Category: Life Lessons
-
Empathy Is Not a Sin: A Biblical Response
In recent years, a curious argument has emerged in certain Christian circles: that empathy itself may be a kind of sin. Voices like Allie Beth Stuckey, Joe Rigney, Pete Hegseth, and J. D. Vance warn that empathy can cloud our judgment, compromise our convictions, and even lead us into affirming sin. They argue that empathy…
-
Truth and Brightness: Telling the Whole Story of America
Recently, President Trump criticized the Smithsonian museums for putting “too much emphasis” on slavery and not enough on the brightness of America. His words made me pause, because they touch on something I’ve wrestled with for a long time. When I was in school, we were never really taught the full ugliness of slavery or…
-
Becoming a Bridge Builder in Springfield, Missouri
In a time when America feels increasingly divided, it’s tempting to think that the only choices are to take sides or to withdraw altogether. But I believe there is another path—one that we can walk right here in Springfield, Missouri. It’s the path of being a bridge builder. At its heart, bridge building means working…
-
A Scholarly Reflection on My Theological Progression
Introduction Religious identity is never static; it evolves in conversation with scripture, tradition, personal experience, and the cultural context of one’s life. My own pilgrimage has carried me through three distinct traditions—Free Will Baptist, United Methodist, and Episcopal—each contributing to the shaping of my theological outlook. This progression illustrates a movement from a biblicist foundation,…
-
Living the Kingdom of God Today: A Bridge Between Jesus and Progressive Christianity
When Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God, he painted a picture that was both spiritual and transformative. He described it as a realm of justice, mercy, and love—a place where the last would be first, the meek would inherit the earth, and the hungry would be fed. Yet, he also reminded his followers that…
-
Selfless Love
Selfless love is at the heart of discipleship and spiritual growth. Here’s how it is often understood: 1. Rooted in Christ’s Example Jesus embodied agapē love — the Greek word for unconditional, sacrificial love. He reached out to the marginalized, forgave enemies, healed the sick, and gave himself fully for others without asking what he…
-
Silence and Solitude
The Christian disciplines of silence and solitude are ancient spiritual practices that have been central to Christian spiritual formation since the early Church. They are not merely about being alone or quiet but are deeply intentional disciplines that foster intimacy with God, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate spiritual maturity. 1. What Is Silence in the Christian…
-
No Weekend War
The News reports are depressing. The pictures of children starving in Gaza are inhumane. The destruction of property and the killing of innocent people in Ukraine and Gaza due to war are inexcusable. The establishment of a whites-only community in Missouri is disgusting. The flood deaths in Texas are beyond belief. The number of senior…
-
Religious Lace and Pious Talk
How should I respond to the words and actions of our current resident in the White House, Donald Trump? How should i react to those who support him and do not see the damage that is being done? This raises other issues, such as how to react when someone disagrees with what I say or…
The Curious Pilgrim 