It has taken me a long time to see that our religion could be a tool to prey on the vulnerable. The baptismal waters come closer to drowning them rather than cleansing them.
Category: abuse
Atheism Versus the Easter Bunny
Many Christians accuse atheists of having a hidden agenda, which I think takes a special blend of nerve and insanity, considering that their highest priority is to convert the entire world.
Standing Apart from the Crowd
I’ve been observing crowds all my life. I’ve seen them get sad, anxious, giddy, angry, reactive, and just plain stupid. People who were generally thoughtful as individuals could lose their ability to think for themselves when influenced by a crowd.
People Are Being Beaten
I’ve only just now realized that no one in the UMC is going to change their minds. The only thing I see happening is that the LGBT will be more resented afterwards.
Chicken in Church (and It’s Not Potluck)
I asked for conversation and they attacked. I say they're chicken... If I were still a minister, I'd be embarrassed at their answers.
Church Camp
I say that even with the best intentions, there’s a great deal of manipulation happening in church camps. Tell me I'm wrong... that these elements are not in church camps....
One of My Biggest Regrets
I later apologized for my anger but every week when I had to see that guy in church, I had to resist the urge to grab him by the lapels, pin him to the wall, and express my feelings.
The Weakness of the Cross
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.
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.
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
