The Power of The Eternal Perspective
Philosophy fascinates me! I don't get most of it, but it makes me feel smarter just reading about it! One particular fascination is the classic argument between Plato and Aristotle. These Greek philosophers differed in the formulation of their philosophies of being. And Raphael captured their disagreement perfectly in...
Is It An Empowerment Problem?
What confuses me most about today's societal chaos is the whole idea of "empowerment." It strikes me as so very misplaced and wrongheaded. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand the motivation of wanting to correct a feeling of powerlessness. I'm just convinced that the current method being championed by...
A Deficiency of Love!
“Excellence” is a term we hear a lot in sports and in business. And that ties the word to an idea of achievement or progress. But there is also an application of “excellence” when it comes to your relationship with God, and that has little to do with achievement or...
Knowing Yourself is True Wisdom
The great, ancient philosopher Lao Tzu said "Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power." And I would, arrogantly, add that the first step in mastering yourself is truly knowing yourself. And that, my angels, is much more profound than...
The Exclusive Message of Christ
It's never been "popular" to confront our very prideful and "autonomous" societies with the exclusive teaching that the only way to God the Father is through Jesus Christ. In fact, most societies and cultures have reacted rather badly to this message from the Christian Faith. And yet the scriptures and...
Timeless Wisdom
In 1968 The Zombies recorded a song called "Time of the Season." In it, there is a great lyric: "What's your name? Who's your daddy? Is he rich like me?" It was meant to communicate the moment in time of protest, a slap at the arrogant rich, and a...
The Plain Truth
Someone can be truly sincere AND sincerely wrong. It doesn't help good people to be more concerned about their fragile feelings and ignore the danger they are in by heading in the wrong direction. Sometimes, speaking the truth in love is unpleasant and unwelcome. But love DEMANDS I care...
A Special Message From Fr. Barnabas
Getting Back My Health Dear Friends of Faith Encouraged Ministries, I wanted to write you and let you know two very important things: First, I can't tell you how grateful I am for your faithful support over the last two years. You have been the backbone of our ability to continue on...
NOT Dressed For The Occasion
It's not just my recurring dream (nightmare, really) but it has been found to be a common dream for much of humanity. You know the one I mean: I'm standing at a fancy party with either my pajamas on or no pants! In other words, I am NOT dressed...
Don’t Be Anxious!
Well, the truth is I was worried (OK, actually worried and scared). I had never faced anything like this before and all I had ever heard was this situation was serious. And it was. But as I stood there waiting to face the music I so dreaded, I noticed...