Most people know the story of Cain and Abel — the world’s first murder. But the deeper lesson buried in Genesis 4 isn’t about jealousy or violence; it is about the danger of religion. Cain was no atheist. He was a conscientious, religious man — arguably more eager…

A delightful children’s story warns not to give a mouse a cookie because the little critter will then want a glass of milk to go with it, then a straw, then a napkin, then a mirror to check for a milk moustache, and so on. The…

Followers of the Christian religion have a few designated days to be in a place of worship—Christenings, weddings, Christmas, and of course Easter. Catholics throw in Lent for good measure.  For Jews, it’s Passover and Pentecost and the Day of Atonement and maybe…

I recently picked up a small, thin Bible that my brother, Sam, gave me when I was a senior in college. The last time I had picked up this Bible was right before I went to the hospital for surgery at the end of July last year. I chose to pack it that day for its…

It is not unusual to hear that another “Christian” rock band leader has rejected Christ.   Falling away from faith in Jesus Christ is a tragedy that must be lamented whenever it occurs, but in an era of mega churches and fluffy sermonettes and frothy “music”…

We still live in the shadow of 911. That shocking day in September 2001 confronted America with a challenge to examine who we are and what we believe in the face of a powerful ideological force that seeks to destroy us. 25 years later our response to the challenge…

Much of the earthly ministry of Jesus was centered around the Sea of Galilee. At least two incidents record Jesus and his disciples caught in great storms while sailing across it. The most famous of the two stories is told in Matthew 14 where Peter walks on water…

The end of the Christmas season and a looming new year is traditionally a time for assessment and contemplation—How did we do? How can we shape what lies ahead?   As 2025 closes let’s pause to consider an event a long time ago that made possible the hope of…

The word merry as in “Merry Christmas” means pleasing or agreeable. It conveys notions of joy and delight. “Happy holidays” just doesn’t do it.   I thought about that when I recently added a smile to a cheerful “Merry Christmas” greeting as I made a…

No, this article is not about baptism—but the reference does provide a useful illustration for the difference between a lukewarm commitment that produces nothing of lasting value, and the achievements possible in a wholehearted commitment to any purpose. This is…