Church can’t be a place for openness and healing when its basic premise is that people are awful sinners who caused the death of God’s child.
Author: David Mercer
After thirty-five years as I minister, I walked away from that life to begin again. As I continue my life journey, I help others find their way, too.
Want to walk together for a while?
An Awful Power
When I was a pastor I never practiced that “faith healing” crap. Yet even with my muted style, I could see people looking at me, waiting for a holy message to make them feel less desperate. It disturbed me to be given so much power.
Still Here and Still Me
I’m still here and I’m still me. I’m still humorous, musical, creative, passionate, loving, and enormously graceful on the dance floor....
Our True Religion: Football, Firearms, and the American Flag
If you follow Jesus you might want to remember that he wasn’t an American citizen, he didn't play football, and he damn sure didn’t own a gun.
Ash Wednesday, Mass Shooting, and Valentines
A few days ago, many Christians observed Ash Wednesday service. It’s a pivotal day between Christmas and Easter when Christians get serious with their self examination. The clergyperson uses ashes mixed with oil and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the participant, accompanied by the words, “From dust you came. To … Continue reading Ash Wednesday, Mass Shooting, and Valentines
Christmas: A Story that Cannot be Ignored
The image of God as a baby makes more sense to me than any other form.
Helping: It’s a Reflex
It’s a reflex and I’m not the only one that has it. I was sitting in the crowded waiting room at the doctor’s office. I may have been ill but I don’t really remember why I was there. Whether or not I was sick, I was definitely tired. When I heard the thud of someone … Continue reading Helping: It’s a Reflex
Happy Thanksgiving!
What Is God’s Plan For Me?
Has anyone ever gotten a direct answer from God?
You Don’t Have to Forgive
In my last years of ministry, I quit preaching about forgiveness because it did more harm than good. When I did speak on the subject, I was aiming at the grudge-holding, petty sniping that went on where people used their resentment to keep others trapped in shame. However those people never heard me except to … Continue reading You Don’t Have to Forgive
