Christian Universalism- The Beautiful Heresy

Why I do not spell out God

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time surely you've noticed I use G-d instead of God. It's not because I'm superstitious nor do I think it blasphemous to say or type God since it is not God's name anyway.  I'm not sure if I've explained this before.  But, I'll try to explain it now.

Emails Across the Divide- Part I

Annie and I are very good friends...  Recently we had a great conversation about race and our perspective on the whole Reverend Wright thing.  Barack Obama encouraged a national conversation on race.  I've been blessed with the opportunity to have a few of these across the divide recently.

Annie has given me permission to share our conversation with  you.  I'll do it in a series of posts.  I'll probably break it up into five or six.  Annie is a young white woman in her early 50s.  She's not your "typical" white woman in that she lives in a pretty diverse family and has spent a lot of time in the inner city.  Annie and I have known each other for a few years now.  She's the best friend I have that I've never met (with the exception of my brother Brian.

Why I Go to the Church I Go To

What a difference a few days can make.  According to Christian tradition, on Good Friday, things looked hopeless and on Easter Sunday, we have new life and hope springing eternal.  The last few days or couple of weeks has been that in a microcosm for me.  A few days ago my attention was turned to things that were making me frustrated, disappointed and yes even angry.  But, over the weekend, I saw some things that have renewed my hope, lifted my spirits and made me proud of my pastor, my church, my denomination, my country and even a little prouder of my wife and kids (if that's possible).  I posted  a poll on my blog, asking why you attend the church you attend.  One of the things I explore in this post is why I attend the one I go to.

The Honeymoon Is Over

You know how when you meet that special someone they can do nothing wrong?  Everything they do is cute.  Their habits are endearing.  When you get that newest gadget you marvel at all the great new features.  You wonder how you could have lived without it.  But, inevitably, the honeymoon ends, the scales fall from your eyes and you start seeing things more "clearly".  The habits that used to be endearing are annoying.  There are features missing from the gadget and you wonder how they possibly could have left that out?  Well, that time has come with my great new church, Nexus.  The honeymoon being over doesn't mean the relationship is over.  It's just a critical time in the relationship when you have to re-evaluate and maybe recommit.

Losing My Religion

The events of the past several days weeks have me listening to R.E.M.s "Losing My Religion" again. 
But, this ain't necessarily a bad thing.  I'm tired of the whole religion thing. [WARNING- RANT AHEAD]. 

My Favorite Freedom

As I've been more fully embracing Universalism (and really the awesome love of G-d), there have been many freedoms that I've come across.  Many accuse Universalists of being licensors of sin.  By declaring that G-d will ultimately reconcile all to Herself, somehow we are also saying "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you'll be in Heaven, no matter what!".  I'm not going to address that right now (been there, done that and I'm sure I'll have to do it again).  What I would like to talk about is what may possibly be my favorite new found freedom. The freedom to be wrong!

The Wanting

Look at it.  Isn't it sweet?  Just looking at it again makes me WANT one.  Yesterday, Apple launched their 6th Generation iPod and yes, I WANT one.   I have absolutely no need for one.  But, I found myself yesterday spending time on the Mac Rumors message boards picking up tidbits on the announcement even as the live event was going on trying to figure out how I could talk me into allowing myself to have one.  It was a fascinating event to observe (the internal struggle within me, not the iPod launch).

Sum, Ergo Deus Est

How'd you like my attempt at Latin?  I'll explain it later.  I promise.  Last Thursday I was at the "She Who Is" meeting on feminist theology (yes, me at a meeting on feminist theology).  We were talking about feminine versus masculine images of  G-d.  It was a very good conversation. It's the first time I've really been able to talk about this with anyone since reading "Is It Okay To Call God Mother?" and being laughed at by Mark and Scott. (you can continue reading after scrolling past the picture)

What I Did On My Summer Vacation- Correction

I made a couple of mistakes in my piece on What I Did On My Summer Vacation.  I'd like to print what Debbie Truscott wrote to me.  She meant it as a comment.  But, it deserves its own post.

Grace Gathering 2007

I had a rare opportunity to meet some fellow on-line seekers face-to-face this weekend.  I went over to the booming metropolis of Straughn, IN to meet my blogging buddies of a couple of years, Bruce and Geo.  Unfortunately, Steve couldn't make the gathering.  I also had the opportunity to meet and listen to and meet Mike Williams in person.  The Grace Gathering 2007 was a special time and I want to thank Cliff, Bruce, Geo and Steve for their sacrifice (in more ways than one) in putting it together.

Cliff, Steve, Bruce and George have combined their blogging efforts into Bold Grace now.  The day I attended (Saturday), Mike was speaking on the difference between Redemption and Salvation.  If you think they're one in the same, you owe it to yourself to listen to this talk. BTW, a bit of a spoiler... Redemption is something we all have and that G-d has accomplished (past tense) on His own with no help from man.  Salvation is something we all need (and it's not a one time thing).  Mike spoke from Romans Chapter 10 (and Chapter 5) and did a wonderful job of breaking it down over the  period of about an hour and a half.   Friday, Mike spoke about his discovery that G-d is not angry with us.  The talks from the weekend are available at Bold Grace- here.