Category Archives: Uncategorized

Terri Schiavo

Almost everyone has an opinion about the Terri Schiavo case. I’m delayed commenting for a long time, but here are some observations and things to consider. I know no one who wants to be fed by a feeding tube. Yet … Continue reading

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First United Methodist Church History

First United Methodist Church Sanctuary: 1905 – 2005 If we are to understand the building of our current sanctuary, 1888 is a good starting point. In that year Rev. J.A. Wyatt was the pastor. The church was growing rapidly, so … Continue reading

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How Politicians Read Letters

I’m a slow learner. Since the early 1980s I’ve been writing letters to my representatives about Social Security. Even back in the olden days I was doubtful of its future efficacy. Inevitably the responses I got pooh-poohed my concerns, saying … Continue reading

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Texas City Explosion – Higher Gas Prices?

Texas City has never been on the list of places I’d want to live. Though we need the chemicals produced in that region (the chemical plants stretch from Texas City up the Houston Ship Channel quite a ways), the pollution … Continue reading

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“Baptism” in the New Testament

Here are the NT occurrences of the noun “baptism” and the verb “baptize.” Obviously by listing the word and its congnates alone, I don’t list every occurrence of the concept. Also, I did my search in the Greek text, so … Continue reading

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Methodists Lag – and it’s a good thing

For some years Methodists have – for good or ill – led American culture. Methodists were the first denomination to officially recognize the new US government. Methodists split over slavery 17 yeras before the country did – rehearsing many of … Continue reading

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Thinking Like a Pastor

In my years of pastoring I have sometimes looked at my congregation and wished that I had so-and-so (or someone like so-and-so) in my congregation. I’d see people like that in other churches, in my reading, or in my imagination … Continue reading

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Death and the Nation State

Curious comment from Glenn Reynolds (the Instapundit) today. He says: I think that’s right. I feel somewhat that way about capital punishment. I’m utterly unpersuaded by the argument that there is something uniquely immoral about state-sanctioned killing. (At its core, … Continue reading

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More Trouble in (and for) North Korea

Ah the destructive power of modern culture!

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Salman Rushdie Speaks

Salman Rushdie, in a recent opinion piece says: … The simple truth is that, wherever religions get into society’s driving seat, tyranny results. The Inquisition results, or the Taliban.And yet, religions continue to insist that they provide special access to … Continue reading

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