Energion.com - Religion, Philosophy, and Politics

Religion, Philosophy, and Politics Editorial

OVERFLOWN AGAIN

So, the man who would be Kennedy is meeting with the capo di tutti capi of the Russian Mob, and passed by Europe on the way. Arms reduction is on the menu, which is a good thing; trade is very much on the menu, which is not so good, and Iran may be on the menu, which is not of much concern but maybe should be.

President Obama arrived on the scene with amazing expectations. He looked and sounded like a return to the heady days when we had US presidents who we looked up to, and an America which we were happy to think of as leading the Western World, especially Western Europe. All the resonances were with John F. Kennedy, days when the States were our friend and protector against the Soviet Union and a shining light of social-democratic leaning responsible government.

Of course, the expectations were far too high; he had an economic situation not seen since the 30s to deal with at home, and the geopolitical problems had changed dramatically. Any hopes we had that he'd wave a magic wand and fix the world economy were fantasy to start with, but some of the gloss has gone with the realisation that that's the case. We hoped he'd move rapidly to end involvement in Iraq, and that seems to be happening; we hoped he'd have solutions to involvement in Afghanistan, and that doesn't. We hoped he'd stop the sabre rattling about Iran, threatening to precipitate yet another Middle-Eastern war, and there's too much doubt still about where his intentions are in that respect. He's still fairly glossy.

Energion.com Highlights

Gay Marriage -- The Time for Change Is Here

It's been about fifteen years ago now that I learned that my brother is gay. At the time, I still had fairly conservative views about homosexuality. Although I opposed discrimination against gays and lesbians in the public sphere, I believed that as far as the church went -- while we should welcome them into the church, they shouldn't be ordained, hold leadership positions, or be married. When my brother came out, I had to wrestle with my own views on this subject. As I've said [Read more at Bob Cornwall]

Just Sending A Voicemail?

Why we pray, probably shows our level of commitment to and our desire for a relationship to God. If the only time we pray with seriousness and urgency is when our spouse, child or grandchild hits the emergency room with serious injury or an unknown ailment; what does that say?
Read more » [Read more at Greg's Watering Hole]

Kindness: All the Way to the End

[reprinted from February 1, 2010]

- Henry Neufeld

6As for me, I am already being poured out on the altar, and the time of my death has come upon me. 7I have completed the great race. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. 8The crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day, and not to me only, but to all who love (and value) his appearing. — 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (HN)

It’s easy to read this passage with [Read more at Jody's Devotionals]

Thoughts on the new Pope

Right after Pope Benedict XVI resigned/retired/quit/abdicated his position, someone associated with our local church but not a member asked me about the church’s (meaning the local church) reaction to his actions.

I pointed out that we, as a church and as a denomination, had no concern in the matter.

And I think I was right in saying that. Nothing a Pope says or does really directly concerns the actions and operations of any United Methodist Church.

But, and this was especially [Read more at Thoughts from the Heart on the Left]

Why All Christians Should Care about the New Pope

REFLECTIONS ON THE ELECTION OF A NEW POPE

Rev. Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle

Bob LaRochelle is the pastor of 2nd Congregational Church (UCC) in Manchester, CT and is author of Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church (Pilgrim Press, 2010), Crossing the Street (Energion Publications, 2012) and So Much Older Then … (Energion Publications, 2013). He was an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church before becoming a United Church of Christ pastor. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue.

The recent [Read more at Energion.net]

Proper Confidence -- Lectionary Reflection for Lent 5c

Isaiah 43:16-21
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Proper Confidence
In what do you place your confidence? What qualities do you possess that you can rely upon? Are you able to put your full confidence in the God? Or are you determined to rely upon yourself? Is your righteousness a matter of your own doing, or must you rely upon God’s Spirit to prepare the way? Where then, do you put your confidence? In yourself or in [Read more at Bob Cornwall]

Just Hanging Out

For the past week or ten days around here there has been a lot of visiting and just hanging out together. I think I like these times the best of all. Just being together is more joyful to me than what we might be doing.
Read more » [Read more at Greg's Watering Hole]

The Truth, The Whole Truth, & Nothing But The Truth

One day as He was teaching the people in the temple complex and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the scribes, with the elders, came up and said to Him: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is it who gave You this authority?”

He answered them, “I will also ask you a question. Tell Me,4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”

They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe [Read more at Jody's Devotionals]

Francis I -- Further Thoughts on a Name Choice

When I first heard that the new Pope had taken the name Francis, like many I thought of Francis of Assisi St. Francis long has had an appeal beyond Roman Catholicism. His gentle spirit has proven attractive to many. It was seen as a profound choice for a Jesuit to make as well. But, perhaps the new Pope had more than one Francis in mind.
As I read reports this evening I was reminded that as a Jesuit, perhaps he had St. Francis Xavier in mind. My failure to remember Francis [Read more at Bob Cornwall]

Doggone

Some days out on my route seem pretty routine, but most days something unique happens, and then sometimes there are days like last Friday, that are priceless!
Read more » [Read more at Greg's Watering Hole]

Graphics for this website designed by PhotoMD.net Internet Services. Visit us today!

Plaid Power

I support
Unity in Diversity

I Want to Pray!
Need to start praying?
Read this book!

Directed Paths
Prayer stories to strengthen your faith.

	Product category:
	Keywords: