Tag Archives: faith

White Paper: Apparent Flatness, Actual Hierarchy: The Disjunct Between Clerical Perception and Lay Experience in the United Church of God

Earlier this evening, I was sent a short (roughly 6 minute) video from the Chairman of the Council of Elders for the church I attend in which this minister expressed his thinking that the United Church of God had learned … Continue reading

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WHITE PAPER: From Costly Consequences to Cheap Grace: David, Bathsheba, and the Real Path to Restoration

I was listening to the recent sermon by Mr. John Elliott citing David’s behavior and how the Bible views him as an invitation to move people out of boxes. Here is my reply to that specific citation and a discussion … Continue reading

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Finding Comfort In Romans 8:28

[These are the prepared notes for a split sermon given to the United Church of God congregation in Portland, Oregon on Sabbath, March 22, 2025.] Good afternoon to you all, and I hope you are finding good comfort here on … Continue reading

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On Poor Integration Between Periphery and Core in Religious Institutions

Religious institutions, including churches, often face challenges in integrating their peripheral members, communities, and branches with the central leadership and core structures. This disconnect can result from various structural, cultural, and logistical factors, weakening the institution’s unity, effectiveness, and outreach. … Continue reading

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The Practice of Lent in the Roman Catholic Church: Origins, Significance, and Opposition

A Romantic Catholic person on X asked why it is that people are opposed to the idea of Lent. My short answer is that it is a heathen unbiblical tradition. Getting good and firm information about it online, though, is … Continue reading

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The Noahide Laws As The Moral Foundation Of The International Order

While I have always tended to think of myself as a realist when it comes to International Relations theory, my recent studies into the context of Noah and the Noahide Laws/Covenant of the post-flood world had led me to ponder … Continue reading

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What Would The Effect Of The Discovery Of Noah’s Ark Have On Academic Disciplines?

As a bit of research on a project I am working on, I asked three AIs the question as to what academic disciplines would be most affected by the (re)discovery of Noah’s Ark and how, and this is what they … Continue reading

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On The Difficulties Of Understanding Parables

Parables present unique challenges for understanding that extend far beyond simple problems of translation or historical distance. At their core, they operate through multiple simultaneous layers of meaning, requiring readers to grasp both literal narratives and deeper spiritual or moral … Continue reading

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On Developing A Framework To Deal With Pagan Elements In Chrisitan Worship: Part Two

Biblical Worship Practice Examination Guide Introduction This examination guide is designed to help believers thoughtfully evaluate worship practices through careful consideration of Scripture. The questions are structured to examine both potentially problematic elements that may have entered worship as well … Continue reading

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Movie Review: Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.

[Warning: There be spoilers below.] The film “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” takes its lead from the sprawling biography of the same name written by Eric Metaxas and it manages to present a compelling picture of a complicated man whose views … Continue reading

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