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freedhearts

2024-09-30T13:48:02-05:00

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 Election: Is This Palpable Excitement or Abject Terror?

Last updated on: September 30, 2024 at 1:48 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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As we are just a month away from a truly critical, historic election, I’m struck by a deep, swirling feeling. Is it incredible excitement or is it overwhelming fear. Why are these two emotions so intertwined as we gaze ahead? On one hand, we hold this wonderful hope — that maybe we’ll see the arc of justice bend a bit more. Maybe this election will be the one where love wins over hate, inclusion over division, and we finally begin... Read more

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2024-09-29T15:10:28-05:00

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.

Finding Hope in the Chaos of the Election & Social Media

Last updated on: September 29, 2024 at 3:10 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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You know, I used to think elections were a time for us to come together as a society, to discuss what matters most, and to seek the common good. But lately, it feels like every election is a battleground. It brings out the very worst in us, doesn’t it? Instead of connection, we’re divided. Instead of listening, we’re shouting. Social media, a tool with such potential to bridge our differences, has become a megaphone for our ugliest instincts. Let’s be... Read more

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2024-09-10T09:22:12-05:00

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.

Christian Nationalism is Distorting Christ’s Message

Last updated on: September 10, 2024 at 9:22 am   By Robert Cottrell

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In the heart of America, Christian nationalism is eroding the very essence of our values. Masquerading as faith, it poses a significant danger by distorting the beliefs and teachings of Jesus. As the co-founder of FreedHearts, I’ve been a witness to the insidious effects of Christian nationalism. It is a movement that intertwines religious identity with political power, elevating the interests of a chosen few above the welfare of all, including the welfare of the LGBTQ+ community, especially youth, especially... Read more

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2024-08-15T08:01:18-05:00

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.

Why the Idea of a Literal Inerrant Bible Diminishes God

Last updated on: August 15, 2024 at 8:01 am   By Robert Cottrell

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The Bible is a collection of stories, poems, letters, and teachings that have evolved over centuries. The idea that it is a literal, inerrant text is not only historically inaccurate but also overlooks the rich, diverse, and beautiful history of these writings. The inerrancy of the Bible is a myth that does a disservice to the depth of the texts and of God. A History of Edits and Changes The Bible wasn’t handed down from heaven in a complete form.... Read more

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2024-07-29T08:19:01-05:00

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.

Holding Onto Hope in Uncertain Times

Last updated on: July 29, 2024 at 8:19 am   By Robert Cottrell

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Life is full of challenges that test our resilience, from personal losses and financial hardships to global crises and political turmoil. These moments can leave us feeling defeated, but hope is an essential, life-sustaining force that can carry us through. Let’s talk about how we can nurture hope when everything seems bleak. The Power of Hope Hope is more than wishful thinking; it’s a crucial psychological tool. It boosts our mental health, strengthens our immune system, and helps us recover... Read more

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2024-07-17T14:51:38-05:00

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.

Embracing DEI: A Call for Followers of Jesus

Last updated on: July 17, 2024 at 2:51 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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When we talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we’re talking about the heart of Jesus’ message. If you claim to follow Jesus, embracing DEI is not optional—it’s essential. These principles aren’t just trendy buzzwords; they’re deeply rooted in the core values of love, justice, and compassion that Jesus embodied. Let’s break it down. Diversity: Reflecting the Image of God The Bible tells us that God created every human being in His image (Genesis 1:27). That means every person, regardless... Read more

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2024-06-24T11:20:28-05:00

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.

Why the Church is Nothing Like Jesus!

Last updated on: June 24, 2024 at 11:20 am   By Robert Cottrell

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If you claim to follow of Jesus, then you are called to love without limits, show grace, and walk humbly with God. But as we listen to and watch many conservative, evangelical Christians today, they don’t reflect Jesus. Not at all. In fact, it’s often in complete contrast to his life and teachings. If you are in that part of the Christian church, come on… it’s time for honesty. Seriously. The Gap Between Jesus and the Church Jesus lived a... Read more

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2024-06-07T10:31:58-05:00

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.

Honoring the Pulse Shooting: Choose Love in a Time of Hate

Last updated on: June 7, 2024 at 10:31 am   By Robert Cottrell

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As another anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting approaches, it’s time to stop and honor the 49 beautiful souls taken from us on June 12, 2016. Pulse was more than a nightclub; it was a sanctuary, a place of love and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. That night shattered lives and broke hearts, not just in Orlando but around the world. Today, with hate and division on the rise, remembering Pulse is more important than ever. A Moment of Unity... Read more

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2024-05-28T08:33:08-05:00

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.

Jesus: The Original Deconstructionist

Last updated on: May 28, 2024 at 8:33 am   By Robert Cottrell

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In the church, the term “deconstruction” often evokes images of modern critics and thinkers challenging established norms. However, a closer examination of the New Testament reveals that Jesus might be considered one of history’s most profound deconstructionists. His approach to the religious leaders, the law, and the interpretation of scripture highlights a radical departure from the rigid, rule-based faith, urging a deeper, Spirit-led understanding of God’s heart and will. Challenging Religious Authorities Jesus’ interactions with the religious leaders of his... Read more

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2024-05-14T08:26:33-05:00

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.

What is a Christian to do with the Queer Community?

Last updated on: May 14, 2024 at 8:26 am   By Susan Cottrell

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When two of our five children first came out, I was… let’s see, what’s the word? I wasn’t sad exactly, or even scared, but I was unprepared—that’s it. I was unprepared because our evangelical church involvement the previous twenty years had not prepared me. LGBTQ+ was not yet the bone of contention between “true believers and apostates” (to use conservative church terms)—it was 2010—so it wasn’t vilified from the pulpit, but we all just knew being queer would not be... Read more

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