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
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 1:26 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?
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
"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."
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.
My two cents: I have been a Christian for about 50 years and a ministry leader for many years. I'm fringe. While I speak kindly and am honoring of all people (as Jesus was), I (and my like-minded colleagues) receive very few invitations to speak, because I (politely) cut into fixed traditions...
September 18, 2025 at 2:19 PM
My two cents: I have been a Christian for about 50 years and a ministry leader for many years. I'm fringe. While I speak kindly and am honoring of all people (as Jesus was), I (and my like-minded colleagues) receive very few invitations to speak, because I (politely) cut into fixed traditions...
Yes, a price increase for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is highly expected... Factors such as the cost of new technology, improved powertrains, and >>potentially higher tariffs<< on imported vehicle parts could contribute to the higher price tag. MAGites: Send me money. Thanks.
September 8, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Yes, a price increase for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is highly expected... Factors such as the cost of new technology, improved powertrains, and >>potentially higher tariffs<< on imported vehicle parts could contribute to the higher price tag. MAGites: Send me money. Thanks.
$1.71. Really? "Justify this please." Ebay: "We can't, so we're wiping out the charge."
Living in the wild, wild, west.. Post-COVID $$ fun.
Living in the wild, wild, west.. Post-COVID $$ fun.
August 29, 2025 at 8:11 PM
$1.71. Really? "Justify this please." Ebay: "We can't, so we're wiping out the charge."
Living in the wild, wild, west.. Post-COVID $$ fun.
Living in the wild, wild, west.. Post-COVID $$ fun.
In Mark 11 we find Jesus "cursing" a fig tree. The next day, His followers see it withered. Many "high-end" Christian teachers use that passage to illustrate, "sometimes what Jesus says is delayed." Not so. That tree died immediately. Any newly chopped down tree will "look alive" for a short while.
August 24, 2025 at 2:27 PM
In Mark 11 we find Jesus "cursing" a fig tree. The next day, His followers see it withered. Many "high-end" Christian teachers use that passage to illustrate, "sometimes what Jesus says is delayed." Not so. That tree died immediately. Any newly chopped down tree will "look alive" for a short while.
This is an image a Texas Conservative group posted on FB. I used to admire Texas Republicans as the Christian Jesus-loves-you party but no more. They have long lost their way.
August 20, 2025 at 1:50 PM
This is an image a Texas Conservative group posted on FB. I used to admire Texas Republicans as the Christian Jesus-loves-you party but no more. They have long lost their way.
Just a heads up: There is quite the MAGA push on social media to abolish the IRS. The numbers won't work unless you have 100% tariffs or kill IRS, kill ICE, kill DHS, Medicare, SS, and most of the military. Like most MAGA ideas, it's a ludicrous mythological plan for stress-relief.
August 15, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Just a heads up: There is quite the MAGA push on social media to abolish the IRS. The numbers won't work unless you have 100% tariffs or kill IRS, kill ICE, kill DHS, Medicare, SS, and most of the military. Like most MAGA ideas, it's a ludicrous mythological plan for stress-relief.
"Christian Nationalism" is not "Christian." Sorry to say. The word "Christian" has been hijacked by a certain caste of political people. It's not a new thing; the idea of marrying religion and politics predates Jesus. Most of you are aware forcing a set of beliefs upon others is not "Christian."
August 14, 2025 at 6:16 PM
"Christian Nationalism" is not "Christian." Sorry to say. The word "Christian" has been hijacked by a certain caste of political people. It's not a new thing; the idea of marrying religion and politics predates Jesus. Most of you are aware forcing a set of beliefs upon others is not "Christian."
Young people: Sadly, the "Christianity" you're mostly seeing now is *pseudo-Christianity" - not the real thing. I'm a child of two revivals - the "Jesus Movement" and the "Toronto/S. America" awakenings. Those were deep seasons of holiness. To find the real deal now, you have to search diligently.
August 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Young people: Sadly, the "Christianity" you're mostly seeing now is *pseudo-Christianity" - not the real thing. I'm a child of two revivals - the "Jesus Movement" and the "Toronto/S. America" awakenings. Those were deep seasons of holiness. To find the real deal now, you have to search diligently.
Yay! Costco found a way around Rump! Unadvertised deal here in NC. Nice dark roast. Great bloom, punchy but not that "burnt" taste. 1 yr. X date. So I'll be back to fill up my cart :) Beat out Rumpy.
August 14, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Yay! Costco found a way around Rump! Unadvertised deal here in NC. Nice dark roast. Great bloom, punchy but not that "burnt" taste. 1 yr. X date. So I'll be back to fill up my cart :) Beat out Rumpy.
WOKE: >>Past tense and past participle of wake<<
I am "woke" meaning I'm not asleep, comatose, or dead like some others like to be.
I don't have to abide by the "urban dictionary." The asleep people thought they were creating a derogatory label when in fact, I use it as a blessing.
I am "woke" meaning I'm not asleep, comatose, or dead like some others like to be.
I don't have to abide by the "urban dictionary." The asleep people thought they were creating a derogatory label when in fact, I use it as a blessing.
August 12, 2025 at 2:50 PM
WOKE: >>Past tense and past participle of wake<<
I am "woke" meaning I'm not asleep, comatose, or dead like some others like to be.
I don't have to abide by the "urban dictionary." The asleep people thought they were creating a derogatory label when in fact, I use it as a blessing.
I am "woke" meaning I'm not asleep, comatose, or dead like some others like to be.
I don't have to abide by the "urban dictionary." The asleep people thought they were creating a derogatory label when in fact, I use it as a blessing.
Since I've moved to the "Bible Belt" I've noticed churches advertising how friendly their congregation is. While important of course, it's not the most important, not what people are looking for. What are people looking for? Solutions. The Presence of God. What I said.
August 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Since I've moved to the "Bible Belt" I've noticed churches advertising how friendly their congregation is. While important of course, it's not the most important, not what people are looking for. What are people looking for? Solutions. The Presence of God. What I said.
Part III: Why is MAGA so angry? Because winning won't assuage fear and insecurity. An addict thinks that: "If I only could get another fix." Finding out what's causing the fear and insecurity will cool the anger. Always need to find the root cause - as painful as it may be.
August 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Part III: Why is MAGA so angry? Because winning won't assuage fear and insecurity. An addict thinks that: "If I only could get another fix." Finding out what's causing the fear and insecurity will cool the anger. Always need to find the root cause - as painful as it may be.
Part II: Why is MAGA so angry? Because people choose dictators when they feel fearful or insecure. The fruit of fear and insecurity is anger. So.. even if MAGA were to win everything, install Trump as king, get "Christian Nationalism," etc., they still would be angry.
August 9, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Part II: Why is MAGA so angry? Because people choose dictators when they feel fearful or insecure. The fruit of fear and insecurity is anger. So.. even if MAGA were to win everything, install Trump as king, get "Christian Nationalism," etc., they still would be angry.