I came across (j-walk blog) a list this morning that provides for us (20) excellent reasons to leave Christianity. Unfortunately, I know nothing of the author except from what I pulled up via Wikipedia. Some of the reasons I have considered before--dare I say believed. While some frown at things like this I don't have a problem with looking at someone's criticisms and honestly evaluating where our faith has been. In fact, I think that is a constructive thing to do. In another fact, it's a part of the reason I have come to be where I am in my faith.

No, I don't consider any of them adequate in striking the core of the CHRISTian belief. So, no worries; I'm not going anywhere....or sorry; I'm not going anywhere--which ever it is for you.

Here's the link that provides the author's explanation for each reason.

1. Christianity is based on fear
2. Christianity preys on the innocent
3. Christianity is based on dishonesty
4. Christianity is extremely egocentric
5. Christianity breeds arrogance, a chosen-people mentality
6. Christianity breeds authoritarianism
7. Christianity is cruel
8. Christianity is anti-intellectual, anti-scientific
9. Christianity has a morbid, unhealthy preoccupation with sex
10. Christianity produces sexual misery
11. Christianity has an exceedingly narrow, legalistic view of morality
12. Christianity encourages acceptance of real evils while focusing on imaginary evils
13. Christianity depreciates the natural world
14. Christianity models hierarchical, authoritarian organization
15. Christianity sanctions slavery
16. Christianity is misogynistic
17. Christianity is homophobic
18. The Bible is not a reliable guide to Christ's teachings
19. The Bible is riddled with contradictions
20. Christianity borrowed its central myths and ceremonies from other ancient religions

'Stay' blessed...john

Well, since you already have your microscope out, go ahead a read it. And speaking of the Bible, the Brick Testament is a repost for us, but it seems to be making it's way around again; I would not classify some of the images as totally appropriate, but overall a neat idea.

This is only if you're still looking for that perfect gift. Get our of your cave and get shopping.

It seems like everyone is moving to Texas, but read this just in case you haven't made up your mind yet.

Baby when I see you smile at me...I remember your face.

Oh, and here's the rat everyone has been talking about.

Watch it till the end; even if you don't think so it's worth the wait to get to the end.
+ThinkChristian

I couldn't resist this one. Someone sent it to me this afternoon.

The other day I was talking to one of my younger buddies about methods used to discipline children.

We talked about 'time outs', grounding, holding back 'rewards' until the child displayed desired behavior etc. One of the things we discussed was the act of spanking and my friend explained that no, he does not spank any of his children.

He explained that what he does is to take the misbehaving child out for a ride in the car and talk. He said that usually this works and that the child calms down fairly quickly.

By removing the child, in this case his son, from the immediate situation and providing a change of scenery, the child is allowed to focus on something different. Once the child has the opportunity to change perspective, things get better quickly and the child has better understanding of his place within the family and begins to understand the families concept of acceptable behavior.

He kindly shared a picture of the process which I share with you now.




















Stay blessed...john

Today I've been cleaning house (office, that is). While going through stacks of magazines (and wondering how long is too long to keep old editions), paperwork (wondering why I hadn't turned that in yet) and CDs (wondering how did I use to carry all those in my car) I came across a publication full of sermons, illustrations and quotes. This particular one was called The Tool Chest, edited by someone named James Crawford.

Here are some thoughts I kept from these:

A home without family worship is like a house without a roof-exposed to every storm that rages.

A pessimist is a person who feels bad when he feels good for fear he'll feel worse when he feels better.

The real test of will-power is to have the same ailment someone else is describing and not mention it.
"Where," said the woman orator," would man be without woman? Where? Where?" Here she paused for effect. "Where, I ask, WHERE would man be without woman?" From the top gallery came a voice, "In the Garden of Eden, eating luscious strawberries."

If it goes in one ear and out the other, it's probably wisdom. If it goes in one ear and out the mouth, it's gossip!

To do God's work we must have God's power. To have His power, we must know His will. To know God's will, we must study God's word.

Stay blessed...john

Tuesday I completed my last final exam of the semester. So, with school over, yesterday I took my first complete day off in a while. It was nice. A member of the church had invited me to the gun range, and we convinced Gloria to go with us. That was a time I wished I had a camera.

To finish the day, we (Gloria, Brittani & Ashlei) attended a concert. The girls (all of 'em) love Third Day. They played last night with Jars of Clay opening. This was part of a Christmas tour; it was nice.

Anyways, that was yesterday. Now, it's back to work.

Here's a small video clip of God of Wonders:


And here are Brittani and Ashlei; mind you Ash had just woken up.

Holiday Survival Kit


That's Life


Good-O-Meter


These (2) videos are from a Ball High School Band Reunion (I wasn't there); these are two cadences we used to play.
Instant Funk

Dawg

Ouch! Tell me you didn't identify somewhere. Just in time for Christmas.

God Pie
+locustsandhoney

You've gotta tell people to check this one out. Stay blessed...john