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Politics and Religion

2023-10-17T12:26:59-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

When Multiple Lived Experiences Match the News and Research, It’s True

Last updated on: October 17, 2023 at 12:26 pm By Julie Nichols

From the start of COVID in 2020 through the current bans on books, I have seen a good number of misinformed statements about what is true and what is actually taking place or “Lived Reality.” When the publications and research match these lived experiences, this is where the truth resides. Between my husband and I, we both know of 12 people who died of COVID, most of who weren’t elderly but Black and Hispanic. Most of these 12 people were... Read more

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2023-10-16T10:42:52-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

My Primary Purpose in the Catholic Church

Last updated on: October 16, 2023 at 10:42 am By Julie Nichols

Good Morning, Morning Coffee always seems to ignite my writing. Today is no exception. After seven years of becoming Catholic out of conservative Anglicanism, I realize what my primary purpose is in the Catholic Church. This is to save as many Catholic Neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ lives and families as I possibly can. To be honest, there are times I want to bolt out the door. My family will not allow it; my friends will not allow it; and believe the... Read more

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2023-10-09T08:44:34-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Admitting I Was Wrong Saved Lives; A Call to Conservative Ministers and Laity

Last updated on: October 9, 2023 at 8:44 am By Julie Nichols

If you’ve read some of my past pieces in my Patheos column, you will find a number of references to my ministry with LGBTQ+ children/young adults and their families. What you may not know is my ultra-conservative views on matters of gender and sexuality until I faced this as a parent. Experiencing trauma within one’s own family will recalibrate our lenses and help us see the world differently. I am no exception to this. It’s no mistake that the Lord... Read more

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2023-10-06T09:08:30-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Staying Positive While Fascism Increases

Last updated on: October 6, 2023 at 9:08 am By Julie Nichols

Trying to stay positive is something I want to do and am trying to do. In times past, I’ve always looked to my faith in Christ and those who share a love for Him. Devastatingly so, it’s been difficult to find other Christians who oppose the increase of fascism and the toxicity of our current political climate. In all honesty, finding Texas Christians who oppose Trumpism, the rise in fascism, and want what is best for the Common Good of... Read more

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2023-11-11T07:01:17-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

If Adolf Hitler Were on the Ballot, Some Would Fully Support Him

Last updated on: November 11, 2023 at 7:01 am By Julie Nichols

As I drink my morning coffee, I’ve come to a cold reality, and it’s not an easy reality to admit. I truly believe that if Adolf Hitler were the front runner for the Republican party, there are a number of white American Christians (not all) who would not only vote for Adolf Hitler but campaign for him with full-throated support. I am very careful not to classify all Republicans this way because I adore my husband, and he is a... Read more

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2023-09-30T11:34:31-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I want to attend racially-mixed Churches, not All-White Republican Churches

Last updated on: September 30, 2023 at 11:34 am By Julie Nichols

I have faced a great reality; I am no longer able to regularly attend a mostly white Church which also leans Republican. I am happy to visit for the sake of my extended family, but I cannot and will not regularly be a part of a Church which leans mostly Republican, white, and nationalistic. This is why we attend the downtown Catholic Cathedral which is mostly Hispanic. Simply, I don’t want to be a part of a faith community which... Read more

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2023-09-26T19:07:21-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A Candle Prayer of Protection–Part of the Church is Obsessed with Sex

Last updated on: September 26, 2023 at 7:07 pm By Julie Nichols

I know my faith teaches me not to fear, to not be afraid, but I am, especially here in Texas in our current political climate. Not only is it challenging to parent my LGBTQ+ own young adult children, assist other Catholic parents of LGBTQ+ kids, but it is also challenging to do so in the state of Texas. This challenge has nothing to do with my kids actually being gay. This is almost solely to do with how families like... Read more

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2023-09-24T07:54:15-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Cost of Life by Not Reconciling with LGBTQ+ People

Last updated on: September 24, 2023 at 7:54 am By Julie Nichols

In my practice as an Educational Therapist, ongoing training is a necessity. Within the last few years,... Read more

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2023-09-17T17:32:21-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

March Letter written to my local clergy (minus names)–Many Texas Catholic Churches (slightly edited)

Last updated on: September 17, 2023 at 5:32 pm By Julie Nichols

Dearest ____________________, 3-30-2023 I hope you both are doing well. I write to you today because due to very recent statements and legislation, both in civil society and ecclesial settings, families like mine (Neurodivergent, mentally handicapped, and LGBTQIA+ families) are currently in clear danger. These current statements and legislation are increasing violence against our families, increasing suicides, increasing harm, and increasing disparity. Every single major medical association in the world says to accept, love, include our families for the way... Read more

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2023-09-02T18:23:31-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Becoming a Progressive Catholic in 7 Years Thanks to Catholic Social Teaching

Last updated on: September 2, 2023 at 6:23 pm By Julie Nichols

Looking back in retrospect over the last 7 years, in some regards, my faith and practice as a Catholic have barely survived the growing threat of fascism in the Church, the mass exodus of young people leaving the Church over this, attacks from me becoming an LGBTQ+ ally, being a supportive Catholic mother of LGBTQ+ kids, the fierce surge of anti-intellectualism and anti-science in the Church, and calling out the Catholic/Religious Right for their support of fascism/Trumpism. To say that... Read more

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