Senseless Sayings
To me, there are some commonly used sayings that sound good at first but make no sense once you think deeply about them. For example, I recently heard someone (a fundamentalist) speak about the gay community. I always cringe and bristle when somebody says, “I love the sinner but hate the sin.” That’s terribly judgmental. … Read more
Don’t Impeach—Be Creative
At this stage of Trump’s presidency, no one knows if he is truly impeachable. We do know that he has told countless lies since he became president. We know that he is highly disorganized mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and that he has a huge credibility problem with the rest of the world. We also know … Read more
The Notre Dame Museum
I didn’t call it the Notre Dame cathedral for a reason. I’m with the yellow vests in France who are protesting the outrageous amount of money dedicated to rebuilding the fire-damaged Notre Dame rather than to helping people. I think France should clean up the cathedral but not rebuild it and then turn it into … Read more
Don’t Split—Educate
When I grew up during the 1930s and 1940s, I had no understanding of the terms lesbian, nonbinary, transgender, gay (back then, it meant “happy”), bisexual, or undecided (pertaining to sexuality). I did know the words homo, fag, and queer. I don’t think I knew anyone who was any of the above, and I only … Read more
Come See John’s Heart
I was reading the Los Angeles Times on Sunday, April 7, 2019, and this article caught my eye: “150-Year-Old Priestly Heart Tours the U.S.” I had to read the title again. Yes, that’s what it said. Unbelievable! It seems the real heart of a Roman Catholic priest, John Vianney, has been set in a little … Read more
Spoiled Brats
Usually when we refer to spoiled brats, we’re talking about children. Not in this blog post—I’m referring to the now-infamous parents who decided to “help” their children attend the college of the parents’ choice. The journalistic name given to this travesty is the college admissions scandal, which currently involves thirty-three parents who allegedly bribed a … Read more
Jesus Loved Picnics
Jesus must have loved picnics. The Gospels recount two humongous picnics hosted by Rabbi Jesus. The Gospels call them feedings instead of picnics, but that’s just semantics. Both picnics and feedings happen outside on the ground despite challenging weather and insects. Mark’s descriptions of the two picnics are long winded (6:30–44 and 8:1–10). The accounts … Read more
Can I Save Myself?
I recently read Damascus Gate, a novel by Robert Stone that talks about Israel’s four-thousand-years-long quest for a Messiah. At one point, a character says, “I am my own Messiah.” Interesting! For as long as I can remember, the church has told me that I can’t save myself. Is that because I’m not smart enough … Read more