Snapshots and Synapses

I read an interesting statistic: 60% of professing born-again Christians believe that Buddism, Islam or Hinduism are equally valid paths to heaven, no belief in Jesus required. This is in stark contrast to historical Christian doctrine. Is it a heresy or an evolution of thought?  Now I don't doubt the sincerity of people on either side of this topic, those who believe Jesus is the only way to heaven and those who believe in multiple paths. I have friends who I know desire spiritual growth who are not Christian and would not profess to be Christian. I don't doubt their sincerity. The truth is by it's very nature exclusive, so anything that is not true is false. So sincerity only goes so far, and if not aligned with the truth, some people are sincerely wrong. This is written with no disrespect for others, but it is meant to challenge thoughts that maybe people have accepted without thinking. There are many other religious belief systems, and I don't plan to focus on any o...

Christian Unity is a beautiful thing, but should it be the goal of Christian Communities? A couple years ago I wrote about Christian Unity , and having just re-read that blog post, I believe it still relevant. So I’m going to ask a question and request that you take a few moments to ponder an answer before reading further: Will a Christian community be more likely to find Unity if the people love one another, or would people be more likely to love one another if seeking Unity? Take a few moments to consider before reading further.  I believe that Unity for the sake of Unity is a symptom of a religious spirit , something that can draw us away from who we are called to be. Focusing on Unity as a goal will instead destroy the love that should characterize an healthy community of believers. The call for unity could easily silence individuals who may feel like they are unable to express a different viewpoint from others or ask a difficult question. Remaining quiet is to remain unknown, ...

This isn’t one of my more typical posts. I’ve decided to share personal observations after more than half a century on this earth. I was visiting a friend in the hospital, and as I was signing out with the receptionist, a woman with a young teenage daughter asked my opinion: do guys like false eyelashes? She was trying to make a point with her daughter about being genuine. I gave her my opinion, talked a little bit, and walked to my car reflecting on how hard it is to be a teenager, especially with all the many voices that often offer contradictory advice.  It caused me to wonder, so I did an internet search on what guys find attractive. Finding more opinions than scientific conclusion, I decided that my thoughts were just as valid as any one else. So I’ll give you the bottom line up front: guys are attracted to what they perceive as healthy.  Physical Attraction I realized at a relatively young age that what I found attractive, another guy might not and vice versa. There is a...