New Haven Colony Puritans hang a man for "crimes against the faith." As the presidential race prepares to jump into high gear, and as influential segments of American Christianity seek to ingratiate themselves with and guide — you could say manipulate — our civil government, it is worth pausing to consider the history of intermingling … Continue reading We must protect faith from the state, not by it
The Wisdom of Grandmom’s Dinner Table
When I was a boy, one of my favorite destinations was my Grandmom Parker’s house in southern New Jersey. You could never step foot into Grandmom’s house without being asked: “Would you like something to eat?” At that point the answer was superfluous, and the question of whether or not you were hungry was not … Continue reading The Wisdom of Grandmom’s Dinner Table
What a broken leg tells us about civilization
A few days ago, I got one of those calls no parent wants to get. “Dad, I am at the emergency room.” Our elder daughter, Mary, channeled her father’s innate clumsiness and broke her leg. Thankfully, all will be well. She was seen in the ER, then by a specialist; she had X-rays and tests … Continue reading What a broken leg tells us about civilization
Pandemic shows need for broader view of national security
They say the sun never sets on the U.S. military. Our military remains vigilant around the globe, at all times, to respond to any and every threat before it reaches American shores. That has long been and remains an important mission. But, while the sun may never set on our military might, the United States … Continue reading Pandemic shows need for broader view of national security
What is good about Good Friday?
What is good about Good Friday? As a child, pondering the horrible pain and suffering wrapped up in the Christian Passion narrative, I often asked this question. What is good about something that, on the surface, is so horrible? This question has taken on special meaning for me this year, as we — both Christians … Continue reading What is good about Good Friday?
‘Second Chance Month’ highlights need to help inmates successfully reintegrate to society
ENID, Okla. — For men and women coming out of prison, release from custody can be the beginning of a new set of hurdles in life. For many of them, those hurdles end in a return to crime, and to a jail cell. In an effort to highlight the need for more initiatives to help … Continue reading ‘Second Chance Month’ highlights need to help inmates successfully reintegrate to society
Mental health experts point to meditation to reduce stress of pandemic
ENID, Okla. — With the coronavirus keeping many Americans cooped up at home, and stress and anxiety soaring amid the pandemic, some experts are pointing to the practice of meditation as a means to improve mental health. The Oklahoma chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recently published an online flier promoting the … Continue reading Mental health experts point to meditation to reduce stress of pandemic
Let us continue to see the unseen after this pandemic passes
Who do we see? This question has taken on new meaning, as the upending of society and its norms by the coronavirus has fundamentally changed who we see, and how we see them. I’m talking about more than just who we lay eyes on. I mean: Who do we really see? Who do we see … Continue reading Let us continue to see the unseen after this pandemic passes
‘HEART OF THE FAITH’ Principles of unity, equality and peace emphasized in Bahá’í community
ENID, Okla. — If you browse the listings for area churches, there’s no shortage of options in Christian congregations. But, there’s one listing that stands out, if only because few people are familiar with it — the Bahá’ís of Enid. Background to the faith The small local congregation is part of a worldwide faith that is … Continue reading ‘HEART OF THE FAITH’ Principles of unity, equality and peace emphasized in Bahá’í community
‘A DIFFERENT PATH’ Buddhism and yoga bring practitioner back to Christ
ENID, Okla. — In a region often described as the “buckle of the Bible belt,” there are numerous paths to Christian faith. But for one local man, finding Christ again after an episode of abuse within the church meant first rediscovering peace, love and compassion through the practices of Buddhism and yoga. Abuse in the … Continue reading ‘A DIFFERENT PATH’ Buddhism and yoga bring practitioner back to Christ
