Samuel Perry makes a plea for scientific study of religion in Religion for Realists. His target audiences include conservative religious people who scoff at the concept and secular people who are skeptical about bias in research on by scholars who are religious. Well worth serious thought. #bluesky

My first hint that the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol might be the beginning of something more ominous and possibly the sunset of the the American experiment was when an in-law said that it was not a big deal

My reflection on recent violence. I invite you to read the attached post:
callforfireseminar.wordpress.com/2025/12/16/p...

Happy Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!

This past weekend of terrorism and murder deeply saddened me. The killing of worshipers on a beach, mass shooting on a college campus, and stabbing of a respected actor/director/activist (likely by a troubled son) calls for respect for the dead and for healing of hurts, not slander of victims.

In his novel Capital Calamity, Fred Kaplan weaves irony and humor into a tale of how a world war might begin and expand from an insider's perspective. Willoughby, the unwitting protagonist, is a jaded anti-hero with heroic potential who has to resolve a disaster that his own prank launched. #booksy

Democratic Party video dissing KC Chiefs was an unforced error. KC Mayor noted that KC voted Democrat 3-1. Yes, Chiefs owners donate Republican, but why alienate fans who vote Democrat? #Politics #Sports
Democratic Party insults ‘washed’ Chiefs following loss to Texans share.google/sClKpsbTGtVP...

Caustic language and derogatory slurs in public discourse, bitter insults and physical violence in families, verbal attacks in religious groups won't improve relationships. Let's pray and act for peaceful communication; Let's unite, not fight.
callforfireseminar.wordpress.com/2025/12/04/p...

First Snow - My great grandmother always recorded the first snow of the season in her diary. For some years it was her only entry.

The more I read of Understanding the Culture of Conversation by Michael Agar, the more I appreciated how relevant it is. Cross-cultural communication is littered with land mines. Agar's framework for language and culture gives tools to navigate relationships and to understand headlines. #booksky

Possible difficulty in obtaining evidence, alleged immunity,cost to taxpayers, fear of a ten years plus court case all figured into freeing Donald Trump from one legal risk that remained. Should the case have been dropped? Thoughts?
www.bbc.com/news/article...

Dr. Michelle Harper begins her memoir Beauty in Breaking with the privilege and trauma of her childhood, then recounts mountains and valleys that she traveled to learn to love and to care for herself. Where will this ER physician's battle with purpose and balance for her life go next? #booksky

Worked together with fellow Lansing American Legion Post 411 and Auxiliary members today to pack Christmas gift packets for senior citizen Veterans, part of our mission to help fellow Veterans. #military #AmericanLegion #service

Imagine the trauma of being in Congress and someone trying to murder you while you're giving a speech, and then years later, the President saying that your spouse should be hanged because he spoke the truth. Stand firm for doing what is just and love each other deeply each day.

Encouraging military officers and enlisted to serve with honor and integrity is not a capital crime

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy"
- a mother advising her son the king
(Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

Regaining strength, distance, and hopefully speed -
Check out my run on Strava: strava.app.link/grPPoMm8nYb

I wore the shoes she mentions as a single father of two teenage boys. I felt the emotions she describes. I have little sympathy for those who begrudge food for those who are trying to provide for their families.
A Humbling Experiment You Should Try, Too.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/humbli...

How we live most authentically if we claim to follow Jesus?