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Progressive Christian

2014-11-21T11:59:37-05:00

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.

Not Politically Correct, but Hilariously Funny: Read with a Sense of Humor

Last updated on: November 21, 2014 at 11:59 am By Christy Thomas

A VERY Republican friend of mine, knowing all too well my more liberal leanings, just sent me this. I have no idea who wrote it, but thought it was worth a Friday afternoon laugh. the nightmares In the nightmare I found myself nude in bed, and I was looking at a mirror. On the ceiling, and I discovered that I am a Negro, and I’m circumcised! Quickly I sat up, found my pants and looked in the pockets to find... Read more

2017-05-24T15:36:29-05:00

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.

Sick Day Mystery Worship: Sunday Morning Religious Programs

Last updated on: May 24, 2017 at 3:36 pm By Christy Thomas

I’m rarely ill, but last weekend reminded me that I am nonetheless not invincible. Honoring my shut-in status, I turned on the TV for my church, choosing local broadcast TV offerings. At 9 am, the glamorous, perfectly perky blonde Victoria Osteen burst on the screen, reminding us that she “can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” quoting Philippians 4:13. The broadcast segues to a promotion of Joel and Victoria’s soon-to-come Night of Hope (January 2, 2015, American Airlines... Read more

mystery worship

religion

Elevate Life Church

Joel and Victoria Osteen

Keith Craft

Prosperity Gospel

2017-05-24T15:52:33-05:00

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.

Society of Friends Mystery Worship: The Holy Conference Experienced

Last updated on: May 24, 2017 at 3:52 pm By Christy Thomas

As we learned more about the Society of Friends, I began to see why it had been so influential in the formation of the culture of the United States. In 1693 William Penn gave the property, now in the prime section of downtown Philadelphia, to the Society of Friends, known as Quakers. The meeting house was built later. Betsy Ross, that intrepid upholsterer who performed the renegade act of creating the first American flag, worshiped here. And I worshiped in that... Read more

2019-02-26T10:28:12-05:00

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.

The Separation of Sex and Procreation: What Can Separate Us from the Love of God?

Last updated on: February 26, 2019 at 10:28 am By Christy Thomas

The “Father of the Pill” is quoted in an article as saying that “he believes that the Pill will become obsolete because men and women will choose to freeze their eggs and sperm when young before being sterilised [sic].” He contends that IVF (in vitro fertilization) will become so common, safe and affordable that it will become the method of creating fully planned pregnancies AND will bring about healthier babies because the sperm and eggs will be younger when harvested.... Read more

2023-06-14T11:36:28-05:00

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.

Either My Way or the Highway #UMC: The Parable of the Spotted Sheep

Last updated on: June 14, 2023 at 11:36 am By Christy Thomas

After greeting the shepherd, the Landlord wandered through the sheep, looking more and perturbed, and finally saying, “What happened to the spotted sheep I gave you? I have just read John Lomperis extensive post on how The United Methodist Church is to move forward. It is a strong call to doctrinal purity, and, should it be adopted, will mean that any who don’t agree with the IRD (The Institute on Religion and Democracy, a heavily funded right-wing political group that... Read more

2017-05-25T11:22:17-05:00

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.

Glory of Zion: A Whirling Dervish of a Service

Last updated on: May 25, 2017 at 11:22 am By Christy Thomas

Glory of Zion: The songs, repetitive in nature, continued during the healing, the congregation hearing and singing over and over again, “You are holy,” or “Lord I want you to move me.” “Hover, hover, hover, hover, hover.” Over and over, the 24 piece band led the singing of “Hover” as the people danced, some collapsing in utter ecstasy, fainting in their seats. The flags and ribbons twirled while the African-influenced rhythmic music pounded. The congregation prayed and sang with passionate... Read more

2014-10-29T15:10:02-05:00

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.

Don't Tell Me Little Boys Can't Sit Still for Worship

Last updated on: October 29, 2014 at 3:10 pm By Christy Thomas

They sold 650 tickets, and it looked like every one showed up at the Episcopal Church of the incarnation in Dallas. Within minutes of the 3:45 door opening, the high-arched, stone-floored sanctuary of this Gothic revival church was nearly filled. The concert began at 4:30, and I felt for the late comers, even though I had been sitting by then for 45 minutes on the uncushioned dark wood pews. The discomfort would be worth it. I’d heard this particular group... Read more

church

mystery worship

Church of the Incarnation Dallas

The Choir of Westminster Abbey

2017-05-25T11:34:13-05:00

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 Six: A Nearly Perfect Experience

Last updated on: May 25, 2017 at 11:34 am By Christy Thomas

“The hour and forty minute service passed as though I had been there only a few moments.” Both my companions and I had the same reaction after discovering that the people of Friendship Baptist Church in The Colony actually lived up to their name, offering friendly greetings, hugs, handshakes and an experience of deep worship on Oct. 19, 2014. I had picked that church for this week’s visit primarily by time and location, needing an early service in eastern Denton... Read more

Friendship Baptist Church of The Colony

older clergy

technology in worship

2014-10-15T14:08:10-05:00

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 UMC is Such a Dismal Failure at Church Planting #UMC

Last updated on: October 15, 2014 at 2:08 pm By Christy Thomas

It was a moment of amazing clarity as I suddenly saw why the United Methodist Church has such a dismal record creating successful church plants. I am defining “successful” as a plant that is showing extensive growth to the point of needing to plant satellite campuses within a few years, has a number of young adults and children participating in it, and is financially self-sustaining. A little history here: Even before I retired from my full-time appointment, I had long... Read more

The United Methodist Church

UMC

2014-10-15T10:05:13-05:00

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 Five: Sound Bites and Church Plants

Last updated on: October 15, 2014 at 10:05 am By Christy Thomas

They needed 14 million two years ago; this past Sunday, they only needed 2.4 million to see their vision come fully to life. Two years ago, the leadership of Valley Creek Church (http://valleycreek.org/), based in Flower Mound, announced an ambitious plan: double the space in Flower Mound, open a Denton location, and set up a school in New Delhi, India to train local church planters. This past Sunday, October 12, was the two year missional anniversary of that vision and... Read more

Valley Creek Church Denton

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