(This is the fifth in my series of Bil’s ideas about ten misconceptions in Christianity today. This post suggests that the institutional church thinks prayer in a traditional sense works. It doesn’t!) The institutional church spends a great deal of time discussing prayer and praying. Here’s my take: Most prayer doesn’t make any sense to … Read more
I believe one of the greatest attributes of our democracy has been our ability to allow people facing all kinds of problems in their home country to pack their bags and come to the United States of America seeking amnesty. It’s terribly disappointing to see that aspect of our previous democracy disappear, but I’m optimistic … Read more
They always travel in groups, men only. One hardly ever sees their faces, only their eyes, unless they’re wearing sunglasses. Their heads are covered with skullcaps or baseball caps, and they wear casual clothing. They are heavily armed with guns and other weapons. They move quickly in gangs, pushing people to the ground, manhandling children, … Read more
(I refuse to capitalize or use bold print when referring to these impostors.) The phrase christian nationalism (cn) is not a new phenomenon that began with DT. He simply endorsed it, and it endorsed him. Unfortunately, cn is not just an American concept. It has an international history. An astute historian could probably trace it … Read more
The Christians is a play by Lucas Hnath, presented by The Wayward Artist and first performed in 2015. It ran at Irvine United Congregational Church November 14–23, 2025. The production starred five actors who played the parts of Pastor Paul (who oversees a megachurch), his wife, his associate pastor, a church elder, and a young … Read more
Is there a God? A quick facetious answer: yes, there are millions of them, all inside people’s minds. The most popular one resembles Santa Claus. If you’re good (do what the church tells you to do), you’ll receive presents and go to heaven. If you are bad, you’ll find coal in your stocking and go … Read more
I was a White boy raised in a predominantly Black neighborhood. It was segregated, but no one ever used that word. Black people attended their Black church, school, etc. I went to my White church, school, etc. To avoid confronting racial issues, my parents sent me to a boys’ prep school that was all White … Read more
A few weeks ago, I posted about someone’s ten misconceptions regarding the church today. I felt the author lived in a dark closet and was out of touch with the real world, so I responded with my own blog post about them. I then decided to create my own list of ten misconceptions, which will … Read more
I have a confession to make: as far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a mean streak. Deep down, I want vengeance and payback. I don’t know where this desire originates, and I don’t like it, but it keeps showing up. I had a childhood friend named Alvin, who had a vivid imagination … Read more
Joshua Mhlakela is forty-three years old, lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, and claims to be a pastor, but he does not have a church. He’s a good-looking young man, but I am unsure about his mental health. He says he had a visit from Jesus, who told him, “I’m coming soon.” From that dream, he … Read more