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Progressive Christian

2018-03-13T10:05:42-05:00

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.

Part Three: From the Personal to the Public, the UMC disaster

Last updated on: March 13, 2018 at 10:05 am By Christy Thomas

The UMC disaster: we are self-destructing instead of splitting. Intentionally over-simplifying the situation, there are two general positions. Each side stands firmly in its own bubble, not respecting the legitimately reached perspectives of the other. Note: this is the third of a three-part post. Part One: Reflections One Year Post Retirement: Out of the Christian Bubble. is here. Part Two: Into the Sapphire Bubble is here. Let’s move momentarily from this very personal and private experience to public problems facing... Read more

The United Methodist Church

traditional vs progressive Christianity

UMC

2019-08-04T17:15:11-05:00

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.

Part Two: Into the Sapphire Bubble

Last updated on: August 4, 2019 at 5:15 pm By Christy Thomas

Note: this is the second of a three part post. Part One: Reflections on Retirement: Out of the Christian Bubble is here. Part Three, From the Personal to the Public, the UMC Disaster, is here. So this smart, successful and opinionated Polish/Catholic/Jew and I stand on opposite ends of the political divide. Hardly the only difference between us, but certainly a major one. And we argue a lot about this. Except . . . he refuses to call our grenade-lobbying interchanges “arguments”... Read more

The United Methodist Church

traditional vs progressive Christianity

UMC

2018-03-13T10:01:05-05:00

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.

Reflections One Year Post Retirement: Out of the Christian Bubble

Last updated on: March 13, 2018 at 10:01 am By Christy Thomas

As I walked through those doors, I saw my Christian bubble becoming thinner, far more permeable to the words and ideas of others, and less attractive to me. Note: this is the first of a three part post. Part Two: Into the Sapphire Bubble is here. Part Three, From the Personal to the Public, the UMC Disaster, is here. On December 29, 2013, I said “goodbye” to the very much beloved congregation in Krum, TX, where I had served since 2006. ... Read more

The United Methodist Church

traditional vs progressive Christianity

UMC

2017-05-24T15:09:16-05:00

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.

Denton Mystery Worship Eleven: Reflections on The Messiah and Methodism

Last updated on: May 24, 2017 at 3:09 pm By Christy Thomas

[Note: I am working on assignment for the Denton Record Chronicle to visit different places of worship weekly and write about my experiences. Those columns can be found here. Full disclosure: I am affiliated with the church described below and both know and am known by many. Several greeted me saying, “It’s our turn to be written about!] I looked up the steep, stone steps to the sanctuary at First United Methodist, Denton, and thought, “While I know there is... Read more

The United Methodist Church

UMC

2017-05-24T15:20:06-05:00

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.

Denton Mystery Worship Ten: The Passive Performance, Baptist-Style

Last updated on: May 24, 2017 at 3:20 pm By Christy Thomas

An hour and 10 minute service, including high-sound Christmas music and a high-speed 40 minute sermon, left me a bit overwhelmed when I emerged from early worship at First Baptist Church, Denton this past Sunday morning. I had been greeted at the door by the friend of a friend, who happily welcomed and escorted me into the large sanctuary. The green carpet, green pew cushions, brick walls and the simple buff colored pillars set off the Christmas decorations. The stage,... Read more

2014-12-09T16:32:06-05:00

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.

Deliver Me From Temptation

Last updated on: December 9, 2014 at 4:32 pm By Christy Thomas

In dismay, I looked at the grocery total I had run up at Trader Joe’s and said, “I only came in here for a few things.” The checker responded, “Welcome to the number one impulse buy store in the nation.” Yeah, no kidding. How does anyone keep their heads above the financial waters this time of year? I’ve not had broadcast TV in over a year, but recently, thanks to a handy friend who purchased and installed an antenna, I... Read more

2017-05-24T15:26:09-05:00

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.

Denton Mystery Worship Nine: Incense, Bells, Exclusion, and the Economy

Last updated on: May 24, 2017 at 3:26 pm By Christy Thomas

“Advent is not Christmas. We want the celebration of the day without the hard work of preparation.” With these words, the Rev. Kathryn Thompson, Rector, began her first Sunday in Advent message at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Lewisville Texas. Car trouble delayed our arrival, so the service had already begun by the time we walked in. Our footsteps echoed on the ceramic tile floor of the simple brick and stucco sanctuary, which seats approximately 150. It was... Read more

gluten-free Communion

Liturgy of the Sacrament

Santa

2014-12-04T15:59:23-05:00

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.

Promiscuous Love

Last updated on: December 4, 2014 at 3:59 pm By Christy Thomas

This time of year when the acorns and pecans cover sidewalks liberally here in North Texas, I start thinking about how nature, with its powerful urge to reproduce itself, shows us much about the nature of God’s love. There is so much of it that we can trample on it and still have plenty left over to feed wildlife abundantly and see many new trees sprout in the spring. The nuts fall apparently without discernment–they are not parceled out or... Read more

2017-05-24T15:32:01-05:00

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.

Denton Mystery Worship Eight: A Muslim Experience, Misery for Women

Last updated on: May 24, 2017 at 3:32 pm By Christy Thomas

The entire set up of the mosque says, “Women have no value.” Body language, the hiddenness of that which is female, the building structure all say, “Women, don’t bother.” “It’s God’s will that a woman’s head and arms be covered.” Well, I had worn a headscarf, but it was sheer, and realized too late that my three-quarter length sleeves were also inadequate. That was my beginning of a fascinating, but personally challenging, worship service at the Denton Islamic Study Center.... Read more

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female exclusion

Islamic Society of North Texas

Muslim

Muslim male prayer credits

2014-11-24T09:06:44-05:00

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 Stress Free Christmas: Five Ways to Keep Santa in the Season

Last updated on: November 24, 2014 at 9:06 am By Christy Thomas

Happy holiday time has arrived. Way too many folks suffer unnecessary stress during this time, mainly because of a lack of focus on the really important center, which is, of course, Santa, gifts, family and fun. However, we all face multiple distractions which dilute the reasons for the season. So, below, you will five suggestions that, faithfully followed, will guarantee a relaxed, fun Christmas celebration free of distraction. ONE: MUSIC Choose carefully the kinds of seasonal music surrounding you and... Read more

the reason for the season

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