About

I have studied religion off and on for many years. I have been involved in several different Christian traditions–Pentecostal, Episcopal, Free Evangelical, Catholic, and Calvary Chapel. I have also studied Hinduism, Buddhism, and more recently the Koran. I am an interspiritual Christian in that I study, experience, and benefit from other religious traditions while remaining faithful to Christianity. I am also an evangelical Christian, although I believe that other religions contain different reflections of divine truth the way a diamond reflects light at different angles.

In order for the human race to survive, Christians need not only to coexist but to cooperate with other religions toward the common goals of peace and social justice. Within Christianity, this is an exciting yet also agonizing time. Many fundamental assumptions of Christianity are being reexamined. It has been called “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis Tickle, and also the “Second Reformation”. Also, many younger evangelical Christians are more concerned about social justice and protecting our planet. It is a hopeful sign; we all want our children’s children to have a world to live in.

Finally, I believe that the book of Revelation was written during a terrible time of persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. The author was addressing that time. John used apocalyptic images and symbols from Old Testament apocalyptic literature in prophesying the end of the Roman Empire, and a new world in which Christians would be free of persecution. He was not talking about a world two thousand years into his future. The first time I realized this was in reading an out-of-print book called, The Message of Revelation by Cady H. Allen. What this means is that, although our world could end in an apocalypse, it doesn’t have to.

For many years I have felt that end-time preaching is a dangerous, inflammatory, and dubious adventure. One need only visit a used book store to see the outdated books about end-time prophesy. The application of prophesy to tense political situations today is a destabilizing influence at best. Religious leaders should work for peace and preach the kingdom of God here and now instead of worldwide destruction. I very much want my granddaughter to inherit the kingdom which Jesus spoke of. It is incumbent upon us all to hear the call of Jesus, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent (change our lives) and believe the good news!” Mark.1:15 (NIV)