How Some Christians Abuse the Bible

November 15, 2023 By James Travis Young

When someone quotes a scripture to support a particular point of view or argument without considering the broader context or the original intended meaning of the text, it’s called proof-texting. We’ve all seen it. Some of you probably even do it. But cherry-picking verses to support preconceived notions or personal biases is not only dishonest, it’s dangerous. This Will Make Some of You Angry There are those who selectively highlight specific passages while ignoring others, manipulating scriptures to suit their... Read more

What Fundamentalists Can Learn From Kat Von D

November 11, 2023 By James Travis Young

Celebrity tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and reality TV star Kat Von D recently opened up about her faith in Jesus, sparking criticism from certain Fundamentalists who scrutinize her past and question the authenticity of her witness. Her response has been, in a word, Christlike. We should not dismiss these incidents as just another gossipy celebrity scandal. The treatment Kat Von D has received starkly illuminates how the attitudes of a small but vocal minority could successfully misrepresent all Christ-followers, and her... Read more

Lies Evangelicals Believe About the Israel-Hamas War

November 5, 2023 By James Travis Young

As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, its impact upon Christianity in the Western world continues to resonate. Because the majority of Christians in the United States identify as Evangelicals, their actions and beliefs have an unique influence upon broader society. Unfortunately, many American Evangelicals have begun to believe and spread lies which not only damages the witness of all Christ-followers, but also has the potential to endanger and harm innocent individuals whom Jesus identified as our neighbors. Cruel Intentions As I’ve... Read more

Go Make Disciples, Not Churches

October 29, 2023 By James Travis Young

A few years ago, I read a social media post in a pastors’ group written by the pastor of a small-town evangelical church that left a lasting impression on me. One quiet weekday afternoon, the pastor arrived at the church to find a disheveled man wandering in the front yard. His body odor could be smelled from several feet away, and dirt was noticeably smudged all over his face and arms. He had clothes that were torn and soiled, and... Read more

It’s Time for Evangelicals to Abandon Religious Intolerance

October 25, 2023 By James Travis Young

Regrettably, there is abundant evidence which demonstrates that many evangelical Christians exhibit intolerance towards individuals of other faiths. However, by embracing Christ’s personal example of love and compassion, we have an opportunity to transcend biases and unify a church culture that has become increasingly polarized. Social Monsters I have struggled to find a charitable description of the changes I have witnessed in people I love over the course of the past decade. Evangelicals, including a significant number of clergy, who... Read more

Don’t Tell Depressed People That God Is the Answer

October 22, 2023 By James Travis Young

Too often, Christians suggest to individuals suffering from depression that God is the answer. While some people of faith may believe this kind of advice comes from a good place, not only are these sentiments less than helpful, they can also communicate judgment, prejudice, and even hatred. The complexities of faith and mental health require a more compassionate approach. Though a profound source of strength, faith cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges of depression. If We Are the... Read more

God Is Not Omnipotent

October 20, 2023 By James Travis Young

In his book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence (SacraSage, 2023), theologian Thomas Jay Oord argues the traditional assumption that God is all-powerful is neither biblical nor logically coherent, and is incompatible with human freedom as well as the existence of evil and suffering. He proposes a new understanding of God as “amipotent,” or powered by love. While these are bold ideas, Oord writes that, more importantly, this shift “accounts for what’s loving, true, good, and beautiful in... Read more

How Many Institutional Churches Fail to Make Disciples

October 16, 2023 By James Travis Young

Because most institutional churches prioritize attractional events and programs over authentic relational discipleship, many churches only become concerned about the spiritual lives of members if there is a change in attendance. Discipleship Cannot Be Programmed Many institutional churches assume that connecting people to events and ministries is exactly what every person must need. Sure, sporadic life transformation happens occasionally, but the organization is so dependent upon perpetuating itself through programs, scheduled services, and tithes/offerings, it assumes the “Jesus part” will... Read more

What Christians Must Know About the Israel-Hamas War

October 13, 2023 By James Travis Young

When viewed from a scriptural perspective, the 2023 Israel-Hamas War reveals essential spiritual truths every Christian must know. This is a major world event that, as of this writing, is still developing. Please refer to trusted news sources to get up to the minute updates. What’s Going On Early morning October 7, the terrorist organization Hamas initiated sweeping attacks deep into Israel from the blockaded Gaza Strip. Militants combined air, sea, and land offensives by breaching Israel’s heavily fortified border,... Read more

How Giving to the Church Increases Poverty

October 9, 2023 By James Travis Young

One thing Christian churches of all denominations, sizes, and structures have in common is that they accept tithes and offerings. Some are more assumptive in their approach by leaving giving envelopes strategically all around the sanctuary as well as the foyer, then at least once per scheduled service passing offering plates. Others have boxes either at the front or back where individuals can nonchalantly slip in their offerings. Of course, those techniques have now existed for centuries. Today, a growing... Read more