How I Found Jesus by Losing Him, part 3
So I grew up in multiple religions, all Christian. I went to Catholic school. I became a nurse.
When my patient breathed her last, and became a body, I realized that’s all we are. I lost my faith.
But did I?
I no longer believe in a higher deity, controlling every result and every movement, but does that mean I don’t believe?
There is strong historical evidence to show that Jesus Christ existed, and he set a very good example of how to live a life. The saints, real or not, provide amazing examples of humanity.
I have a strong ethical and moral backbone. I believe in being a good person because it’s the right thing to do, not because I hope to get into heaven or avoid hell. I still enjoy the occasional mass in honor of my grandmother.
I believe that religion exists as a method to control the poor and uneducated. It is a system that has worked to control the masses for centuries. Religion tells you that if you work hard, you’ll get a reward in the afterlife. It’s the base for every trickle down scheme the world has seen. Just do this and you’ll get this. The belief in a deity that will step in and save you was created to control you, not to help you.
You know who can save people? People. Be a decent person. If you see racism happening, speak up. If you see sexism happening, speak up. If you see someone being bullied, say something. Volunteer. If you see a parent about to lose it on their child, lend them a hand. People can do so much for each other if we start believing in each other and stop believing someone’s going to come along and magically make it all better if we follow a set of rules.
Live each day. Make friends. Do what makes you happiest. If your religion makes you happy, be religious, but don’t ram it down someone else’s throat. Don’t assume atheists have no moral code. Doing good for the simple purpose of doing good is…. fucking awesome. So give your atheist some respect. We have the right to be here, too.
Edited to add: I still pray with my patients. If a person asks to pray with you, they are in their time of need, and it doesn’t take any effort to hold their hand and share your spirit with them. Their prayers are not about your choice or lack of religion, their prayers are because they are ill, and they need support. It’s not the time for religious debate.
Posted on August 1, 2013, in Religion and tagged atheism, Athiesm, I can't fucking spell, religion. Bookmark the permalink. 6 Comments.
I love the bluntness and honesty of your posts, and I hope that you accept the same in your comments.
The first two- no, check that, the first post just made me feel sad for the childhood you had. The end of the second post made me uncomfortable and sad to read. I’m going through my own spiritual dilemma at the moment, but mine involves trading one set of beliefs for another, not the loss of one without a replacement. (I posted about only a fraction of it in my post entitled Fear and Faith)
But this one… I liked it a lot. I especially like the fact that you don’t belittle or reject someone else’s personal beliefs just because it isn’t in line with any you may or may not have. I’ve seen that a lot with people of all religions and Atheists alike.
While I do believe in ‘God’, I’m not sure how much I believe that he is of the form of ‘God’ I was raised to believe. I’m beginning to believe that It/He is much more vast than I was ever taught to believe, and more complicated, and more… I don’t know.
But I thank you for writing this, because it has helped me a little bit, to put one or two pieces together in my heart about my beliefs that I hadn’t been able to beforehand.
It’s also really similar to my ‘Perfect World’ post I wrote yesterday 🙂
Thanks again for sharing! Have a great day!
I will always accept comments that are polite and well written.
My childhood.. I’ve had a lot of therapy for my childhood. While there were a lot of wrong things, there were a lot of good things, and they all work together to make me who I am now.
I did not intend for my post to make you sad or uncomfortable, but I do hope it made you think.
No one should ever be belittled for a belief system. It’s part of what makes a person who they are, and that should be respected.
Thank you for your comment!
I ran across your blog from a nurse who posted your ‘Effects’ post on her FB wall and kept reading more of them (I like your writing style and insight). This one resonated with me. Your words helped me see what you see and feel what you feel.
I’m surprised that more people haven’t commented on these posts. I know so many people who would want to ask you more questions and explain something extremely vital that is missing from what you were taught with words and in actions (or, at least, what you remember and has stuck with you). I’m almost ‘looking around’ wondering, “What am I missing? Why hasn’t anyone mentioned this in a comment?”
What if God isn’t unforgiving, vengeful or someone who grants (or doesn’t grant) wishes? What if you’ve met religion but not Jesus? Is it possible that you’ve heard of Jesus so much but have not actually been introduced to the real man? That may be confusing.
Do you remember who Jesus was talking to in Matthew 23? It was to the Scribes and Pharisees. These were the strong religious of the day. Jesus had some very strong words for them. He was very upset with them for putting restrictions on people that were keeping them from having a true relationship with Him. This has helped me to see that there is a difference between religion and having a true relationship with Jesus. I can also see why Jesus got so mad at them. He wants to have a relationship with us and by following a list of rules, we aren’t really doing that (can you imagine having a relationship with anyone that way?!).
As I have read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, I see Jesus getting angry at the religious leaders but giving grace, compassion and healing to sinners. And, really, everyone in these situations are sinners (we all are) but the religious couldn’t or wouldn’t see their sin. By the way, BibleGateway dot com is a quick way to verify what I’m saying.
You said something I found interesting:
“When my patient breathed her last, and became a body, I realized that’s all we are. I lost my faith.
But did I?
I no longer believe in a higher deity, controlling every result and every movement, but does that mean I don’t believe?
There is strong historical evidence to show that Jesus Christ existed, and he set a very good example of how to live a life.”
You said, “breathed her last, and became a body,” and it makes me question… If she became just a body after her death, what was she before her death when you first met her and she was full of life? I think we are more than just a body and I see this as an example for that, not a reason for being just a body. There was a change that you saw.
Then, what if God doesn’t control every result and movement? I grappled a lot with the idea of freewill but some things I’ve realized is that if we and others didn’t have freewill, how would we know what we chose to do was our choice? What if we were all like robots that had to love God? Would we really be loving Him and each other?
We live in a fallen world where unfair things happen. Bad things happen to good people. There is injustice and pain. But, God loves us and He is good. He is stronger than evil and even when we don’t see it now, He will win the war on evil (read Revelation)! Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
After all that, here it is in a nutshell. God love us. He loves relationship. He created a world and filled it with good things including man. He gave man (and woman) the opportunity to trust Him or not and we fell into sin and from then on out, we each were born as sinners. We can’t not sin. But, there is good news! See, our God knew ahead of time that this would happen and so He provided a solution because He loves us SO stinkin’ much! And, wants to enjoy a relationship with us!
So, He gave us a choice (freewill), knew we’d screw up and provided a solution.
Did you know that Jesus was there at the Creation of the world? I just learned this several years back and was absolutely floored! (All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3) Since then I have seen more Scripture references to this. It’s pretty amazing.
Jesus is that solution. See, the Old Testament shows us our need for a Savior and gives us pictures of what that would look like (sacrifice of a lamb to pay for the sins of the people but it had to be done regularly and was preformed by sinful people).
God sent His perfect, sinless Lamb to pay the price for sin once and for all. Because He is fully man, He can understand us in our weaknesses. Because He is fully God, He is completely sinless, even though tempted, and was able to pay for our sins and not His own. His death paid the price. Now there is nothing left to do but believe in Him (Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Acts 16:30-32).
Phewww, that was long! The short comment would just be, you’re right. Religion doesn’t save us. I think you’re on the right path even as you look at science and study the world around you. The solution is Jesus’ death and resurrection as payment for sins so that we can have a relationship with Him. A loving relationship that includes our Heavenly Father as a loving, protective, caring dad who watches over His children and wants the best for them. 🙂
God really is good and He loves you very much!
Thank you for your complement on my writing style I really appreciate it. Since embracing my athiesm, I have actually found a spiritual freedom that I did not have before, and I do not believe I will be returning to any religion, although I plan to continue practicing Christian ethics in my day to day life.
It was wonderful to read of your evolution to athiesm. I too was raised a Christian, and over the last 6 years have become agnostic. I have not “come out” to most of my family, or former church friends who live in another state.
It was also refreshing to hear that you will continue practicing Christian ethics in your everyday life. I have struggled with that since my decision to quit beliving in God. I still hold onto my Christian ethics because they are part of who I am.
I also came to my decision because of death. Two of my dear Aunts died within a week of each other. I was continually told by my Pastor’s wife at the time, that if I had enough faith that they would be healed. I suppose I did not have enough, because they died. It was then that I started down the path of disbelief.
I’d like to throw in a few of my own thoughts here. I hope no one will regard it as preaching, since I realize that what works for me might not work for someone else.
First, I don’t think that getting into Heaven is the primary idea of Christianity, at least not the way I’ve experienced it in my life. I think people become Christians because they want to try to be like Jesus. After all, if that isn’t what they want, why would they want to spend eternity WITH Jesus?
Second, the whole idea of a Supreme Being requires one to accept the concept of infinity, and our small, limited human minds aren’t capable of grasping anything that broad. As a result, we don’t (and can’t) understand why things happen the way they do. My cat sees me sitting here typing away on this laptop keyboard, but she’s not capable of understanding why I’m doing it, and certainly couldn’t possible conceive that, because I’m doing it, someone across the country is getting some information about me. Or why I’d want that to happen. She really can’t grasp much of anything about it, except that the laptop is comfortably warm, and that my fingers are moving in such a way that it invites her to reach out and bat at them.
Third, if one accepts the idea of a Supreme Being as a father (or mother!), it makes sense that that father (or mother) isn’t always going to give us what we ask for, even if we want it really, really badly. I believe that telling someone “if you don’t get it, it’s because you didn’t have enough faith” is a terrible distortion of what Christianity is about. Nowhere in the Bible (much less the four Gospels) does it say that we’ll get anything we want if we just pray hard enough. In fact, early Christians gave up a lot, including (in many cases) a long life and an easy death; yet I don’t think we can accuse them of not praying hard enough.
And, finally, I often compare religion to fire (an analogy that’s all too appropriate here, with Grimalkin’s account of being badly burned as a child). Properly used, fire can be one of man’s greatest comforts; when misused, it can be enormously destructive. Unfortunately, religion has been used to control; to coerce; to manipulate; to shame; to beat down, and often does so with complete impunity. And that itself is a terrible shame.


When Holy Spirit will come into your life, He will make your life blessed and flourishing.
You never define what is meant by being blessed, Is is freedom from fear, hunger, disease, Pain, Loss (if so why is there a heaven) Flourish means to have alot of money, I know rich people who are so sad, I also know very poor who sing for joy in the Lord, Please define your ideas of flourishing and Blessing,
Should We Worship Mary?
In her conversation with the angel we can clearly understand that she knew nothing about Jesus' birth until the angel told her.
For your kind information, every jewish virgin in the time of Jesus birth knew that the mesiah would be born to a virgin, and for this reason some girls refused to marry, to say that Mary didnt know anything about the Mesiahs birth is plain wrong.
by the way why have you left the great verse " All generations shall call me blessed, " I know because it has come true, go to the wretched shanties in India there also you will see a statute of Mary and atleast one old women will come and say Ave Maria
When we look at the life of Mary, we do not see as if she was having all-power. She was just a regular woman. After Jesus' ascension to heaven, the disciples and others were praying with one accord. She was also one of them who were praying to receive the Holy Spirit as we read in Acts 1:12-14, "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."
Mary had a quiet and a godly spirit which is so valuable in the sight of the Lord she didnt push forward to claim she didnt curse Peter or question Thomas, by the way she was the brave mother who stood with her son all through the Terrible Thursday Night and Friday crucifixtion and the Sunday resurection, while all the men disciples fled (one of them naked) these brave women stood at the feet of the cross (You know this but wont write)
Idolatry is wrong, but I have seen beautiful scenes where a family of 4 (ordinary people, poor, the young father may have been a Mechanic, very young mother, Little boy of 3 years, and a baby of 2 months age in the mothers hand, all kneeling at the statute of Mother Mary, The Little boy looked with wonderment at the statue, The baby opened its eyes and smiled and a tear of thankfulness dropped from the mothers eyes,Even the Father prayed, I wanted to take a photo but didnt want to intrude, Theologically I know it is wrong, but really to the motherless wife, and the small family Mary is the mother, All 4 knelt and lit a candle prayed a silent prayer of thanks for keeping the family safe, Call it idolatory, Mariolatory or anything I say Jesus will understand


By Thomas F. Tumblin
Shepherding the church calls for up to date wisdom of budgets, coverage, monetary administration, group of workers association, audits, and felony legal responsibility. those tasks are complicated and ever-changing. whereas as pastor, you're referred to as to be a loyal steward of the church’s assets and a good planner of its ministries, you would like evidence and abilities to get your task performed. This publication can assist you set up and weave your approach in the course of the usually advanced company of the church.
Definition of Ad-Ministry and What It capability to be an Ad-Minister
A Theological version for Ad-Ministry
The Church as an Organization
Stewarding People—Paid and Unpaid Staff
Staffing the Volunteer Organization
Stewarding Resources—Finances and Budgeting
Stewarding locations and Spaces
Stewarding Fiduciary Responsibility—Legal and legal responsibility Issues
Stewarding the venture of God
Strategic making plans to satisfy God’s name in your Congregation
templates, and samples, together with Church employees evaluate varieties, Staff
Growth Plans, delivering monitoring Logs, monetary Statements, Property
Inventory Worksheets, and Emergency strategies Worksheets.
Read Online or Download AdMinistry: The Nuts and Bolts of Church Administration PDF
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Shepherding the church calls for updated wisdom of budgets, coverage, monetary administration, group of workers association, audits, and felony legal responsibility. those obligations are complicated and ever-changing. whereas as pastor, you're referred to as to be a devoted steward of the church’s assets and an efficient planner of its ministries, you would like evidence and talents to get your activity performed.
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Each Sunday humans stroll onto your church campus and choose in the event that they will go back the next week earlier than the preacher even opens his mouth. lots of these humans do not know what to make of Jesus. they are hesitant to be in a church. they are not definite they belong. yet many times within the pages of the gospels, we see whatever amazing.
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Additional info for AdMinistry: The Nuts and Bolts of Church Administration
AdMinistry: The Nuts and Bolts of Church Administration by Thomas F. Tumblin


Despite not being located in Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, the Santa María del Mar Church is a symbol of pure Gothic Catalan style and is situated in the Born/La Ribera area of Barcelona, which was actually the heart of the mediaeval city when it was located along the Mediterranean shores.
It was built in the 14th century by Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig, over the remains of a small chapel dedicated to Santa María de la Arenas (Saint Mary of the Sands).
The building started in 1329 and finished in 1383, an achievement (only 54 years) for this type of construction and with the resources they had. On the doors you can see pictures of the city’s stone porters (“basaixos”), who carried all the stones for the building on their backs from Montjuic’s quarry outside the city and from the port.
Santa Maria del Mar isn’t actually a cathedral but people started calling it the “catedral del mar” (cathedral of the sea) as this Catholic church was for the people and financed by the port workers living in the neighbourhood, rivalling with the main Gothic cathedral (Santa Eulalia in the Gothic quarter) being built around the same time but financed by the bourgeois class.
This less pretentious building is actually a great example of harmony between austerity, purity and simplicity from the Gothic style. The long and thin octagonal pillars and unadorned walls contrast with the colour and light coming from the stained-glass windows. Note the beautiful stained-glass rose window above the Eastern entrance. Unfortunately, whatever little decoration the church originally had was destroyed after the 1936 riots, leaving for only adornment a wooden ship as a symbol for Saint Mary of the Sea, patron saint of sailors.
There are 3 façades, East, West and South. On the Southern side, a smaller entrance is set in front of what appears to be a small square. This is “El Fossar de les Moreres” and used to be a Roman cemetery, later also used as a burial ground for the Catalan resistance fighters who died during the 1714 siege of Barcelona (see the commemorative flame monument).
Many people look for the church tours based on the bestselling novel “La catedral del mar” by Ildefonso Falcones, which tells a story of feudal conflicts set upon the building of this beautiful church. Santa Maria del Mar is also mentioned in Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “Angel’s Game”.
After admiring this jewel of Catalan Gothic architecture, there are many terraces in the Born area to just sit and relax, have a coffee and watch the world go by. You can also walk to the end of the Passeig del Born and have a look at the Mercat del Born.
Metro , Jaume I.


Mormons Would Leave the Church if They Honestly Considered the Evidences Against it.
This assumption made by many critics and Exmormons ignores two important realities.
1) Thousands of adults, who are habitually inclined to search for reviews online about any major or even minor purchasing decision, are still joining the church after very careful consideration of such evidences.
2) Thousands of existing members have done and still do research on and consider these evidences, but still remain unshaken.
I have often asked myself why exposure to these “evidences” in Church history has not shaken my faith. I have not avoided investigating critics’ claims. In fact, I have gone against caution from leaders and family at times to dive in headfirst, researching issues, discussing with members and those of other faiths, and generally learning all I could. Yet I still remain confident in my testimony. It’s not that I never doubt my beliefs; I have doubted a lot of things I have learned in the Church. It is not because I have always been pure and righteous. I have been exposed to new, scandalous historical evidence at times when I have drifted far from the spirit. I have always taken very seriously the Church’s claims, yet I have never been seriously shaken by the things that are challenging so many others today.
This isn’t because I somehow never grew up with or made false assumptions, because I have. It certainly is not because I have a superior intellect or, for that matter, not (I hope) because I might have an inferior one. I have found investigating these realities, made to seem scandalous by critics, not only enjoyable and mentally stimulating but also quite faith promoting at times. So why haven’t I and many others like me been shaken by new information or new claims?
Four Reasons for Doubt or Not
• Logical fallacies: Red herrings and Straw Men
• Why wasn’t I taught about this?
• Can true prophets change their minds or make mistakes?
• The false dichotomy between faith and reason
Red Herrings and Straw Menhttp://literarydevices.net/red-herring/,https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/strawman
What makes virtually all of the critic’s challenges red herrings is that they focus on issues that are nonessential to the gospel plan, diverting us from the relevant issues. They are, however, presented in a way that makes them appear to be relevant and can be very persuasive. Years before the Internet, I had a very intelligent friend on the “fringe” ask me what I thought of the Adam-God Doctrine. I told him that for me it was an interesting mental and intellectual exercise to figure out. He looked at me incredulously and asked how I could consider so lightly a topic that the scriptures took so seriously. “Didn’t Jesus say it is Eternal Life to Know God?” he asked. I said, “Knowing God is not about knowing which name he may be called or how he came to be God. It is only about knowing and acquiring his attributes to become like him.” So it really didn’t matter whether Brigham Young was right or wrong on this issue or what we conclude about it.
When the critics attack the Book of Abraham, they usually criticize how the book came to be, challenging things that neither side can prove. In the process, they assume that what Egyptologists knew ten years ago is all we know today or will ever be known. Their concerns are not about the book’s contents and real message. They avoid the spiritual realities and the evidences supporting it from comparisons of the new doctrines and information revealed in the text to ancient extra-biblical accounts not known by Joseph Smith.
It is the same with the Book of Mormon. The proof test of this Book is to read it sincerely with pure intent and see how it affects your life spiritually. After careful study and pondering its spiritual message, pray to know if it is of God. That is the real truth claim of all books of scripture. The critics make it about the archaeology, geography, artifacts and how Joseph translated it. They present arguments as though the claim of the Book of Mormon is something different than it really is, which makes them straw man arguments more easily torn down because they are arguing against a false premise. They avoid the reality that it would be simple and easy to discover any fraud in the Book, if it were there, by showing that it influences believers away from Christ and to be more wicked and evil. The Book of Mormon does not claim to be a geography book, an anthropological study of the early inhabitants in the Americas, or a dissertation on their implements of war. It only claims to be a book that includes teachings of ancient prophets who lived somewhere in the Americas anciently and promises to bring us closer to Christ.
Many claims of critics are based on the fallacy that absence of evidence is evidence of absence. When we consider all of the items critics have claimed that the absence of shows the Book of Mormon a fraud since its publication, we see that literally dozens of such items have since been discovered and only add evidence in favor of the Book of Mormon. But only on spiritual terms can we prove or disprove its authenticity, thus making any such claims irrelevant to the veracity of latter day scripture. This is the kind of thing Jesus was referring to when he warned against straining at gnats while swallowing camels, because many of the questions are unanswerable at a given time and irrelevant to the subject matter of what is being criticized.
Why Wasn’t I Taught This?
The false paradigm involved in all of the challenges is the idea that the church has hidden this stuff from us and the Internet is exposing the cover up. The chief cause of this misunderstanding is the fact that our history is just so rich and relatively recent. Imagine the dirt that critics could dig up on the original apostles or even Jesus if we had as much of their history available as we do on Christ’s latter-day church. The fact is, we simply have way too much information to learn in order to know everything necessary to counter what a critic could dig up from our numerous records to challenge us on.
Even if members of the church could memorize half of the Journal of Discourses and half of the Joseph Smith Papers, critics could still have a hayday picking unknown facts from what we still don’t know, present them in a scandalous way and then claim the Church is hiding it from us. Moreover, the critics almost always present these arguments out of context with the text, culture, and history. They often present these things in an anachronistic way. Many of the historical challenges are well known by scholars and educators, but because they know the context, they see it as a non issue or just not as important as other things that would be more effective in producing the desired results in students.
Can Prophets Change Their Minds or Make Mistakes?
This issue is probably the most difficult to understand. It is the question that causes concern when Church leadership issues policy changes or speculate with their strong opinions about unrevealed reasons for things. The “Mormon Challenges” involved here, for instance, are the changes in policy on plural marriage, on blacks holding the priesthood, or even the positions people expect the Church to change like gay marriage and women holding the priesthood.
People who struggle here assume that since the first two policies were changed, then the second two will be as well. They think that either the brethren were right in saying the prophet will never lead us astray and therefore such policies should never change, or if they change one such policy, then nothing they say can be trusted. If God commands us to follow the prophet, they expect the prophet will never make mistakes in anything. The reality we must understand is that God allows his prophets to be as human–to mess up–as possible, as long as it doesn’t truly disrupt His plan and lead the Church down the wrong path. Their leading the church is just as much for their benefit as those whom they have stewardship over. The Lord wants them to benefit from learning from their mistakes the same as anyone else. This can still be the church run by Jesus with fallible men as prophets, seers and revelators. Actually, this is exactly how the church has been run since 1830, so look at its fruits to see if it has worked.
Also, what needs to be understood to avoid these difficult ordeals with cognitive dissonance is that none of these issues of changing policy has anything to do with what we need to know to come unto Christ or become more like God. And isn’t that the mission of the church? No official doctrines have changed. It has only been policy or implementation of doctrine based on circumstances at the time that have changed. Even the policy on withholding the priesthood from blacks has never been admitted to be wrong. Only the assumptions of why and when. It is the very reason for and advantage of ongoing revelation that causes people to doubt. A big cause of this problem is pride. We get so invested in our theory or assumption that if the brethren act in a way that challenges it, they must be wrong.
Faith vs. Reason — A False Dichotomy
Many critics believe that when the brethren encourage us to choose faith over doubt, they are using a straw man argument. They believe the real question is faith vs. reason, not doubt. They teach that reasoning from empirical evidence experienced through the five senses is the only way of discerning truth. They reject the spiritual realities, which believers see as just as relevant to discerning truth. It is true that some believers find it comforting that since they have faith, they don’t have to bother with all the mental labor involved in logic and reason. Those people truly are relying on “blind faith”. That is not the kind of faith encouraged or even commanded by Joseph Smith, his successors, or scripture.
It is interesting that church critics seek to discredit the value of feelings and emotions in seeking truth, while at the same time attempting to attack the church using arguments which rely on feelings and emotions. The accusations of Joseph Smith lying or womanizing, or modern leaders hiding information and deceiving people, are only legitimate concerns because they strike a deep seeded moral chord which would be irrelevant if personal feelings and an internal sense of right and wrong were discarded. If those who follow the path offered by the critics are true to the claims of critics, that feelings, emotion and conscience should be abandoned in this pursuit, they would never come to a certain conclusion which side was right or wrong until all of the evidence has been examined. They would realize that condition will never exist for a truly scientifically minded person. They would, therefore, resist any decision or claim of certainty. Yet the the critics and those who believe them testify boldly of the unchallengeable certainty of the church’s fraud.
This is what commonly happens. A person gains a testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon through study and prayer. They become aware of spiritual stirrings and feelings they believe can’t be denied. They discover that as they obey those promptings and feelings of conscience that their lives are enriched. They nourish the seed and it grows.Then, at some point, they are confronted with what appears to be empirical evidence that on the surface shows Joseph Smith or something that came from him to be a fraud. Since it takes far more research and effort to defend such claims than to assert them and since this person is not well versed in history and is not a scholar, he is at a disadvantage on the rational empirical side of the issue. The presenters of these new facts emphasize that you can only be sure of what you can physically discern and previous spiritual witnesses must have just been imagined. But then these champions of doubt remind the person of the same source of right and wrong that helped this person recognize the truths of the gospel as reasons to condemn those who revealed it. Without realizing it, the new doubter angrily rejects the sources of his earlier spiritual enlightenment based on morals he learned from that same source of enlightenment.
What we learn from this is that those on both sides of the argument value the spirit as a source of discerning truth. Those who criticise Joseph Smith and the Church, however, deny its relevance and are often unaware of their inconsistent position. So, which method is more honest or reasonable? Is it more reasonable to reject some evidence and only accept evidence from the medium that appears on the surface to support our position? Is that not exactly what the critics are doing?
We all need to remember that the path of faith is a rational one. In fact it is the most rational one. To ignore the role of the spirit in teaching us truth is unreasonable and unnecessary. The critic also presents their conclusion as fact and perfectly objective, while discouraging consideration of the “purely subjective” evidence presented by the other side. They bear testimony that their perspective is complete enough for one to come to a final conclusion, which is completely inconsistent with their foundational premise. So in answer to the original challenge statement, which side is really avoiding honesty here?
We need to remember that in addition to laboring in our ability to reason with our minds we need to nurture our spiritual nature. The most effective way to do that is to become aware of ways we can do better at obeying our conscience. We need to ask ourselves, how can I behave differently to be a better person. If we ask this kind of question while in prayer or at the temple or during scripture study it is very effective. The answer to such a question is always right in front of us. It is so obvious we sometimes miss it. We know very well things we can change to be better. That awareness is revelation directly to us from our maker.
Whenever we stretch out of our comfort zone to better obey our conscience, that light of Christ becomes brighter in all areas of our life and we are better able to discern and know how to act when confronted with facts that seem to contradict teachings of the church. If we follow this pattern with patience and humility, the answers will come, often a lot sooner and clearer than we might expect.


Last week I drove to southwest Oklahoma to do an interview about a rodeo Bible camp. I love to get to go to Oklahoma, and I love rodeo, so it was a win-win situation. Driving home from the meeting I had plenty of time to think. One thing the guy I interviewed said really stuck with me. “We try not to scare them with Hell.” I couldn’t agree more. I’d probably be more into organized religion hadn’t it been for someone like Mr. Taylor.
Growing up I attended a Lutheran church with my family. For as long as I can remember, I didn’t like going to church. It wasn’t what they were teaching, but how they were teaching it. As a kid we were taught right from wrong by our parents, but also had to obey the religion we were being taught. I really didn’t like that. By the time I was in high school and later college, church became very unappealing. Our pastor was black and white. there was no middle ground with him. You were either good or bad an if you were the latter, you were going straight to hell. Don’t pass go, don’t collect $200. Once he said there were no animals in heaven. I had a tough time believing all of God’s creatures weren’t included in the ever after.
I’ve had the opportunity to attend other churches and find my self comparing those to my childhood church. One thing remains clear, you don’t have to go to church to believe in God. I believe in God, and often pray. I pray for my family, friends and guidance through difficult situations. And I believe God has helped me in those times of need.
I ran across this quote some time ago, “Cowboy Logic: “Going to church makes you a Christian about as much as watching a rodeo makes you a cowboy.” I believe it’s totally appropriate to my feelings about organized religion. I’ve heard religion and politics referred to as things you don’t talk about in polite company. I agree with that. No two people will agree on either subject and it will not be a pleasant experience if they do disagree. However people can agree to disagree.
My favorite little country church, Zion Lutheran near Offerle, Kansas.
I’m not much one for either religion or politics. Ask my husband or my coworkers and they know the glassy-eyed look I get when they start talking about politics. I can’t stand the rhetoric and the crap that goes along with elections, lawmaking and the like. Sure, I will go vote and do my part as far as that goes, but part of me always questions, “Why go vote? My one little vote will not change the world.” But I continue to do it anyway, hoping my vote would be the one that was needed.
Religion has always been an issue with me. Sure, I believe in God, and I believe I will go to heaven when it is my time, but why must I have someone tell me that their way is better than mine? Or if I repeat a certain prayer 82395984752 times, I will get into heaven that much faster. Or go to church every Sunday. Or confess my sins in front of someone. Or give money to the church. I don’t get some of the things people do in certain religions or why they think just because they practice a certain religion that they are a better human being than those of other religions. Because they are not. Heck, in my eyes some of the things they do to become a “better _______” make them a not-so-nice individual.
I was raised in the Lutheran church and confirmed in it, but I can count on one hand the number of times I have been in that church since I graduated from college. My mantra has always been, “You don’t have to go to church to believe in God.” And believe me, I do believe.
When it was time for me to get married, the one thing I was certain of during the wedding planning process was I didn’t want to get married in a church. Nothing against the church or the pastors, it just didn’t fit me or my beliefs. I was perfectly happy with the cowboy preacher that we chose. I truly believe Boyd had a special connection with the Lord and you could see it when he got to preaching.
I think of God when I see the works of Mother Nature. Someone had to create those things – the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the heat and the cold, even the annoying bugs. Riding through the pastures in the early morning make all of those creations evident to me. Even the dive bombing birds, rattle snakes and the badger hissing at me. I thank the Lord I am able to saddle my horse and enjoy a ride before my day really begins.


Tuesday, September 3, 2019
The Trial And Death of Joan of Arc :: St Joan of Arcs Heresy Trial and Death
On May 16, 1920, Pope Benedict XV conducted a ceremony at St. PeterÃ¢â¬â¢s Basilica in Rome to canonize Joan of Arc, often referred to as the Maid of Orleans. This ceremony was the final step in a process that was begun in 1849 by the Bishop of Orleans, Felix Dupanloup, over 400 years after St. JoanÃ¢â¬â¢s was tried, convicted and executed in the name of the Church. A study of her heroic deeds and an intensive review of her life, virtues and the trial transcripts that condemned her to be burned at the stake, resulted first in her beatification in 1909, and finally her canonization 11 years later in 1920 (Pernoud 245). Amazingly, two years after that, the woman who had been condemned, put to death, and then canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, was declared the patroness of France (McBride 82). Jeanne dÃ¢â¬â¢Arc was born around January 6, 1412, in the village of Domremy in France (Thurston). At the time of her birth, France and England had been engaged in the longest war in history, which has come to be known as the Hundred Years' War. These two countries were fighting over whose right it was to rule. The English had occupied much of northern France, and the primary issue became the survival of France as an independent state rather than as part of an Anglo-French empire ruled by the English monarchy. The French were determined to drive the English out and crown Charles VII as their king (Reither 227-229). Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Joan was a simple peasant girl who was raised in a Catholic home as the youngest of five children (Thurston). Her mother was very religious and had a big influence on Joan's life. Joan never learned to read or write, but was skilled in spinning and sewing. She was also always very strong and healthy (Michelet 8). At the age of thirteen, Joan began to have holy visions and hear the voices of saints she identified as St. Margaret, St. Catherine, and St. Michael (Thurston). Her voices convinced her to vow to remain a virgin (Lucie-Smith). When Joan was seventeen years old, the voices revealed her divine mission. Joan was told that she had been chosen to lead the French army into battle against the English, to drive them from French soil. The voices instructed her to go to see Robert Baudricourt, the Captain of Vaucouleurs, who would arrange for her to be taken to see the king (Michelet 12).
Posted by Clinton Wright at 4:10 AM


2 Corinthians 1:4
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
From one of her favorite songs: He Giveth More Grace
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
The whole song is beautiful and meaningful, but we talked a lot about that particular line.


Today is the first day after the "send off" that my husband and I were given from a church home that we have been a part of for the past twenty-six years. Gary and I had only been married four years when we started going to this place of worship in our late twenties. Now in our mid-fifties, we will be moving to another church home. I woke up with the weight of that decision and announcement on my mind. I sensed the scary freedom of standing outside one place and Not. Knowing.
Not knowing where my foot would step next. Not knowing where my soul would land.
The “send-off” from our previous church home was a kind and beautiful expression of love and gratitude. Hugs and heartfelt words were exchanged between us and the other golden oldies who had weathered the journey of the past two-and-a-half decades. Afterwards we shared lunch with the four now-adult children of the pastor whose vision we had chosen to support back in 1989. These four young adults—Ryan, Amber, Jordan, and Katie—sat at the table with us with their own children and spouses with them…
Ryan, the oldest sibling at our lunch table, was now the Pastor of the church who sent us off with love and best wishes. He and his wife Jessica were, literally, engaged in our very own backyard, while my husband and I, and his younger sister, Amber, peaked through a window, watching him propose to the woman who now sat beside him as the Pastor’s wife.
My husband and I have no birth children, but we have known and shared in the lives of this Pastor and his wife since they were nine and seven-years-old. Ryan and Jess were in the youth groups and Bible studies we led in our home and at church. They went with us to ski in Colorado, to explore on Cumberland Island, to worship in revival meetings from Niagara Falls to Florida. We were in their wedding party and have shared in the birth and upraising of their three children. Gary and I and these two church leaders have grown up together—just like parents and children do—and we are still watching each other grow.
It’s funny though… In our recent situation the “kids” didn’t leave “home” but the “parents” did. My husband and I left our “home” yesterday following the inner promptings of our souls, knowing it was time for us to move on…
Away from a life centered around these two precious “kids” and the home we have shared for so long. Away from these mature, significant, Spirit-filled people who are now, in fact, the leaders of the very home we are leaving.
Only the Lord can explain the pull these precious two have had on my own heart… I have reacted to the pull; I have responded to the pull; I have challenged the pull; I have debated and dissected the pull. I have surrendered to the pull… time and time again.
None of us are moving away. We will still get together for birthdays and bar-b-ques and anniversary celebrations, but my soul tells me that there can be no denying of the subtle landslide that has taken place. My husband believes it will enhance our friendship with these two. That it will in some way free all of us to be more ourselves at this stage in our lives. I agree.
But still, this morning, I sensed the scariness of it all. I believe it is the same beautiful scariness that thousands of generations of souls before me have sensed when a holy separation occurs.
So as I sat with this morning’s devotion from Jesus Calling, my Friend said to me from its words: “My nature is to bless. Your nature is to receive with thanksgiving. This is a true fit, designed before the foundation of the world. Glorify Me by receiving My blessings gratefully.”
I tremble at the thought of this new blessing. I quake at the significance of it as my husband and I move on to our next sacred home.
Who will we meet there? Who will become our “kids,” our “parents”? What pull will these souls have on us? I do not know.
But I do know the One who goes with us and the One who stays behind with Ryan and Jess.
He is loving, and He is kind, and His nature is to bless us. Therefore, I choose to receive these new blessings of a new home and new ever-expanding relationships with joy and a grateful heart, even as I let go of the former blessing with trembling hands.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)


Aren't you glad that
God takes care of us
"Day By Day"?
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in ev'ry tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, they days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the Promised Land.
2. When earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than eternal ones.
3. When we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible and pray.
4. When we have little or no desire for prayer.
5. When we would rather make money than give money.
6. When our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
7. When we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
8. When we make little effort to witness to the lost.
9. When we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study and prayer.
10. When we do not tremble at the Word of God.
11. When we seldom think thoughts of eternity.
12. When we are more concerned about our jobs and careers than about the Kingdom of Christ and the salvation of the lost.
13. When Christian husbands and wives are not praying together.
14. When our children are growing up to adopt worldly values, secular philosophies and ungodly lifestyles.
15. When we watch things on TV and movies that we would not show in church.
16. When our prayers lack fervency.
17. When our hearts are cold and our eyes are dry.
18. When our singing is half-hearted and our worship lifeless.
19. When we aren't seeing regular evidence of the supernatural power of God.
20. When we are bored with worship.
21. When we are more concerned about what others think about us than what God thinks about us.
22. When we are making little or no difference in the secular world around us.
23. When we are unmoved by the thought of our neighbors, business associates and acquaintances going to hell.
24. When we have ceased to weep and mourn and grieve over our sin.
25. When we aren't exercising faith and believing God for the impossible.
26. When the fire has gone out in our hearts, our marriages and our church.
27. When we are blind to the extent of our need and don't think we need revival.
This is very convicting to me. I would have to be honest and say that I have been guilty in some of these areas. I desire to see revival in my own heart, in my family, and in my country. I decided to put this list in a place where I will see it often. I hope it will be an encouragement for someone else also. Thank you to my Father in Law for posting this on FB. ~Tobitha
These pictures of my daddy was last April on his 80th birthday!
Hello from Rockport, IN :)
We have been very busy with school since our Christmas break. Vacations and breaks off are nice but they really do make it hard to get back to the grindstone. It really is good to be back on schedule though!
As some of you know, my daddy has cancer. He has been through about 8 months of chemo. He became very weak, his appetite suffered badly, he lost most of his fingernails and toenails. They finally took a break from the chemo long enouph to allow his nails to heal. He had decided to not take the chemo any longer but when he returned to the cancer center the doctor talked him into continuing. This last trip home to Alabama was hard because I've never seen him this feeble before. I'm so saddened to see my daddy like this but God has been so good through it all.
My daddy is not a complainer. He always has a kind word and he has complete faith in the Lord to either heal him or give him the strength to go through this trial. My daddy knows the Lord and he is ready to see Jesus. He loves his family though and is fighting this disease more for us than for himself. He is such a wonderful kind man. Anyone who knows my dad will tell you how wonderful he is!
I'm so thankful to be his daughter. I'm a daddy's girl! I feel very blessed to have him in my life!
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
I'm thankful for that stronghold! Sometimes, as I face daily testings and struggles I lose sight of my stonghold. God is faithful though. He is strong when I am weak. It is so wonderful to have His strength to carry me through life. As I grow in my relationship with my Saviour, God's Word has become more and more precious to me.
When I was a little girl I remember learning Bible verses at church to earn a prize. It was all about getting a prize. The real prize and joy is when those Words began to change my life. I began to long for His Word just a few years ago. Words of peace and joy when I faced heartache and trouble has proved to me that the Bible is alive. As the years have went by and I have watched God work in my life and the lives of those around me, I have seen his promises come true over and over.
It is this truth that makes me want to share this with others and especially my children. We have an obligation as Christian parents to make sure our children are fed spiritually. Our devotion time is a time to gather around God's Word and feast upon it. I'm trusting that if I continue to
share this precious gift with my boys they will also come to rely upon the Scripture to carry them through their life.
There are some great resources available online. I find these devotions very helpful but they shouldn't replace reading your Bible. Always read the Scriptures that go along with the devotion! If you would like to know some of the devotions that we use please let me know!
Job 23:12b ...I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Ps 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I'm sitting here in an extended stay hotel with two of our boys, Caleb & Jacob, in Newburgh, Indiana. Wow, if you would have asked me a month ago where I would be in one month I would have no doubt said, "Right here in Charleston, SC, where else?". I mean we just moved there less than a year ago and really had no plans of leaving. The last few weeks of our life has been a roller coaster. Don't misunderstand, I am happy and excited about all the things that are taking place in our life. Sometimes it moves faster than I'm expecting and I just have to sit back and say, "whoa"!
I am a bit overwhelmed and feel a little stretched thin at the moment but I know that things will settle down before too long. One reason I'm feeling this way is because our family hasn't been together through all this transition. This week two of our boys and myself came up to Indiana to help my husband look for an apartment. Jesse stayed with my parents and is watching over our little yorkie there while spending some time with his grandparents. I'm thankful that he had such a good attitude about all of this! I realize that change is hard for kids but he has really been a trooper. They are all good troopers. I'm so proud for my boys. God has blessed me with 3 amazing sons that are loving and very understanding. (Not perfect) but they are a blessing to me and their dad.
Anyway, my hubby recieved a job offer in scheduling for an AEP power plant and at the moment he is in Rockport, IN. We were in Ohio for one week and then my husband took us to Alabama to spend a week with my parents and it also gave me an opportunity to do some spring cleaning at our house in Alabama. We still haven't moved all our things from South Carolina and I know that contributes to my feeling so strown right now.... it will all come together though and I'll be glad when we are all in one spot with all of our things in their rightful place!
If you think of us over the next few weeks please just pray that God will continue to bless and help us along this journey and transition time in our lives. We are also praying that God will show us where he wants us to attent church here and in Alabama as we will be back and forth.
Thanks for reading and praying!
Surrounded by evil,
There is a place;
For which I long.
Time is but a vapor
To the One who's Truth.
A shelter amidst the storm
A shelter from one's fears;
The depths of one's heart;
Exposes a dirty house.
The soul longs for peace;
A place away from time;
A place of honour,
A place of truth,
A place of loyalty.
Darkness disguises peace.
Darkness distorts your fears.
Darkness replaces hope with despair.
Fiery darts pierce the soul;
The Spirit convicts.
The heart cries out
Accepting the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ.
Combine all ingredients except half & half in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours (high, 3-4 hours). Just before serving, add the half & half. Stir in cheese if you like. I usually serve with yeast rolls but cornbread is great with this also :)
Outside my window...It's a beautiful day! November is here!
I am thinking... that GOD IS GOOD! Even when I feel lost and confused I know that God is good and He will bring me thru :)
I am thankful for... bite size snickers candy bars :)
I am praying for... my dad (he's has stage 4 cancer); my relationship with God to be better.
From the kitchen... turkey sandwiches... leftover holiday candy :)
I am reading....Ezekiel & Titus in my Bible and I just finished reading a Christian fiction novel.
I am hoping... to bring my parents to visit SC sometime soon!
I am hearing... my puppy snoring :D
Around the house... I did some cleaning this morning but I have more to do.. we had a busy weekend and the dirty laundry has taken over the house :(
One of my favorite things... my early morning quiet time :)
A few plans for the rest of the week...My boys football season is OVER so no mo football practices!! We are going to the mall tonight! Not much planned this week which is just the way I want it right now.
Happy wife to my husband, Tony. We have been married for 17 years. Mom to Jesse, Caleb, & Jacob.
I have several favorite Bible verses but this is the one that I turn to the most. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3


Companion to I Believe, Now Tell Me Why: Student
Methodist confirmation materials.
You have made the decision to follow Christ, but your head is filled with unanswered questions: What is God like? Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do? How do I begin to live a holy life? What is sanctification? Why do I need to go to Church? In I Believe, Now Tell Me Why, theology professors and journalists present Christianity accurately and clearly, helping guide new believers through the foundational truths of their beliefs.
A theology book written in plain English. Sound doctrine is accessible to the layperson in this joint effort of leading theologians and journalists. Terrific for new Christians - and those who need a refresher.
This leader's guide preps a leader/facilitator in every chapter of the student book and also includes tips for leading the course.
Chapter 1: It's Human Nature
Chapter 2: Grace That Is Greater than All Our Sin
Chapter 3: How to Use, and Not Abuse, the Bible
Chapter 4: What God Is Like
Chapter 5: It's Jesus Who Makes Christianity Unique
Chapter 6: Who the Holy Spirit Is and What He Does
Chapter 7: What Happens When We Become a Christian
Chapter 8: How Entire Is Entire Sanctification?
Chapter 9: Life After Death
Chapter 10: Why People Need the Church
Chapter 11: How God Gives Grace
Chapter 12: How to Have Faith
Chapter 13: How to Live Holy Lives


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I am going to show my cards more than I usually do in a blog post (deep breath). I am passionate about helping individuals and communities live out healthy spirituality. One of my areas of focus as a therapist is working with victims of spiritual abuse. I believe that spiritual and sexual abuse (which are often co-occurring) are the two most heinous and damaging forms of abuse. They poison the most intimate parts of our humanness: our sexuality and our spirituality. Spiritual abuse angers me more than maybe anything because my faith is one of the most important parts of my life. It has made me who I am and changed me for the better. I believe faith can be a positive force in anyone’s life. But what if that faith has been tainted with selfish agendas set by unhealthy, egotistical leaders? What if because of distorted teachings, your faith produces shame, depression or anxiety within you instead of love and peace?
I am thankful to have had mostly healthy experiences with leaders and spiritual communities that encouraged me and helped me grow in positive ways. I know that this is not the case for everyone. I will be honest and say that my experiences and knowledge is mostly in Christianity but I also have the unique experience of being raised in a spiritually pluralistic home with a Father who practiced Buddhism and a Mother who explored New Age spirituality my whole life. That said, most of my examples will draw from the Christian traditions and scriptures but I believe that these principles can be applied to any spiritual belief system.
Just as in an abusive relationship, it can be difficult to see the signs of dysfunction and abuse when you are in it. So here are 5 signs that you may be in a toxic faith community. If you think any of these are present in your current community, seek help from a trusted person outside of your community or schedule an appointment with me to begin healing and return to the heart of your spiritual beliefs without the dysfunction.
1. Leaders are authoritarian and dictatorial
There is a big difference between having authority and being authoritarian. All leaders have been given authority in one way or another. The hope is that our leaders, spiritual or other, use their authority for the benefit of others and remain trustworthy enough to continue deserving that authority. Unhealthy, authoritarian spiritual leaders subtly or overtly give off a vibe of “my way or the highway”. Authoritarians answer the question why with: “because I said so.” These leaders are not open to feedback, criticisms, concerns, objections, disagreements or even questions. They do not earn your trust and allegiance, they demand it. Since they are not open to questions or anything resembling a challenge, there is little to no accountability for these leaders, which gives them more space to manipulate their followers and abuse their power.
Often followers can elevate their leaders to an unhealthy position without the leader doing anything to cause that. This is also dangerous and unhealthy. All spiritual leaders, no matter how wise, loving and good, are imperfect humans. If we elevate our human leaders to be untouchable, thinking they can do no wrong, we will be sorely disappointed. Both leaders and followers need to be aware of his or her humanness.
Good leaders listen to and value input from their followers. They may not agree with everything their followers say or make changes based on them, but they need to be receptive and teachable. Teachers and leaders are held to a higher standard and need to be open to self reflection and opportunities for growth since they are just as susceptible to corruption and selfish motives as any other person or leader. Simply assuming that someone has integrity and is trustworthy because they are a pastor, rabbi, teacher, etc. is unwise and unrealistic.
2. Us vs. Them mentality
Often in toxic faith communities, everyone outside of this group is seen as a threat to the mission and ministry of the group. Outside views are rejected without conversation or healthy debate. Leaders and members may use labeling to easily and quickly discount outsiders that threaten their beliefs or teaching. Arterburn and Felton describe labeling like this in their book Toxic Faith: “Labeling attempts to dehumanize critics so that dismissing them or their opinions becomes much easier. The religious addict chooses not to address a critic individually but places a negative label on all who would disagree with his or her personal habits. . . Once the label is in place, it becomes more difficult to see that person as a human with real needs and the potential for good judgement.”
If everyone outside of the toxic faith community is invalid with nothing of importance to say, it is much easier for any distorted spiritual beliefs or practices to continue because there is nothing or no one challenging them. In addition, the community may pressure anyone with close relationships outside of the community to sever those ties in the name of protecting themselves from being deceived and negatively influenced. In order to be accepted and to continue to be accepted by this group, you must fit into the narrow idea of what a “true follower” is.
At least in the Christian tradition, believers are called to be a part of the world around them, not isolated from or fearful of it. The ultimate leader and teacher in Christianity, Jesus, spent time with people from all walks of life; people who agreed and disagreed with him. This included religious zealots, Roman officials who were part of the oppression of his people group, prostitutes, social outcasts of all kinds, and many more. Jesus’ final command to his closest followers, the disciples, was what Christians often refer to as “The Great Commission” in which he tells his followers to go out into the world to share his message. Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
It is entirely possible to be in close relationship with people outside of your faith tradition without compromising your beliefs. Most faith traditions I am familiar with emphasize loving others. It is hard to love people whom you are afraid of, invalidate and see as less than.
3. Members are asked to give an overwhelming amount of time and service
Often when someone first enters an unhealthy spiritual community, they feel excited, accepted and purposeful. They volunteer their time out of a sense of gratitude for all the community has done for them and from a place of wanting to serve others and God. Over time, however, more and more is asked of this person until most if not all of their free time is filled with church/community activities. There may be subtle or overt judgment for not attending every midweek event, not serving at every opportunity or attending an event or activity outside of the community instead of one within the community. Not giving %150 to the community may be labeled as unfaithful or a lack of commitment to God.
I had a client whose youth Pastor criticized her for missing the midweek youth group during basketball season because she chose to play basketball for her school. It was for a limited amount of time and she still attended church every Sunday and spent time on her own reading, praying and growing in her faith, yet this unhealthy leader saw her interests outside of the church as a threat to her faith. Or so he said. More likely, he saw her outside interests as a threat to his ability to have control over her as the sole role model and voice of authority in her life.
I believe service is an important part of any faith. Giving to others is a common theme throughout many faith traditions. However, it is also okay to take care of yourself and not work yourself to death. In a toxic faith community, members are not allowed to have personal boundaries by saying no to a request for service. If they do they may be shamed or shunned in one form or another. While I believe service is important, I also believe based on my study of scripture, that God is infinitely more interested in who we are than what we do. If our service is not transforming us into better people on the inside while truly helping others who are in need, it really is not valuable.
4. Rules are emphasized over relationship
Most religions have a list of tenants, guidelines or commands for living. I sincerely believe that the “rules” set out in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible were given by God out of love for us. Like a loving parent sets boundaries and rules for their child to help them navigate the world and make good choices that will give them a good life, God gave his people commands to help them survive and thrive in the world. But while these laws have importance they are not the focal point of Christianity. Again, Arterburn and Felton state, “Faith has always been more than a list of dos and don’ts. Standards make up only one part of faith. When they become the main focus, faith grows rigid and legalistic.”
In toxic faith communities, the rules are often distortions of tenants from the religious text and teachings. They carry a hint of truth from the original teaching but are twisted to serve the agenda of the unhealthy leader or organization. For example, I have had friends who share that they have been in Christian circles that claimed if you could not speak in tongues (a spiritual gift outlined in the New Testament) you were not truly a Christian. While speaking in tongues is A spiritual gift, it is not THE ONLY gift. All passages about spiritual gifts in the New Testament emphasize the importance of variety and diversity in a group of believers’ giftings. Nowhere does it say that all believers will have this one gift in common. And more importantly, the Bible is very clear that what makes one a Christian is faith in Jesus and his sacrifice of dying on the cross so we could have right relationship with God. Any Christian community that says otherwise is ignoring the core doctrine and teachings of Christianity.
Healthy faith communities of course have hard conversations and people who are in the wrong are corrected. However, this is done in a way that leads to greater joy, peace and freedom in the end even if there is some appropriate guilt that leads to healthy change. Healthy spirituality builds up while unhealthy spirituality beats down, inflicting inappropriate shame and guilt.
5. Wrongs committed by leaders or key members of the community are not addressed and made right
One of the most painful and distressing ways I have seen this play out is when a member of a faith community shares about being abused by another member or a leader and is silenced instead of heard. Often the justification is that this news would negatively affect the ministry and hinder the good work it is accomplishing. From this perspective the ministry is serving a corrupted leader or system instead of the people it is meant to serve. When there is disease and dysfunction in a community, the truly loving thing to do is call it out, acknowledge it and figure out how to heal the perpetrator, victim and the community. In unhealthy communities, victims may be pushed into quick and half hearted forgiveness for the sake of maintaining the peace. But this is not true peace that God calls us to, it is false and contrived. The prophet Jeremiah addressed this issue in his day: “For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:13-14).
A telltale sign of a toxic faith community is when actions that are against what that faith teaches are not addressed for the sake of keeping face. A faith community cannot thrive if it is not in line with the values it claims to uphold. For example, if a church preaches sexual purity but then does not address sexual abuse perpetrated by their members or leaders, it is not in integrity. If a faith community is not in integrity it cannot reach its full potential as a force for change in their community. When leaders are protected from the natural consequences of their actions, the community is no longer about others, it is about that individual’s platform and ego. Good leaders are open to taking responsibility for their actions because they know that is how they can remain effective leaders and in right standing with God and their community. In the Christian faith, these leaders also know, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body (community), whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) While toxic faith leaders may sweep injustice under the rug, God does not. If that is the God a leader or community claims to believe in, they should follow suit.
Healthy spirituality involves authenticity and honesty. At the core of the Christian faith is God’s unconditional love. This means that once we accept God’s grace and acknowledge our need for His forgiveness, nothing can separate us from His love. At the same time, being under God’s grace does not make us immune to the consequences of our behaviors. God holds His people accountable but at the same time, no moral failing, however great, disqualifies us from being His children. This belief empowers us to be honest with God and others about our mistakes and failures. We confess our failings not to be shamed but to be restored and healed: “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed…” (James 5:16)
Spirituality is meant to be a positive part of our lives. It is not always easy or comfortable but it is good. If you have been feeling more guilt, shame, fear and anxiety about your faith or community than you have been feeling love, peace, belonging and joy, there may be some distortions either in your own beliefs or in what your community is teaching. If you have been hurt, abused or shamed by your community or a leader at some point, I hope and pray that you do not attribute that to God. I hope and pray you do not give up on your faith but that you find a healthier community and start the work of uncovering the lies you have come to believe about yourself, God and your faith.
It is not easy to untangle the web of deceptions and manipulations created by being in a toxic faith community. This is why it is so important to get support whether from a trusted spiritual leader or mentor, friend or therapist. Do not struggle alone! Call or fill out the form below to connect and begin your important, sacred work. I would be honored as your therapist to empower you to heal from the wounds of your toxic community so that you can live in freedom and truth as God intended.


What is the Torah?
The "Law" or "Teachings" is a biblical term for the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. They are also called the "Books of Moses" because Moses wrote them. In the Hebrew language (the language in which the Old Testament was written) the first five books are collectively called the Torah. Torah is a word that means "instruction." God's intention for giving the Torah is to instruct his people in holiness:
The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction." (Exodus 24:12, emphasis added)
The Torah contains the record of creation, the story of the fall of man, the plight of humanity, the call of Abraham, the exodus from Egypt, the stories of the wilderness wanderings, the covenants with Israel, and a lot of rules and instructions from God. These rules and instructions include well-known passages like the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). They also include ritual laws about sacrifices, holy days, dietary restrictions, and various ceremonies. For all of the 1,400 years from the days of Moses to the days of Jesus, the Torah was the rule of life and standard of godliness for God's chosen people Israel.
When we see reference to the "Scriptures" in the New Testament the author is referring to what we call today the Old Testament. They never understood or considered it the Old Testament; they referred to is as the Torah. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul's states that the Torah "trains in righteousness" and then summarizes it in the following manner.
- The Torah is good for—Teaching (showing the believer about God and His ways)
- The Torah is good for—Rebuking (showing how we have walked off the path)
- The Torah is good for—Correcting (showing how to get back on the path)
- The Torah is good for—Instructing in Righteousness (showing us how to be consistent)
Using the ancient Torah reading schedule is a great way to study the entire Word of God.
What is a Torah Portion?
When God brought restoration and returned the Israelites from captivity, Ezra and Nehemiah and the men of their generation set to work creating a system to encourage Torah study. They wanted to ensure that the people would not slip into idolatry again. They created a system for the synagogue to ensure that the people heard the Torah read every week.
To this day, the Jewish world studies a portion of the Torah every Sabbath. Jews read the Torah aloud in synagogues on Sabbaths, Mondays and Thursdays. Monday and Thursday were the ancient market days when rural people came into town. At this time, they also had the opportunity to hear the Word of God. On Sabbath days, the people assembled according to the commandment.
Since the days of the Apostles, the Torah continues to be read every week in the same manner. An annual lectionary, the Torah reading cycle, allows all Israel to study the same passages of Scripture simultaneously as they work through the Torah from week to week. The lectionary divides the Torah into 2-6 chapter readings for each week. Corresponding readings from the Prophets are tacked onto the weekly Torah readings. The reading cycle begins in the fall, after the Feast of Tabernacles, with Genesis 1:1. Approximately twelve months later, it concludes with the last verses of the book of Deuteronomy.
Reading along with the weekly Torah readings is a great way to study through the Torah every year. When you do, you are studying in synchronization with all Israel. Synagogues, study halls, and Messianic congregations all over the world will be examining the same passages of Scripture along with you.
In each of the weekly readings, the portions (Hebrew: parashot) are named after the first word or distinctive phrase in the passage. In the days of the Apostles, the Bible was not divided into chapters and verses. People indicated different scripture passages by referring to the first Hebrew word or phrase of the passage. If a rabbi said, "In the place where it says, 'After the death of Aaron's two sons...'" he would be referring to parashat Acharei Mot, Leviticus 16:1-18:30. Acharei Mot means "after the death of." In the same way, each portion (parasha) of Torah is named after its opening words, and each book of the Torah is named after its opening parasha.
Should Christians Study Torah?
Our goal isn't to create another religious system or tradition, but to engage God through His word. The torah portions tied into the New Testament provide an excellent structure for engaging the Lord and discussing the deeper things of God.
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law (TORAH) of the Lord.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Often Christians think that the "Old Testament" is virtually irrelevant today, since the doctrines of the Church are made explicit in the New Testament writings. However, this is a serious mistake, as the following facts will demonstrate:
- Yeshua (Jesus) and all his disciples were Torah-observant Jews. The Scriptures which they studied, loved, and quoted were the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings (i.e., the Jewish Tanakh). Indeed, Yeshua quoted from the book of Deuteronomy (from the Torah) more than any other book in the Scriptures. As a child, Yeshua would have studied the Torah and memorized it with other Jewish children. He would also have been familiar with the teaching of the earlier Jewish sages of Israel.
When asked what was the greatest commandment of the LORD, Yeshua quoted "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" (Deut. 6:5), and then He added the commandment, v'ahavta l're'akha kamokha - ani Adonai , "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18). Both of these commandments come directly from the Torah.
Indeed, Yeshua said that He did not come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (Matt. 5:17-19). He later told a prospective follower of His, "If you would enter life, keep the commandments" (Matt. 19:17). When He was further asked which ones, Yeshua replied by citing the Ten Commandments and appealed to the man to follow Him (Matt. 19:18-21).
- Yeshua said that the Jewish Scriptures plainly testify of Him (John 5:39). As His followers, we should understand what this means and how they indeed bear witness of Him as the King of the Jews (Matt 2:2; 27:11). In addition, by studying Torah, we can more fully appreciate the glory and grace as revealed in the Person and Work of our beloved Mashiach. For example, we can more fully savor the role of the sacrificial system and how Yeshua fulfilled all of God's holy requirements on our behalf as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) of the new covenant.
- When two disciples were on their way to the town of Emmaus discussing the implications of the crucifixion of Yeshua three days earlier, who but the Master Himself appeared alongside of them and taught them from the Jewish Scriptures? "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24: 13-36). Again, as His followers, we should likewise be able to recount how Yeshua is revealed in the Jewish Scriptures.
- The "Church" was born on a Jewish holiday of Shauvot (Pentecost) among the Jewish people in Jerusalem. Peter's sermon during that festival (Acts 2:1-41) was entirely Jewish, copiously quoting from the prophets and David, which would have meant little to any Gentiles in earshot (if there were any). It is likely, therefore, that the 3,000 people who were saved that day would have been all Jewish. The earliest members of the new church met regularly in the Temple, where Gentiles were explicitly excluded (Acts 2:46). Note that the apostles Peter and John are recorded to have gone to the Temple for prayer during the time of the minchah (afternoon) sacrifices (Acts 3:1), and their ministry continued exclusively among the Jewish people, "among whom were thousands who believed and were zealous for the Torah" (Acts 21:20). Even after they were imprisoned but miraculously escaped, an angel told them to "Go, stand and speak in the Temple to the people all the words of this life" (Acts 5:20).
- Later, when the Jerusalem Council wrote their letter to the Gentiles regarding their relationship to the Torah, they advised them to at first abstain from those things that would make them abhorrent to the Jews, with the assumption that they would later go on to study the Torah of Moses and the other Jewish Scriptures (Acts 15:19-21).
- The Apostle Paul was raised a Torah observant Jew who studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3)- the grandson of the famous Rabbi Hillel. Rabbi Sha'ul (as he
would have been called) was well-established in the Jewish leadership of his day, and even had a relationship with the Sanhedrin and High Priest of Israel (Acts 9:1-2). But even after his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-21), he still identified himself a Jew. In Acts 23:6 he confessed, "I am (not "was") a Pharisee." He even declared that concerning the observance of the Torah he was "blameless," which indicates that he observed a Jewish lifestyle to his dying day (Phil. 3:6). Paul testified he kept the Torah all his life (Acts 25:7-8, see also Acts 28:17). Paul took the Nazarite vow (Acts 18:18), lived "in observance of the Torah" (Acts 21:23- 24), and even offered sacrifices in the Jewish Temple (Acts 21:26). Notice that Paul not only paid for his own sacrifices in order to be released from his Nazarite vow, but also paid for the sacrifices for four other Jewish believers! Notice also that this was performed at the explicit request of James, the head of the Jerusalem Church (and half-brother of Yeshua). Paul regularly attended synagogue. "He came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures" (Acts 17:1-2). When Paul wrote to the Gentile churches, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16-17), he was of course referring to the Jewish Scriptures, since the New Testament had not yet been compiled for the church. Indeed, in order to understand Paul's writings, we need to remember his training as a Rabbi when he quotes the Scriptures in his writings. For example, when he wrote, "And all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ" (1 Cor. 10:4), he was quoting from a story later written in the Talmud (i.e., that from the time that Moses struck the rock at Horeb and brought forth water until the death of Miriam (Ex. 20:1), this water-giving rock "followed the children of Israel through the desert and provided water for them each day".
- Many Christian denominations profess to believe in the authority of both the "Old Testament" and the New Testament Scriptures while functionally relegating the study of the Torah to the dustheap of history. If the Jewish Scriptures are taken seriously at all, these denominational traditions attempt to explain away their clear reading (for example, the covenantal promises made to ethnic Israel) and arrogate the intent of the text as being applicable solely to the Church.
This is both shortsighted and inconsistent, since it is impossible to understand the New Testament writings (including the very Church itself) while ignoring the cultural and theological context of which it is a part. Moreover, it must be remembered that the Greek text of the New Testament derives its authority and veracity from the Jewish Scriptures, and not the other way around. Too many Christian theologians go at this backwards, reading the New Testament (and particularly certain ideas ascribed to the Apostle Paul) as the interpretative filter for the study of the Hebrew text. Theologians of the Western traditions must consciously remember the dictum, "a text without a context is a pretext" and be open to the Jewish context of their faith.


This weekend is the Mt. Baker Home Tour, an annual event that started in 1971 to showcase the neighborhood’s outstanding architecture. This year, along with six stunning home, the tour also features a 1925 Italian Romanesque-style church.
The Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church is one of the few examples of the Italian/Romanesque Revival-style architecture we have here in Seattle. Architect-buffs will know that this is pretty historically significant because the style of the church is so sparingly simple. It’s basilican plan and simple 85-foot bell tower are consistent with what many northern Italian churches looked like in the Middle Ages. While popular in Italy, it was pretty uncommon in Seattle.
Built in the early 1900s by local firm Albertson Architects (later Albertson, Wilson and Richardson), it was dedicated on March 22, 1925 - and granted Landmark Status in 2002.
The craziest part of all this? It cost $123,000 to construct. Second craziest thing? With the exception of the stained glass windows, the northwest brick patio area, and a back entry area, all the exterior fabric is original.
Brief History of the Church:
- 1902: George M. and Martha Taggart offered up their property at 34th Avenue South and South Horton Street for construction of a church. It was originally intended to be Methodist, as the majority of the neighborhood residents at that time where of that faith.
- 1906: The neighborhood went through a sizable shift from Methodist to Presbyterian, probably because of a popular Presbyterian minister named Reverend Mark Matthews. The two faiths shared the church for a while, until community members and church elders petitioned the Presbytery of Puget Sound to establish a Presbyterian church.
- 1910: The name of the church was changed to Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church
- 1915: The original church location was posing a problem for new Mt. Baker Park residents living on the west side of the ridge. A committee of women canvassed the area, asking for $10 donations to raise money to build a new building. They raised $1,000 in the first week - but the church leaders were still debating whether or not they should actually move or not.
- 1919: New paster Reverand William Major was installed, and he was very much in favor of a new church building. Among other things, there was a growing need for a larger Sunday school space. Major supposedly wanted to the church to be “high on the hill, with a tower that could be seen by all - from across Lake Washington, from over on Beacon Hill, and from all over our Mount Baker Community.”
- 1921: A lot on Hunter Boulevard and S. Hanford Street was purchased by the church. It was at the end of the Rainier Avenue Electric Railroad line at that time.
- 1924/1925: The cornerstone for the new church was laid, and the new building was dedicated.
- 2001: The Nisqually earthquake caused significant damage to the bell tower, and retrofitting took place - to be finally completed in 2003.
If you’re not busy, check out the Mt. Baker Home Tour Saturday December 2, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be bought online starting at $35, and the tour begins and ends at the Mount Baker Community Clubhouse.
Mt. Baker Home Tour
2811 Mt Rainier Drive South
Seattle, WA 98144
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.


Adult Contemporary Group
The ADULT CONTEMPORARY GROUP provides music on the 2nd and 5th Sundays of the month at the 10:00 AM Mass. The group’s mission is help the congregation praise God with a variety of music. The Adult Contemporary Group plays all year, but the schedule may change over the summer.
For more information, please contact Cathy Galie at email@example.com, or (215)-752-7280.
OLG Music Ministry General Goals
- To enable all parishioners to communicate with God through music.
- To provide varied and meaningful opportunities for sharing the message of Christ through music.
- To celebrate our relationship with God through musical expressions of praise and thanksgiving.
- To provide the resources, organization, preparation, communication, and tools that encourage participation and commitment to the music ministry.


Who was Jesus
Two thousand years a young Jew from Galilee was crucified by the Romans. His name was Jesus. He has been and is the source of faith for billions of people since his death by crucifixion. This was a common Roman practice at that time, and usually reserved for slaves and people regarded as a threat to Rome. However, Pontius Pilate was the Governor of Judea, a province of the Roman Empire at that time. Pilate was ruthless, he executed dozens of Jews. Some without any trial. He wouldn’t think twice about getting rid of a young troublemaker from Galilee. Especially as the religious authorities wanted him to execute Jesus. So to prevent a riot from the baying mobs and to preserve Roman rule and his own career by keeping Rome happy he condemned Jesus to death.
Recent discoveries in science, archaeology and history are shedding new light on this man called Jesus and the world in which he was born into two thousand years ago. You don’t have to believe in God to be able to accept that there was a flesh and blood man called Jesus who lived and died in that part of the world. There is overwhelming evidence in both secular and biblical history that this historical character called Jesus did exist. But in these turbulent times what turned a young Jewish boy into a revolutionary that not only changed history but whose actions cast a giant shadow over us whether we believe or whether we don’t. Jesus has been an inspiration for majestic art and great music. And sadly, he has been an excuse for horrific wars. But he continues to be the most influential person in the world today, two thousand years after his death.
To prove Jesus existed as a historical figure and that Christianity didn’t begin with a mythical Christ figure as some people try to suggest – we look at his death rather than his birth as this is one of the most attested facts in ancient history. There are some valuable early sources of information about Jesus, from both Christian and non-Christian authors. One first century Jewish historian called Josephus was just one of many sources (80?) that confirmed that Jesus existed. In his history of the Jewish people, Josephus described Jesus as a wise man who performed some surprising deeds and remarkable feats and was popular among many Jews and Greeks. He also wrote that Jesus was convicted by leading members of society and crucified by Pontius Pilate. So Josephus confirmed that it was Pilate, the Roman governor, who sentenced Jesus to death. And thanks to recent research in archaeology we know where Pilate lived.
Caesarea, once the site of a Phoenician port, lies sixty miles north-west of Jerusalem. It had a deep sea port, an aqueduct and a magnificent amphitheatre that is still functional today for concerts. It was the second city in Palestine after Jerusalem. It was the seat of Pilate’s power where the Romans governed Judea two thousand years ago. Caesarea was a mighty outpost of the Roman empire. Herod, the Jewish king, had built this great all-weather port on the Mediterranean, which was finished in 10 BC and taken over by the Romans as their headquarters in this region.
Reliable knowledge of the life of Jesus is limited. Though Josephus, among others, confirmed that Jesus did live and die, we have to rely on the Gospels to tell us about the circumstances of his birth, his life and the ideals he lived and died for. Jesus left no written statements. And there is no evidence to suggest his followers kept written accounts of his actions or teaching during his lifetime. But we are almost certain the Gospel writers got the essentials of Jesus’s life story correct even though these were stories handed down for at least forty years. Over the years the complimentary work carried out by historians, archaeologists and scientist is making it easier to establish and understand what went on in the world that Jesus lived in. Details are gradually being clarified and confirmed.