From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
Today, Insightful Fugelsang reminds us yet again of one of God’s great instructions:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31 and Luke 10:27)
“This a commandment, not an option. It’s an order that transcends social boundaries, identities, and comfort levels.”
“Jesus goes out of his way to preach compassion for any outsiders a society has decided it’s allowed to hate.” p. 140
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I used to cringe a bit when I saw those “Free Hugs” folks with their little pro bono posters and offerings, but I have come to appreciate their kindness and all-inclusive acceptance.
Here are a Few Hugs:
Robert and my father, 96, before he passed away.Grandson Daniel and me, after I roasted him at his high school graduation dinner back in June.Our kitty cats, Boopers and Benny Daughter Amy and Granddaughter MadisonDaughter Amy and , well, … 50 CentsGrandson Gabriel and Nana (ex-wife Donna)HR and granddaughter IsabelleRobert and me
Lesson to self: We need to spread our hugs out further.
From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
Today, Fugelsang reminds us that “Jesus tells his followers to feed the hungry and care for the sick—not to pray that someone else will do it. Offering ‘thoughts and prayers’ for the poor is … a convenient substitute for tangible help or systemic solutions. Prayer is supposed to be a way to seek guidance, not an excuse for inaction.” p. 199
Ouch!
Fugelsang goes on: “Jesus’s brother nails why faith without works doesn’t work in James 2:15-17: ‘Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.” p. 199
From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
Fugelsang remembers: “I was raised to believe that the opposite of faith is not doubt, as doubt is an essential part of any real faith journey.”
“The opposite of faith iscertainity.” Separation of church and hate. p. 53.
I love Fugelsang’s brief declaration of truth, which reminds me of Shakespeare’s also-famous and truthful line: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”
Absolute Certainty can get us in all kinds of trouble!
Fugelsang continues: “Extremists of all faiths (or none) are raised in, and live with, supreme and absolute certainty. They don’t think they’re better than you; they know for a fact that God thinks they’re better than you.” p. 53
“Life’s pretty simple for the authoritarian Christian. Since most of their opinions happen to also be God’s opinions— and they believe that they’re the folks who get to speak for God—they generally feel divinely obliged to control whatever part of society they see fit. Y’ know, for God.”
“And if you’re one of the anointed who speaks for the Almighty, eventually you’re liable to believe that anyone who opposes you is, logically, on the side of Satan. And God’s true people are never going to sit down and negotiate things like school curriculum, women’s rights, or marriage equality with Lucifer. People who’ve been conditioned to think you’re on the side of the devil aren’t permitted to meet you halfway.” p. 54
Ouch!
May we all be willing to meet each other halfway this Holiday Season — and beyond.
Last night at the Jepsen Center for the Arts lighting of the Christmas tree here in Savannah. 
From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s “Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
Today: Another part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5:3-12) commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes”
Author John Fugelsang writes: “And get a load of these BEATITUDES.
Jesus opens the Sermon with a series of blessings that represent his foundational teachings and core values. Each line begins with the word ‘blessed,’ which can also be translated as ‘happy,’ ‘fortunate,’ or even ‘lucky.’
Jesus pronounces his blessings upon specific groups of people. He focuses on the poor and marginalized; he praises nonviolence and peace-making, radical love, mercy, and inclusion; and he pretty much takes down the status quo.” Separation of Church and Hate p. 25
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
3. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Fugelsang jokes: “Imagine the hecklers: ‘Meh, I didn’t trudge all the way up Mount of Beatitudes just to hear some virtue signaling from Woke Jesus.’” p. 25
“The Beatitudes are Jesus’s own guide for ethical conduct in Christian life.” p. 25
May we all be Harmonious and “Beatitude-ish Peacemakers” this Holiday Season — and beyond.
A few of my Photos of Peace:
Inside the Mighty Eighth Museum Chapel, Savannah GAPeacefully Playing
From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
Fugelsang explains that “The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) teaches Jesus’ followers to treat others as they would like to be treated. Which covers all cruelty, exploitation, domination, and discrimination. He makes it very clear that anyone who claims to follow him doesn’t get to hate anybody, ever, for any reason, no matter what.” Separation of Church and Hate p. 25
Wow, that is wild! Hate, then, is not an option if we earnestly desire to follow good in the world. To be good in the world.
I’ve always found it fascinating and encouraging that most religions and ethical ideologies have some form of The Golden Rule.
Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.”
Buddhism: “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”
Islam: “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself”
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Our current political parties (both!) more often than not turn a blind eye to Jesus’ clear instruction.
For example, Monday’s remembrance of World AIDS Day took on more seriousness and urgency as the Trump administration (often claiming adherence to the Bible and the example of JC) cancelled the annual Dec. 1 observance. Presidents have acknowledged World AIDS Day for more than 30 years.
Is cancellation how they want to be treated? How we want to be treated?
May we all this holiday season and always lean toward this Rule of Love and Light.
From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you’re interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
My Countdown to Christmas series this year is inspired by a recent simple book recommendation from dear friends Jo and Kathi. “You HAVE to read Separation of Church and Hate! It’s FULL of truth, and it’s often laugh-out-loud funny!”
I Googled the book and saw the full, never-ending title: Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.
“Whoa,” I thought, “That title sounds far too Holiday Heavy.”
But then Robert and I started to read, and we were absolutely flabbergasted by the clear, undeniable truth and push for lovingkindness presented by author John Fugelsang. (And yes, I have laughed out loud many a time during our read.)
So I plan to share with you a quote and its truth from the book each day starting today, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day.
An Advent Calendar, of sorts.
And of course, I realize that everyone is not Christian or religious. That many folks have had awful and problematic issues with organized religion. I get that. And we’ve experienced the same thing. But we are happy today to have found an inclusive, love-embracing and creatively fun congregation here in Savannah, Asbury Memorial.
If possible, may you receive the kernels of truth in these posts without being bogged down by the “Christian-ness” of them.
And may Christmas 2025 for us ALL be a season of pulling away from hatred — and embracing all-encompassing, inclusive Love.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22: 36-37
Love, then, is the apex of the Christian faith, and I would surmise at the apex of every faith or even non-faith (if that makes a lick of sense).
1. Realizing last Saturday night that I can, as Cher so desperately wished, turn back time.
Goodbye, daylight savings time.
2. Embracing (well not literally) the Joy of Candles! Especially autumnal pumpkin spice-smelling candles.
(My heart was a bit broken recently when I discovered that pumpkin spice really has nothing to do with actual pumpkins. It’s called “pumpkin spice,” of course, because those spices are frequently found in pumpkin pie. Wouldn’t you think someone my age would know that?)
3. The ability to smell. (Well, most of the time.)
4. Our little potted Japanese Maple (aka JM), stubbornly refusing to admit that it is now FALL.
Here’s our little fellow about this time last year …
I haven’t shown the photo to JM. I don’t want to rush him and be one of those parents who cause their kids to develop “hurried child syndrome.”
5. And finally, this is a follow-up to my post the other day about finding those little Jesus figurines (!) on the gas pump at Kroger. Remember?
Well, yesterday HR and I went to Publix for our weekly It’s-Wednesday’s-buy-one-get-one-free shopping spree.
We were minding our own business, when lo and behold, I looked down at the BOGO queso and saw …
Wait. Look closer.
See Him?!
Yet another Little Jesus! Seriously!
I made Robert snap a photo for documentation (quickly, because people were beginning to stare.)
Somebody must SERIOUSLY be on a mission here in Savannah.
And may you complete a Serious Mission to find some Autumn Happiness this weekend.
NealEnJoy 