Noblesse Oblige, Boxing, and the Limits of Charity

A post challenging us on the link between charity, other-ness, and equality.  For more click here ...

Detail from tapestery, "Adoration of the Magi "by Edward Burne Jones

Demand a Plan!

Lennon. Brady. Gifford. Columbine. Virginia Tech. Ft. Hood. Oak Creek. Aurora. New Town. Sandy Hook.  The statistics are staggering.  When will enough be enough?  DEMAND A PLAN! Sign the petition at the link: 

 http://www.demandaplan.org/

Is He Really the Prince of Peace, or Just a Figurehead?

As I write this post today, it is the fourth Sunday in Advent. We celebrate today, in the birth of an innocent child, the arrival of Emmanuel, which means "God is With Us." In Isaiah Chapter 9 it is written 

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

How ironic that just as we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, in my own culture just so recently there has been yet another mass killing by a deranged man who had access to firearms. How ironic that some of the same people who claim to believe in the teachings of the Prince of Peace will still resist efforts to disarm killers and reduce their opportunity to harm others by regulating access to handguns, automatic weapons and high capacity ammunition. How ironic that some people who claim to believe in peace, advocate violence themselves? 

The evil caused by handguns and high capacity firearms is so obvious it cannot be ignored.  

The Rev. Mr. Fred Rogers

Thank you for your wisdom, Fred Rogers.  

‎"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."   ~ Mister Rogers

Inheritance Tax in the USA

Who is affected by the debate over the "Bush tax cuts," the estate tax reductions which are due to expire if not extended?

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH FAMILY CONFLICT DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Does the thought of the next family gathering put knots in your stomach?  If so, these practical suggestions are written just for you.  Click here for more ... 

Damned to Hell? A Hellacious Accusation.

Franz Franken, The Damned Being Cast Into Hell, c. 1605, courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Some might say that if a man has no enemies, he has not taken a stand.  But what if the enmity comes from within one's own church?  For more, click here ...