The Dog Days of Blogging

Ah, summer...

Being extremely lazy about everything, including blogging.

Loads of ideas for posts but too little ambition - I just don't feel like sitting in front of the computer.

Maybe next week...or whenever we get a rainy day.

Procrastination. It should be a 4-letter word.

Our Trespasses

Did you hear about the gay man (Bradley Fowler) who is suing two Bible publishing houses because the use of the word "homosexual" has caused him emotional harm? Here's a link: Man sues Zondervan to change anti-gay reference in Bible.

I don't think his lawsuit will amount to anything, partly because many older versions of the Bible have used the word "homosexual", including my 1952 NRSV. Using the word was not unique to these publishers. Also, the author is out of town. :-)

The passage that has caused Mr. Fowler's pain is 1 Corinthians 6:9, which reads (I'm including verse 10 as well - from the ESV):

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

But wait, there's more. And I really really really wish someone would have read this part to Mr. Fowler too (verse 11):

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

First there is the law (verses 9 & 10), and then there is the gospel (verse 11). Let's not have one without the other. In Christ Jesus we are washed, sanctified & justified by the Holy Spirit. You, me, and Mr. Fowler.

I came across a great definition of forgiveness I'd like to share with you, and all the hurting Mr. Fowler's of the world. From Susan's Pendulum:

Absolution
A grieved heart pours out her struggle with sin and pain.

The typical Christian response: Try harder to be good. God will help you.

A better response, more typical among Lutherans than the previous line: Jesus forgives you your sin. Go and sin no more.

A very good response: I forgive you all your sin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The sweetest response: Jesus says, "I know your sin and your rebellion. That's why I spread out my arms on the cross for you. Your sin is why I came and suffered to save you, because I wanted to make you my own. I chose you. I baptized you. I joined you to Myself. I will hang onto you until I bring you to My heaven."

Snakes Alive!

When I heard churches called "snake handling" I thought they must be joking. I guess it is no joke:

Religious snake-handlers busted in Kentucky

I've got a new favorite quote (from the last paragraph of the article): "You can purchase anything off the Internet except common sense."

You can say THAT again!

Caution: Interesting Post Ahead!

A little dated, but at Adventures in Mercy there is a post from a woman who is coming out of Pentacostal and IFB churches, is currently attending a LCMS, and is contempating the RCC.



Here's the link: LINK



Her blog is Living in Canaan. Worth a look-see!

The Media's Favorite Cult

Excellent news, shoppers! The FLDS now has an online store:

http://fldsdress.com

It appears their vacation outside the compound taught them something about capitalism and marketing. Good for them! Enterprising Americans!

I admit, I am tempted to buy one of those little dresses for my 3-year old. Or one of the nightgowns! So cute!! Kinda pricey.... I could make them for less.... if I could sew properly.

Moral dilemma - is it right to support (via a business transaction) a polygamist cult?

(Yeah, that's coming from someone who just vacationed in Vegas. Ha ha ha.)

But wait! Before you answer, did you know the Walton family that founded (and still owns a large percentage of) the Wal-Mart chain is Mormon?

Caught between a rock and a hard place...