Zombie mythology reflects a profound contemporary crisis regarding the way we are connected to ourselves, each other, the universe as a home we can belong to, a sense of the sacred, and an experience of transcendence. Continue reading
(24 minutes) What Jesus meant by “the Kingdom of God” is often misunderstood by those in and outside the church. By “entering the Kingdom of God,” he did not mean going to heaven when we die. Part of that misunderstanding is based on Matthew’s preference for the phrase “Kingdom of… Continue reading
(13 minutes) In part one of “The Eye of a Needle,” we acknowledged the addictive danger of wealth in Jesus’ teachings. We also recognized that his warning about the love and pursuit of money can be found in several parables and various teachings. He even saw wealth as the chief… Continue reading
(11 minutes) Jesus said, “How hard for those possessing wealth to enter the Kingdom of God, for it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” And those hearing this said, “Can any… Continue reading
We experience time in a linear fashion—a line which moves from past to present and toward an unknown future. The past is gone and can never be visited. The future does not yet exist and therefore cannot be experienced. However, the transcendent God “experiences” all of time simultaneously. Continue reading
In the end of all things is their beginning, and only from the perspective of the end can one know what they are, why they have been made, and who the God is who has called them from nothingness. From the perspective of eternity, the end comes first and the… Continue reading
(17 minutes) If we are enslaved by sin, how can we become free? How does God “save” us through the Christ Event (Jesus’ incarnation, life, teachings, deeds, death, resurrection, and ascension). In the previous article, I rejected the dominant theory of atonement in Western Christianity known as Penal Substitutionary Atonement… Continue reading
The article series examines the nature of demonic forces according to Brad Jersak and Brian Zandh, Rene Girard’s mimetic theory, and biblical interpretations of sin. While demonic forces are seen as metaphorical, their destructive impact is real, fostering competition and scapegoating in societies. This entry delves into sin as a form of demonic enslavement, critiqueing the Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory prevalent in Western Christianity. It suggests aligning with Eastern Christianity’s approach of viewing sin as a disease needing healing, rather than a crime for punishment. Continue reading
(10 minutes) Part two of this series looks at the demonic nature of scapegoating in the philosophy of the late Rene Girard. The demonic, understood as a “psycho-spiritual” phenomenon originating within individuals and metastasizing throughout society, is partially explained by Girard’s mimetic theory. Child psychologist Jean Piaget taught that children… Continue reading
(8 minutes) Not long ago, my ten-year-old grandson asked me, “Granddad, do you believe in the Devil and demons?” Apparently, he had heard some talk from his friends about the presence and danger of the satanic in this world. His question reminded me of a comment by the nine-year-old son… Continue reading
