Thoughts of a Freethinker

Have any readers here fasted. I did it for a day or two several years ago. It was a post Vietnam War health thing. I had a book about fasting, long since disappeared. Like everyone else, I do a brief fast before blood tests every year. I "fast" between about 6 PM and 8 AM.  Fasting for religious purposes, however, is about something else. I'm a little suspicious about why it is advocated. The link supposedly gives us an explanation, it's humbling or it puts one closer to the divine. I've heard explanations about going sleepless--that is puts one in touch with some spiritual sense.  Could it be fasting and sleeplessness are about delirium? That is, they provide a buzz or light headedness that some enjoy and it can attribute to their religion?  Perhaps fasting can be put into the long list of things in the Bible we must not eat, must not wear and must not think. Growing up in an evangelical church I can add several taboos that are not in the Bible. That was years ag...

With another milestone year coming up it means more discussion about "who we are." That is, what kind of country did the founding fathers envision? Writing about this by current Christian pundits invariably includes quotes from speeches or writing by Washinton, Madison, Franklin and so on. Often used is a quote from George Washington's last speech as President which included the notion that religion is needed to promote order.  We note that Washington did not mention Jesus or sin. His original work in establishing a stronger government from that of the 13 colonies was motivated by tariffs charges for moving goods through some colonies. We don't see that mentioned by Christians during this period of Mr. Tariff, Donald Trump. It is not mentioned, either, that Washington disliked communion so much he left church before the ritual. Apparently, forgiveness of sins did not weigh heavily on him. Franklin at one point in his life wrote about his theory each of the planets had...

I admit to often being wrong in predicting the outcome of elections. It is helpful to remember Ronald Reagan who said, "In politics, the unexpected often happens." A friend for many years way back in my life once said, "It is not so helpful that a politician say to voters he/she identifies with them or 'likes' them. What matters is that the voter thinks that if the politician knew me, he/she would like me." To understand some of this, recall the time when Trump began talking about running for the Republican nomination. The big name at the time was Jeb Bush. The public might have been tiring of Bushes by then. But Jeb Bush projected a cold personality with little appeal. Trump's colorful nonsense was the perfect foil. Bush's effort was torpedoed rapidly. At another time or against another opponent Trump might has fallen flat. What I find interesting about Talarico is the moment. Among existing Democrats in Congress and Governors I find rather unintere...

As fascinating study was just released which compared how citizens in many countries see the moral standing of their fellow citizens. It shows we are different. The majority in the U.S. thinks its fellow citizens have low moral standards. This was not the case in other countries. Why would we be different in this way? Every reader will have his/her explanation.  It seems to me part of the reason people in this country look down on the moral values of fellow citizens is because of Christianity. As readers know, one of the faith's tenets is that believers must "spread the gospel." That is, it is obligatory to look down on others and believe they are lesser and have the opportunity to improve. This improvement can only happen by glopping on to the faith.  This fervor to chase down and convert others is not part of every religion. I understand the Jewish faith does not preach this as a requirement. A preoccupation with judging others is part of the harm done by the Christian ...

Readers who are political junkies like me already know about the Democratic Primary in Texas. Two fine Democrats ran, a woman with a women's rights theme and a man who is a Presbyterian seminary student in his mid thirties. Both have histories in Texas politics. The man, Jame Talarico, won. He campaigned on the old theme of "let's listen and respect each other." But the headlines about him were not such old and tired ideas. They were new and refreshing. He said the Bible does not condemn either abortion or homosexuality. No button is hotter than that one. Nothing could set Republicans on edge more than a candidate saying such things. All the worse, he won with a big turnout. He did well with the black and Hispanic communities in Texas. Even Trump expressed outrage.   As a clergy-type persona, the "let's listen and respect one another" sounds a little more sincere or has a different quality than it might from someone else.  I wish I could be in Texas watc...

Being old like I am, news is repetitive and a little boring. What bores me now are Pete Hegseth and President Trump bragging about the damage done to Iran. To hear them tell it, Iran has no equipment left to retaliate. How does Iran continue to fight? How can it send bombs to countries that have sided with the U.S.? History tells us the answer.  During the Vietnam war, the news was the same. Big advances by the U.S. The "kill number" was big. So many more North Vietnamese were being killed than U.S. soldiers, a successful victory for the U.S. was inevitable. Our airplanes destroyed bridges and road used to supply North Vietnam's troops. This meant they would have no weapons or even food.  The North knew how to offset U. S. military power. They outfitted bicycles as tiny cargo carriers. When a road was bombed a small path was made and the bicycles moved through. They built tunnels safe from bombs. This went on until we were defeated and flew everyone out in a hurry. Neithe...