John Pate
@johnpate.bsky.social
Apostolic ministry, reformer, dad x2. North Carolina.
Substack: "Experiential Christianity" - https://substack.com/@jpate
Book: http://bit.ly/42zNsXa
Substack: "Experiential Christianity" - https://substack.com/@jpate
Book: http://bit.ly/42zNsXa
I finally wrote down the story of the whiteboard prank that got me downgraded from an A to a B — and what it taught me about the political shift inside Christian institutions.
jpate.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
#Christianity #Evangelical #Fundamentalism #ReligionAndPolitics #FaithJourney
jpate.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
#Christianity #Evangelical #Fundamentalism #ReligionAndPolitics #FaithJourney
Lessons From a Whiteboard: How One Christian College Prank Revealed a Much Bigger Problem
Some conservative religious institutions are built not on teaching people how to think, but telling them what to think — and punishing deviation.
jpate.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:09 PM
I finally wrote down the story of the whiteboard prank that got me downgraded from an A to a B — and what it taught me about the political shift inside Christian institutions.
jpate.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
#Christianity #Evangelical #Fundamentalism #ReligionAndPolitics #FaithJourney
jpate.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
#Christianity #Evangelical #Fundamentalism #ReligionAndPolitics #FaithJourney
In the insanity of this season, you need to focus on sane and important things -- family and friends -- as Peter Pan would say, "Happy thoughts."
November 14, 2025 at 12:09 PM
In the insanity of this season, you need to focus on sane and important things -- family and friends -- as Peter Pan would say, "Happy thoughts."
Yesterday I fed tons of my data and 40+ experiences with Right-Wing Christianity into ChatGPT, including my interpretation of several Biblical narratives such as "Elijah and the Prophets of Baal." The AI returned: "Only God can make it rain." And, "MARA" -- "Make America Rain Again." How's that?
November 13, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Yesterday I fed tons of my data and 40+ experiences with Right-Wing Christianity into ChatGPT, including my interpretation of several Biblical narratives such as "Elijah and the Prophets of Baal." The AI returned: "Only God can make it rain." And, "MARA" -- "Make America Rain Again." How's that?
Guys: I’ve started sharing some new reflections over on Substack — short essays on faith, life, and what it means to stay spiritually awake in today's craziness. You’re welcome to drop by: [https://substack.com/@jpate]
November 11, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Guys: I’ve started sharing some new reflections over on Substack — short essays on faith, life, and what it means to stay spiritually awake in today's craziness. You’re welcome to drop by: [https://substack.com/@jpate]
I still think this is the most absurd epithet. If you're not "woke," you must be "asleep, "comatose," or worse.
November 8, 2025 at 4:05 PM
I still think this is the most absurd epithet. If you're not "woke," you must be "asleep, "comatose," or worse.
About 30 years ago, Fundamentalists "took over" the seminary from which I graduated. I ignored that issue. But now, that Fundamentalism has reached up to me through the political realm. "Shaking off the dust.." means a "complete dissociation." Only do that if your compassion exceeds your offence.
November 7, 2025 at 3:52 PM
About 30 years ago, Fundamentalists "took over" the seminary from which I graduated. I ignored that issue. But now, that Fundamentalism has reached up to me through the political realm. "Shaking off the dust.." means a "complete dissociation." Only do that if your compassion exceeds your offence.
In the image: Substitute "Jesus" for "Trump" and you'll have it. "Christian Nationalism" is just a paring for "Christian Fundamentalism." You guys need to learn, and learn it fast, like right now: That Christianity is not about imposing your stuff on others - it's about freedom and liberty.
November 5, 2025 at 11:50 AM
In the image: Substitute "Jesus" for "Trump" and you'll have it. "Christian Nationalism" is just a paring for "Christian Fundamentalism." You guys need to learn, and learn it fast, like right now: That Christianity is not about imposing your stuff on others - it's about freedom and liberty.
The shutdown has deeper aspects: There’s a strategic ecosystem that benefits from keeping government discredited and Americans frustrated. Perhaps a strategy, at the cost of suffering, to strengthen their base. Perhaps why Trump and the Speaker seem aloof. A party's primary goal: to retain power.
November 3, 2025 at 8:27 PM
The shutdown has deeper aspects: There’s a strategic ecosystem that benefits from keeping government discredited and Americans frustrated. Perhaps a strategy, at the cost of suffering, to strengthen their base. Perhaps why Trump and the Speaker seem aloof. A party's primary goal: to retain power.
Probably unwise to post selfies of semi-nudes, fat guys, or sexually suggestive. File this under, "How to limit my audience size in BS."
November 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Probably unwise to post selfies of semi-nudes, fat guys, or sexually suggestive. File this under, "How to limit my audience size in BS."
How many of those 5,000 could have afforded to buy their own lunch? Many. While SNAP/EBT, Section 8 housing, etc., are all great programs, they are cold and heartless, minimal helps. When you are in the supermarket, be alert. You might be able to make a massive difference in someone's life.
November 3, 2025 at 12:44 PM
How many of those 5,000 could have afforded to buy their own lunch? Many. While SNAP/EBT, Section 8 housing, etc., are all great programs, they are cold and heartless, minimal helps. When you are in the supermarket, be alert. You might be able to make a massive difference in someone's life.
Patrimonialism (or "strongman") may be the best term to describe the form of government Trump is trying to create. Patrimonialism brings in elements of dictatorship, monarchy, but patrimonialism focuses heavily on relationships (often corrupt) and control or ownership of state property and funds.
October 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Patrimonialism (or "strongman") may be the best term to describe the form of government Trump is trying to create. Patrimonialism brings in elements of dictatorship, monarchy, but patrimonialism focuses heavily on relationships (often corrupt) and control or ownership of state property and funds.
People are fond of complaining about AI. When I was in college in the '80s, spell-check became popular in word processing software. Can't remember if anyone fussed about that back then.
October 28, 2025 at 4:21 PM
People are fond of complaining about AI. When I was in college in the '80s, spell-check became popular in word processing software. Can't remember if anyone fussed about that back then.
I noticed a number of flags hanging in my gym - one was an American flag.
I noticed it contained the colors, "red" and "blue." And the flag is called the flag of the UNITED States.
I'm not sure what the problem is? We're fighting the Civil War all over again. I guess that's what we like to do?
I noticed it contained the colors, "red" and "blue." And the flag is called the flag of the UNITED States.
I'm not sure what the problem is? We're fighting the Civil War all over again. I guess that's what we like to do?
October 27, 2025 at 2:25 PM
I noticed a number of flags hanging in my gym - one was an American flag.
I noticed it contained the colors, "red" and "blue." And the flag is called the flag of the UNITED States.
I'm not sure what the problem is? We're fighting the Civil War all over again. I guess that's what we like to do?
I noticed it contained the colors, "red" and "blue." And the flag is called the flag of the UNITED States.
I'm not sure what the problem is? We're fighting the Civil War all over again. I guess that's what we like to do?
Reposted by John Pate
Just in case you wanted to know if what you are feeling is right. You are; it is. Once their hero, Evangelicals have completely abandoned Billy's remarkable wisdom.
October 17, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Just in case you wanted to know if what you are feeling is right. You are; it is. Once their hero, Evangelicals have completely abandoned Billy's remarkable wisdom.
Invading the Super Bowl, of all things, is a really, really bad idea.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/a...
Kristi Noem Says ICE Will Be ‘All Over’ the Super Bowl
www.nytimes.com
October 5, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Invading the Super Bowl, of all things, is a really, really bad idea.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/a...
The healthcare issue has had a long, sordid history. In case you are interested..
www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2017/le...
www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2017/le...
Lessons on Universal Coverage from an Unexpected Advocate: Richard Nixon
Debate continues about how best to reform the U.S. health care system, including over the roles that federal and state governments and private insurance markets should play in providing coverage. As p...
www.commonwealthfund.org
October 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM
The healthcare issue has had a long, sordid history. In case you are interested..
www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2017/le...
www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2017/le...
They can call it "Conservativism," but it's really Fundamentalism in nicer clothes. Welcome to the world of euphemisms.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
Duke Was Paring Back Diversity Programs. Trump Targeted It Anyway.
www.nytimes.com
October 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
They can call it "Conservativism," but it's really Fundamentalism in nicer clothes. Welcome to the world of euphemisms.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
Many news outlets will report: The economy is good! The stock market is up! Consumer confidence is high! Really? Dig deeper.
This CarMax issue *could* have a chilling effect upon the entire US car market heading into 2026. Just my two cents..
www.wsj.com/business/ret...
This CarMax issue *could* have a chilling effect upon the entire US car market heading into 2026. Just my two cents..
www.wsj.com/business/ret...
CarMax Profit Sinks on Weaker Used Car Sales
The used car retailer’s sales fell sharply in the second quarter, coming down to Earth following a first-quarter spike that was fueled by tariff uncertainty.
www.wsj.com
September 30, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Many news outlets will report: The economy is good! The stock market is up! Consumer confidence is high! Really? Dig deeper.
This CarMax issue *could* have a chilling effect upon the entire US car market heading into 2026. Just my two cents..
www.wsj.com/business/ret...
This CarMax issue *could* have a chilling effect upon the entire US car market heading into 2026. Just my two cents..
www.wsj.com/business/ret...
"Former?? Source: Google AI.
"A 'budget time bomb': In July 2025, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 President Trump signed a Republican budget bill."
"A 'budget time bomb': In July 2025, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 President Trump signed a Republican budget bill."
September 28, 2025 at 5:58 PM
"Former?? Source: Google AI.
"A 'budget time bomb': In July 2025, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 President Trump signed a Republican budget bill."
"A 'budget time bomb': In July 2025, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 President Trump signed a Republican budget bill."
Nice article, but debating a debater is totally a waste of time. Don't ask me how I know that..
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
See How Charlie Kirk’s Debate Style Worked
A close read of some of Mr. Kirk’s most viral exchanges shows an approach that was polished and skillful — if not always fair.
www.nytimes.com
September 27, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Nice article, but debating a debater is totally a waste of time. Don't ask me how I know that..
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
“This has nothing to do with antisemitism, and everything to do with capitulating,” Peyrin Kao, a Berkeley lecturer who was included in the files that went to the federal government, told regents last week.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/27/u...
Give In or Fight Back? Colleges Are Torn on How to Respond to Trump.
www.nytimes.com
September 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM
“This has nothing to do with antisemitism, and everything to do with capitulating,” Peyrin Kao, a Berkeley lecturer who was included in the files that went to the federal government, told regents last week.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/27/u...
Would this work? China normally buys the farmers' bumper crop of soybeans to use as cattle feed but Brazil and Argentina are cheaper b/c of Trump tariffs. Instead of Trump giving $$, how about giving the farmers cows? Grind up the soybeans, feed the cows, then I could buy hamburger cheap again.
September 25, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Would this work? China normally buys the farmers' bumper crop of soybeans to use as cattle feed but Brazil and Argentina are cheaper b/c of Trump tariffs. Instead of Trump giving $$, how about giving the farmers cows? Grind up the soybeans, feed the cows, then I could buy hamburger cheap again.
