Growing up in rural America, I have been no stranger to the sight of guns being raffled off as prizes for various events. It was a common occurrence to see local organizations, schools, and even churches hosting fundraisers where firearms were the coveted reward. So, when I heard about the recent news of a church giving away an AR-15 as part of a Fourth of July raffle, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu.
There seems to be a misconception among those outside of rural communities that the act of raffling off guns is a shocking or controversial practice.… Continue reading
North Texas pastor Robert Morris resigns after admitting to “inappropriate sexual behavior” with a minor in the 1980s. It’s disheartening and deeply troubling to hear such news, especially when it involves a figure of authority and trust within a religious community. The fact that Morris has been able to cover up his actions for over 40 years is appalling and raises questions about the accountability and transparency within the church leadership.
The term “inappropriate sexual behavior” seems like a euphemism for what it truly is – rape. A grown man taking advantage of a 12-year-old child is not just inappropriate, it’s a heinous crime that should be met with severe consequences.… Continue reading
It’s truly astonishing to see the audacity of Donald Trump and his campaign staging an event at a black church in Detroit, only to fill it with mostly white attendees. The optics of this situation are beyond concerning. A church, a place of worship and sanctuary, should not be reduced to a mere event space for political rallies. The fact that most of the black attendees were not even from Detroit or part of the congregation speaks volumes about the lack of authenticity in Trump’s attempt to court black voters.
Donald Trump’s visit to this black church gives off the impression of a calculated PR move rather than a genuine effort to connect with the black community.… Continue reading
I left my church when the pastor started praising Trump and bashing Biden. It was a turning point for me when I realized that when Trump is brought up in church, it stops being a place of worship. Many Church Leaders are actively part of the Trump Cult, so it is no wonder that church members are opting out. Growing up in a church where hateful right-wing rhetoric was spewed, completely contrary to the teachings of Christ, killed any chance of me passing on the faith to my children. Jesus would want nothing to do with the Republican Party, filled with individuals trying to shove camels through the eyes of needles.… Continue reading
Growing up in a town where a church was faced with limitations on providing meals to the homeless, I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment in the way some individuals prioritize bureaucracy over human compassion. The idea that feeding the hungry can be restricted or regulated is truly disheartening. When a church is trying to emulate the values of their faith by helping those in need, it should be commended, not hindered.
The fact that there were complaints about increasing meal services during the pandemic is beyond my comprehension. The thought of people complaining about others being fed truly highlights a lack of empathy and understanding within our society.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a deep sense of frustration and disbelief as I read the comments and reflect on the headline. It seems that even when someone is genuinely trying to follow the teachings of Jesus and help those in need, they face opposition and even punishment. This pastor, whose actions are reminiscent of what Christian churches are supposed to be doing, finds himself facing charges for simply keeping his church doors open to provide sanctuary for the homeless.
The irony is not lost on me. If Jesus were to return today, he would likely be labeled a socialist and face persecution once again.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker