We gathered around a table for a small group discussion. The topic of the workshop was professional ethics for clergy. One of my colleagues shared: “I have a problem I’m not sure how to approach. A woman in my church, a leader and active member, emailed and said that she… Read More »Politics and Religion: Pastors’ Perceptions
A calendar notification brought it to my attention. My cell phone contract will soon expire. Two years have already passed. I’ll stay will my current carrier. I know that when I sign a new contract, I can get a new phone. I’m used to the one I have. It does… Read More »Community Building in an Era of Individualized Experience
Every few years, the Pew Research Center releases new data on religious affiliation in the United States as part of Religion and Public Life study. In May 2015, the statistics showed the continued increase in the number of people in the United States with no religious affiliation. Since the last… Read More »Institutional Religion: The Old Structures Don’t Work
It’s often said that religion and spirituality are fundamentally different. The arguments for this position go something like this. Religion is about dogma, fixed beliefs, and rituals to which people must adhere. Spirituality is individualized, focused on experience, and free flowing. At face value, there’s something to be said for… Read More »Religion and Spirituality: How Different Are They?
It’s not something I had previously said in a sermon or congregational meeting . It’s one of those things that I’ve said to friends and colleagues but when with general church members, I’ve held my tongue. But a few Sunday’s ago, the level of my frustration was rising and the… Read More »Am I a Buddhist?
Book Review: Beyond the Lectionary A Year of Alternatives to the Revised Common Lectionary by the Rev. David Ackerman. C. 2013. Circle Books. ISBN-13: 978-1780998572. (Available in paper back or as an e-book.) If you’re a church go-er, you may have noticed that friends from other Christian denominations often hear… Read More »Book Review: Beyond the Lectionary A Year of Alternatives to the Revised Common Lectionary by the Rev. David Ackerman.
It’s happening – and happening around the world: an increasing number of people no longer participate in traditional religious groups and label themselves as not affiliated with religion. It’s not a new trend. In Europe, the shift became noticeable after World War II. However, people in the United States are… Read More »Church Participation and the Growing Number of Unaffiliated
Her story was familiar to me. Having grown up as an active member of a church from her family’s Christian denomination, she continued to attend church as an adult with a group of her friends. She enjoyed the network of activities and the opportunities to do things for others through… Read More »How Gladys Got Her Grove