nakedpastor

I can’t tell you how much I appreciated every comment made on my blog. I hope you all become regular contributors and that the list expands. I like what “Silverfoot” (is he/she an action-hero or a character in Lord of the Rings?) had to say on one of my blog posts recently:
“David: your blog is fascinating - and so are your readers. I’m a sucker for philosophical discussions on the nature of religion and spirituality, particularly when they are as reasonable and well-mannered as the discussions here are.”

Well, after 98 comments from 43 participants on the plog post: “10 Reasons Why I Listen To Atheists”, the contest finally closed last night at midnight Atlantic Time, AND WE HAVE A WINNER:
Richard Mullin of Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada.
Congratulations Richard! Your name was drawn. You’ll receive this Hayward original watercolor very soon. Thanks everyone for participating, and stay tuned for the next contest!

Well, just a few hours left. The contest closes at midnight. On my blog post “10 Reasons Why I Listen To Atheists” (click here to go to it), the responses continue to come in. I know it’s because of the hot topic as well as the free painting (click here to see the prize) So far there have been 74 comments made by 34 different people. Thanks for all the insights and comments. I’ve had lots of fun with this, and we’ll do it again soon This is my last reminder for new visitors to my blog. I’m leaving this competition running until midnight tonight, Atlantic Time, so comment and if you haven’t yet, get to it!

Even though I’m up early to get ready to teach at my church this morning, I’m thinking I might try to go fly-fishing this afternoon. I’ve switched the name of my blog to churchpundit.com, and it will show up later today. Don’t forget the contest closes tonight! CLICK HERE if you are interested.

You can go to eBay and bid on this painting of the fly-fisherman by clicking here. Have a great day!

Just another reminder! On my blog post “10 Reasons Why I Listen To Atheists” (click here to go to it), the responses continue to come in. I know it’s because of the hot topic as well as the free stuff (click here to see the prize) So far there have been many comments made by, not 40, but 30 different people. All the comments are highly appreciated and valued I’m leaving this competition running until midnight Sunday, so keep commenting, and if you haven’t yet, get on it!

1. Tom Harpur is a highly read and respected Canadian scholar, columnist and author.
2. He is passionate about important issues. Here is an admirable statement:
“Faithful readers of my previous books, and of my columns over the years, will know that I have been steadily and inexorably pushed by the Spirit toward an independent realization of many of the truths expressed much more boldly and fully in this volume” (p. 177). Anyone so devoted to world peace, unity, and the pursuit of truth like this should be recognized.
3. Jesus said, “Come to terms quickly with your accuser” (Matthew 5:25). Harpur presents very serious and valid criticisms of the Church and Christianity. The Church is guilty of horrible atrocities such as the Inquisition, genocide, and abuses. To this day the Church oppresses, manipulates, and abuses people. I believe these accusations must be acknowledged. For a more extended critique of the church, you must read Sam Harris , The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason.
4. He has unique and penetrating insight into the Church, which I love and am passionate about. He ministered to local congregations for years, and that is a valuable asset. When he writes, (quoting Gibbon), “The practice of superstition is so congenial to the multitudes that, if they are forcibly awakened, they still regret the loss of their pleasing vision”, that is a pastorally sensitive insight. Throughout his book he tries to ease his traditionally biased readers into some of the radical statements he’s about to make, like a good pastor would. I would love to sit down with him in such a setting as this over a bottle of fine red wine and discuss the welfare of the Church in Canada and the world (He is a wine-expert of sorts. See his book, The Spirituality of Wine). His dog is welcomed to!
5. He has, in one volume, The Pagan Christ, condensed an important philosophy that I think must be understood so that it can be discussed intelligently. I believe Harpur represents one of the oldest opponents of Christianity: Gnosticism. I realize he claims that his form of Gnosticism is ancient with pagan roots, and that the official Christian Church rejected early Gnosticism, to its eternal detriment. I personally believe it was rejected for good reason (I’ll have to elaborate later in a fuller essay). But the fact that this philosophy continues to present itself to the Church from the earliest days until now, even emerging from within the Church (as Harpur is himself a testimony to), demands that it be heard, understood, and debated.

Incredible! On my blog post “10 Reasons Why I Listen To Atheists” (click here to go to it), the responses continue to come in. I know it’s because of the hot topic as well as the free stuff (click here to see the prize) So far there have been 74 comments made by 40 different people. Thanks for all the insights and non-insights This is just one of my daily reminders for new visitors to my blog. I’m leaving this competition running until midnight Sunday, so keep commenting, and if you haven’t yet, get to it!

Here is a quote that I think is EXTREMELY true:
“Disbelief is more resistant than faith because it is sustained by the senses” (Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Of Love and Other Demons).
I believe as a pastor and teacher that we are often tempted to provide sensational additives in order to captivate people and keep them. Which, I also believe, weakens faith. I’m totally convinced that faith is not at all sustained by the senses, which makes it appear weak, but ultimately isn’t. What do you think? What’s your sense on it?

I watched the new release DVD Beowulf and Grendel. In a word, it SUCKED! I always give movies a chance and 99% of the time watch them right through to the end. I can’t remember the last time I stopped watching a movie. Oh yes, Domino! I don’t know how that movie ends, and frankly I don’t care. Back to Beowulf… it was totally unconvincing. I knew it was in trouble at the very beginning when the toddler-troll Grendel is put on the screen, glued-on beard and all. And the fearsome warriors riding on those tiny ponies was, bluntly, HILARIOUS! I laughed out loud every time they rode onto the screen. They should’ve had REAL horses, like of the Frank Frazetta variety. I felt that all one had to do was yell to the ponies, “PLAY DEAD!” and the war would be over. I was waiting for the end-credits to say, “All the horses were harmed during the filming of this movie. They were crushed under the weight of their riders!” How can you be afraid of these guys?

Okay, a couple of good things: Sarah Polley is beautiful. Extra: she has an incredible singing voice. Hear her sing on the the beautiful soundtrack to The Sweet Hereafter, especially her version of The Tragically Hip’s, “Courage”. And it was filmed in Iceland, which is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve been there twice, and the landscape is spiritually impressive.

But, in my opinion, don’t bother wasting your time with the movie. Watch Junebug instead… a more superior, disturbing and incisive study of human nature.

Wow people! On my blog post “10 Reasons Why I Listen To Atheists” (click here to go to it), I’ve received the biggest response so far, and I know it’s because of the hot topic, not just the free stuff (click here to see the prize) So far there have been 40 comments made by 20 different people. I feel all of the comments are thoughtful and valuable, and I appreciate every one of them… from Dave’s “nice picture”, to Nate’s extended essay I’m leaving this competition running until midnight Sunday, so keep commenting, and if you haven’t yet, get to it!