Both my mother and my father-in-law were diagnosed with dread illnesses just after Thanksgiving and one year apart. It's been debated whether there’s more sickness and death at the end-of-year holiday season than at other times.
You may have heard statements like these: “Religious people are. . .”, “Atheists are. . .”, “Christians always. . .”, or, “Secular people always. . .” These may be followed by generalizations presented as facts, such as: “Muslims oppress wome…
A recent trip to the Auburn University campus brought back memories of my residency there. I often remark to current students I meet that I spent 18 months in Haley Center. This brings an instant bond! I knew Haley well since all my classes w…
My long-time mentor and friend, Pastor Jim Auchmuty, died this summer. He had a unique ministry in his later years conducting countless memorial services for families without local pastors. I’d talked with Jim earlier in the summer about superintending my funeral, so this matter is yet out for bid.
It was some ten years ago that we upgraded our sanctuary lighting to an LED system. I was bold enough to suggest we add a screen and projection system at the same time. I didn’t have much experience with a system like this, but I thought it would be beneficial.
I’m not one to make fun of religious beliefs or sacred scriptures. I will call attention to strange, irrational or nonsensical aspects of religion, and I’m particularly irked by superstitious things. Since many colleagues, friends and family are people of faith, and because I lived and worke…
Several times recently I’ve heard people say “Christians do this” or “Christians believe that.” When I have the opportunity, I gently respond: “Not all Christians do that or believe that.” Over the many years I identified as a Christian I became well aware of the wide spectrum of beliefs and…
Professor Johnson had a long-lasting impact on me. In my conservative Christian college, he was my first Philosophy teacher, as well as an inspiring Religion teacher, with classes on the Gospel of John, Christian Mysticism and Ancient Philoso…
On winding mountain roads, I need to be the driver; I get too queasy as a passenger. I have memories of long car trips with my family when the windows had to be rolled down for lots of fresh air in my face. Frequent stops to stretch in the op…
As a young high school “Jesus freak,” I grew my hair long. Dad didn’t like that. One day when he was needling me about it, I pointed toward a picture on the wall of my room. “What about Him?” I argued. “Who?,” Dad asked with irritation. Still…
I attended a hobby club meeting in Georgia lately and enjoyed a beautiful weekend. We political items collectors/historians are a unique bunch, though I suppose this is true of every collector and every hobby since I’ve known some who collect…
We received one of those mailers. You know the kind. Selling a product with caps, exclamations and superlatives. Another “Buy This Now!” sort of advertisement. As frequently happens, this one was addressed to my deceased mother-in-law, so the…
I don’t often get to visit other churches on Sundays, but did so recently. I’d heard the pastor had two more weeks of service, but it turned out that particular Sunday was the final one. She (yes, unusual for a Baptist church) said it with a …
In a column published last year, David Brooks describes his movement over time from agnosticism to religious faith (“The Shock of Faith: It’s Nothing Like I Thought it would Be,” NYT, December 19, 2024).
Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) will host a free disaster training for clergy and lay leaders by Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support Training (MESS) on Oct. 7-9.
The late Clayton Sullivan wrote about Mrs. Howard, a widow, and her adult son, Johnny Fred. Johnny Fred’s body was twisted like a gnarled tree. He was cognitively challenged, slurred his speech and could only sell peanuts on the street corner…
Grab your broom, we have some things to clean up and clear up. Mostly the myths and magical thinking in our minds. Maybe a few “spiritual steps” to clear of debris. I once heard a church musician say now and then we all need a little “brainwa…
