The core teaching of Jesus was about the Kingdom of God; however, orthodox religion has made both Jesus and his teaching into a doctrinal belief system mostly devoid of any “Kngdom experiences”. A key problem is because of the view of Jesus that mainline religion has taken.
Author Archive for Ernie
So, what is a miracle anyway? The “word” miracle is used so flippantly that almost anything could be described as a miracle and on the other hand there are no miracles. So, who is it that is using the word and what’s their definition. Let us begin with this in mind. Continue reading ‘Believing In Miracles’
There are so many things in the Bible, in most religions, that are highly practical and the core of living life large. There are also mysteries which will probably always remain so. Then there are those doctrines that many churches deem a LITMUS TEST for membership or even salvation: embracing the trinity is one of those. Continue reading ‘Trinity Trumping Theology’
Does it seem strange to you that those things that concerned Jesus don’t seem to catch the attention of the church, and those things that are primary with the church weren’t a big deal to Jesus? So, how is it that Christians can say they are following Jesus when they’re not? Continue reading ‘Be Of Good Courage!’
Let me begin with a quote by Tom Harpour, “Who can sit by the bedside of a loved one ravaged by some cruel, killing disease and not know doubt?” As a once upon a time pastor and now just plain ole spiritual guide who is making his way through life as we all must, I’ve been there and maybe a visit to even more crushingly doubtful places. Continue reading ‘Acknowledging Agnosticism’
There are times when I pray and address God as FATHER. There are times when I pray and address God as Consciousness, Being, Eternal Field, Energy, Creator, etc. I use the former approach when I am desperate or simply feeling warm and fuzzy. I use any of the latter when I’m usually more in a contemplative mood, pondering the universe, etc. How about you? Continue reading ‘Pronoun Paranoia’
Deuteronomy 9:10 says that two tablets of stone were handed to Moses written by the finger of God. Okay, so God can do anything He-She wants, but is this metaphor or literal and historical accounting? In Luke (11:20), we have Jesus saying that he casts out demons with the finger of God? Is this more literal narrative? Continue reading ‘The Finger Of God’
What I call my spiritual filter, seemed to have been inoperable early in my life, but that’s to be expected. When one is young and impressionable any knowledgeable appearing person can impact your life: especially if they have the proper credentials and social standing to back up their pronouncements. Continue reading ‘Conformity Or Spirituality?’
Early in my life, I think I was a Christian before I became a Republican, but that was so long ago I am not sure. Maybe they both happened simultaneously. You know, the glove in hand, chicken and egg thing. While I am not sure, there are some things I am certain about as far as events in my life. Continue reading ‘Shadow Religions & Republican God’
A House Of Prayer?
Matthew 21:13 (NLT) reads, He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Hmmm. And so Jesus did what? The loving, forgiving, and merciful Christos did what? Mark 11:17 and Luke 19:46 echo the same story. But, it’s the Gospel of John that makes this even more improbable for me. Continue reading ‘A House Of Prayer?’