper sticker that is often seen on the cars of fundamentalist Christians that upsets me far more than any of the others, it