Ordinary Wisdom

There truly are no new sins. It's just the old ones with a bit of paint and better publicity.

Still Believin'

 I still believe in the power of love.

Yeah, I know. I'm a bit backward and loopy, but I still do.

Many people think a relationship with God is basically punishment, guilt, shame, and not getting to have any fun. They're wrong, but it might not be their fault. Plenty of churches have taught the doctrine of crushing, blind obedience, and that you can only get into Heaven by the tips of your desperate fingernails--if that.

I don't know how God has become so mean in our modern times. I read the four Gospels, and all I can see is love, forgiveness, and mercy, but instead of the Bible being a comfort, it has become a club. Stop using it that way! That's not what Jesus wanted. It's not what He commanded. He wanted us to love each other, to feed the poor, to care for the sick, and to comfort other people when they sorrow. He wanted us to be better. To do better.

So let's do that. What do you say?

Ordinary Wisdom #7

Ordinary Wisdom:

It may be impossible for us to love everyone--we're not God--and it may be impossible to like everyone--we're not Oprah--but surely we can at least be kind to each other. Kindness to everyone would go a long way to making this world a decent place to live in. Except for that black truck that ran the stoplight and nearly hit me; it would be hard to be kind to the driver who was probably drinking as he sent naughty messages on his cellphone and ate a double cheeseburger with fries, but I would try.

I would.

Maybe.