Recently I came across this post from a Catholic I follow on X: The context is about how Catholics supposedly “over complicate” worship, adding in all these unnecessary requirements like mandatory mass (including certain holy days of obligation), going to confession, participating in the Eucharist, etc. The Protestant view of discipleship is far simpler: focus… Continue reading “Catholics have convoluted Christianity with tradition”
Tag: Christian culture
The communion of saints who led me home
When I think of the people who led me to Christ by faithful example, I naturally think of those I’ve actually met: classmates, mostly. A few older, mentor-like figures.. But that “communion of saints” also includes those who finished the race before me, in previous eras. For me, one of those pivotal figures was Joan… Continue reading The communion of saints who led me home
Why I’m (still) not a Messianic Jew
Nearly ten years ago now, I wrote a blog post explaining why, despite my Jewish heritage and faith in Jesus Christ, I do not call myself a Messianic Jew. It went semi-viral, and not in a good way. I received – and still do, on occasion – many emails criticizing my reasons, which mostly had… Continue reading Why I’m (still) not a Messianic Jew
What Christians get wrong by saying “It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship”
There are rhythms to certain relationships that are not only enjoyable, but indicators of good health. In my marriage, it’s making coffee for myself and my husband (he still doesn’t quite understand the French press) in the morning, which we sip in our home library as our daughter races her toy cars across the carpet.… Continue reading What Christians get wrong by saying “It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship”
Pope Francis and the importance of moral clarity
If there’s one takeaway from my brief stint in progressive Christian spaces, it’s this: certainty in faithful matters is not a goal, but rather an enemy (ironically, they seemed pretty certain about that). But when I read books and blog posts about people’s de-conversion journeys, it seemed that certainty itself was not always the problem:… Continue reading Pope Francis and the importance of moral clarity
The Protestant to Catholic pipeline
I recently came across this Christianity Today article on why there seems to be a surge of Protestants turning to Catholicism: It’s no secret that a growing number of Protestants in the US have become embittered with American evangelicalism. There is, of course, the disillusionment with sexual abuse scandals among well-known leaders and institutions—as well… Continue reading The Protestant to Catholic pipeline
Give me blood and guts
I used to have a crucifix necklace that I purchased at the Vatican during my semester abroad. Upon returning home, I made the mistake of wearing it to a meeting at Campus Crusade for Christ, my alma mater’s campus ministry. People chastised me: “You don’t want to wear that, people will think you’re Catholic!” “Crucifixes… Continue reading Give me blood and guts
Ta-Nehisi Coates and moral relativity
Did you hear about the interview with writer Ta-Nehisi Coates on the Trevor Noah podcast, in which he admits that if he had grown up in Gaza, he might have joined in Hamas’ massacre of Israelis on October 7th, 2023? Publicising his new book, The Message, on Trevor Noah’s podcast, US writer Ta-Nehisi Coates –… Continue reading Ta-Nehisi Coates and moral relativity
An uncommon pariah in an unsafe world
There’s a line from my memoir that goes like this: “Christians are called to be pariahs, to go against the ways of this world. But I am a special kind of pariah.” It refers to the biblical mandate that Christians are to be “not of this world.” Gospel values are always going to make us… Continue reading An uncommon pariah in an unsafe world
My Jewish background and the Ten Commandments in schools
Growing up, I attended a public school system that regularly bent the rules as far as what was permitted under freedom of religion. Football coaches prayed with students before games. Teachers discussed matters of faith with students in the classroom. Faith-based groups visited my health class to discuss abstinence. I didn’t know yet that Jesus… Continue reading My Jewish background and the Ten Commandments in schools