Author Archives: Bruce

Live Like A Cat

(reflections on a cat on concrete outside a shop in Swansboro, NC)

I think there are many life lessons to be gained by observing cats.

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Toxic Faith and the Tiller Murder

The murder of George Tiller in his church this past Sunday has sparked horror and grief across the political and religious spectrum, as persons on both sides of the abortion debate have condemned the killing as senseless and wrong. Once past the universal condemnation, though, pro-choice advocates have been quick to cast the attack on the well-known abortion doctor as the logical outcome of the rhetoric of some pro-life groups and right-wing bloviators, while pro-life spokespersons have been just as quick to distance themselves from such rhetoric.

A secondary discussion has emerged in some quarters, and the heat and passions generated by this discussion have become, in some cases, bigger and hotter than the original story. Here’s the question:

Can Tiller’s murder be blamed on Christianity or on Christians? In other words, does adherence to the Christian religion make someone more likely to carry out an act such as this?

When I saw that question posted, my first thought was “not any Jesus faith that I’m familiar with.” But my second thought was: “Toxic Faith.”

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Changing

For most of my life, I have been seen as an extrovert, by myself and by others. A big “E” on the Myers-Briggs. A Sanguine on the personality types. Comfortable on stage, anxious to be in front, wanting to lead, with a strong need for attention and, I hoped, approval. Loud, boisterous, story-telling, carried away, life of the party, annoying, raucous, fun, never met a stranger — I answer to all of them, and have, pretty much all my life.

But that’s changing.

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Stupid Bumper Sticker of the Week

Saw this in Knoxville while visiting my mom: If it’s not King James, it’s not Bible. I grunted in disgust, and my mom asked what was wrong. I pointed out the bumper sticker in front of us, and she (daughter … Continue reading

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A Comment on Lost Friendships

Have you ever had a friendship come to an end, and no matter what you do, you can’t find out why? I have, and it’s frustrating.
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One-Sentence Guideline for Christians

From Connie Schultz, panelist on last night’s Bill Maher show: I was raised by a born-again Christian who taught us that being a good Christian meant fixing yourself and helping others, not the other way around. Okay, folks, there’s your … Continue reading

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Irony Is Lost on Some People

I wrote a big, long introduction to this, trying to find some way to explain it — but I just can’t explain it. Perhaps their good intentions can be their excuse. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/30/145245/63/817/647006

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Life As Gift, Live As Gift

Sometimes, when you least expect it, grace breaks in. Sunday night was the Four Churches concert that our church participates in each fall. Having finished my small handbell contribution (we accompanied the first hymn), I sat down to enjoy the … Continue reading

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The Daily Grind

(or, Writing Ain’t Beanbag) I’ve been trying to get back into the blogging mode, doing something every day, for about a month. And it ain’t easy. The job seems to take more and more time; I’m often in the office … Continue reading

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My Dad versus Liz Trotta

My dad was a journalist.
He was a number of other things as well: son of a preacher, high-school boxer, WWII volunteer, medic during the war, concentration camp liberator. Journalism student at U of Missouri. Reporter, columnist, editor.
But above all, he was a journalist — a “newspaperman,” as he liked to be called. An old-fashioned, get-it-right newspaperman.
And on this Memorial Day, as I watch the Liz Trotta clip, I’m thinking of him and what he would say.
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