God and the Hurricanes
Now in the heart of the tropical storm season, with yet another strom heading for the US, it is timely to reflect upon the ways in which religious people deal with natural disasters, which are often referred to as an “act of God.”
Check out these respected relief agencies that can deliver help when tragedy strikes
Halloween
Holiday in Need of Renovation
Given its pagan roots, some think it evil. We disagree and examine its deeper meaning, religious roots, and contemporary significance, including practical ideas on how to celebrate it today. Renovating Halloween
Halloween: A Pagan Perspective
One reader reacted strongly to my Halloween piece. Since her retort was so well written and so thoughtful, I’ve included her entire rebuttal here.
Storm Stories
As we track yet another set of tropical storms across the weather map, even for those who do not find themselves in the path of a hurricane, the challenge is to find the inner resources required to face any of the major storms of life. Read more …
Most Popular Prayers of all Time
The Ten Most Popular Prayers of All Time
Well, actually, we’ve got twelve. But since two of today’s most popular prayers may not be on the list tomorrow, let’s call it ten. My selections include all time favorite and familiar prayers like the Lord’s Prayer, the Serenity Prayer, and the Prayer of St. Francis, along with the contemporary, and very popular prayer of Jabez and the Jelly Bean Prayer.
More prayers: some less popular but more powerful
Prayers for All Occasions
Check Them Out Now
See especially our latest: Birthday Prayers
Prayers for Peace
In a time of war and conflict, prayers for peace arise from the lips of citizens in all countries and from adherents of all faiths. Here are just a few of our favorites.
What Would Jesus Eat?
Do Faith Based Weight Loss Programs Really Work?
One of the benefits of recession, research shows, is a tendency for people to lose weight, believe it or not, as they cut down on eating out at restaurants or comsuming calorie rich foods. That said, in times of boom or bust, it’s always good policy to care for one’s own health. In this context, I notice that the Christian weight loss industry is still booming, even in the midst of this recession. But do spiritually based diet programs actually work? Here’s my take on what works and what doesn’t.
And … a helpful chart to guide you down the isles of the supermarket: Good Food To Eat and Why
New! A Spiritual Weight Loss Plan
Liberal Churches are Growing!
So You Thought Only Conservative and Evangelical Churches Were Growing?
Think Again. When asked about their religious preferences, Americans increasingly identify with some of the more liberal and mainline denominations.
What is Judaism?
We take a closer look of the first great monotheistic faith as well as the opportunities and difficulties for Jewish-Christian dialogue in a divided world. More ….
The Jewish Holidays, their dates and meaning, 2010 – 2013
Books About Judaism
Jewish Prayers for all Occasions
Index of Jewish and Hebrew Baby Names and the importance of child naming in Jewish tradition.
Christian and/or Spiritual Weight Loss Books
Check our guide for the latest books at the lowest prices now.