Category: church

Maybe Less Can Be More

~ David Mercer ~ 3 Comments

Am I the guy who was once the starting quarterback but is now diminished to where I only play occasionally off the bench? I can’t look at it like that. I have a whole life to live and it does not include becoming less as I get older.

A Conspiracy of Silence

~ David Mercer ~ 3 Comments

I’m horrified that we locked my sweet, loveable, funny aunt into a prison of silence, where she dreaded the day she would die and go to the hell we had created.

Will God Answer for His Actions?

~ David Mercer ~ 8 Comments

Over my time as a minister, people whispered these questions to me, often ashamed to put them into words. I’m articulating them in hopes of engaging their thinking.

Drowning in the Baptismal Waters

~ David Mercer ~ 8 Comments

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.     

What I Said Then; What I Say Now

~ David Mercer ~ 2 Comments

I told the young teens, “Your parents baptized you when you were little and raised you to hear the teachings of the church. But confirmation is your chance to take ownership of your thoughts and beliefs.  Nobody can make you. Not your parents. Not me. Even God won’t. "

Atheism Versus the Easter Bunny

~ David Mercer ~ 2 Comments

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

~ David Mercer ~ 9 Comments

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.