Paul G.'s Comments

Goodbye GM: Words of Wisdom from Michael Moore by Carla G.

Jun 2, 2009 | comments: 34

Paul G. Jun 2, 2009, 5:22pm EDT

Excellent ideas.

Petitioning Prayer and God as Santa Claus by Carla G.

May 14, 2009 | comments: 31

Paul G. May 15, 2009, 2:05pm EDT

I have a great deal of respect for my colleague and friend, John Spong. He has spoken out on long-held beliefs that many other orthodox clergy will not, even though they may agree with him.

CARAVAN (A Miniature - Poem In Prose) by Svetlana Goryacheva

May 15, 2009 | comments: 56

Paul G. May 15, 2009, 2:02pm EDT

Very lovely.

"There is no Hell", says Bishop Carlton Pearson. Do you agree? by Carla G.

Apr 19, 2008 | comments: 126

Paul G. Apr 24, 2008, 10:02pm EDT

Dave, I was a United Methodist minister for many years. We stopped saying the Creed, as have many UM churches. Also, please understand that most Methodist ministers today who have attended divinity schools do NOT take the Bible literally. I also agree with Bishop Pearson about hell. Most fundamentalist Christians still embrace the idea of a place called hell, but the majority of mainstream ordained ministers who have receive an education from an accredited divinity school or theological institute, do not. We all talk amongst ourselves about this, but not many step forward on Sunday and declare this. They are too afraid of what happened to Pearson. It's sad, but there are still people being burned at the stake as heretics--metaphorically of course. People deserve to be told the truth, but they're not ready for it. Maybe in another hundred years.

Discussion Topic #31: Crucifixion and Resurrection Stories--What is yours? by Carla G.

Mar 22, 2008 | comments: 20

Paul G. Mar 26, 2008, 3:12pm EDT

1 Corinthians 15:31 "I die daily," wrote the apostle Paul. During seminary I also died daily.

Another Brief Update: My Thesis' Preliminary Defence by Svetlana Goryacheva

Feb 28, 2008 | comments: 18

Paul G. Mar 22, 2008, 2:45pm EDT

Congratulations on your thesis, Sveta.

Discussion Topic #31: Crucifixion and Resurrection Stories--What is yours? by Carla G.

Mar 22, 2008 | comments: 20

Paul G. Mar 22, 2008, 2:42pm EDT

Brian, I can certainly relate to your crucifixion experience, for I have had a similar one. I do not have the time to write about my own at this moment, but suffice it to say it strengthened my faith and deepened my compassion for others. My resurrection did not come as soon as I would have liked (they never do), but when it did it was glorious. My prayer is that anyone who is going through a crucifixion now will know that they are not alone, that God is with them.

And yes, Carla, another wonderful topic. Easter blessings to you!

Which Way by 0000-synchro-0000

Mar 16, 2008 | comments: 10

Paul G. Mar 16, 2008, 10:07pm EDT

Your poetry is quite deep and very intriguing.

The Controversy: Obama's Minister and McCain's Endorsement by Rev. John Hagee by Carla G.

Mar 13, 2008 | comments: 76

Paul G. Mar 16, 2008, 10:04pm EDT

As for the other topic that seems to have crept into the discussion, I choose not to watch Fox. I have seen too many examples of how they have slanted the news toward the right. I used to watch them quite frequently, but not anymore. I sometimes watch the BBC to see how they report the news in the U.S. It gives me a different perspective.

The Controversy: Obama's Minister and McCain's Endorsement by Rev. John Hagee by Carla G.

Mar 13, 2008 | comments: 76

Paul G. Mar 16, 2008, 10:00pm EDT

Carla, as a fellow member of the clergy, I am also appalled by the the messages of hate and judgment that the reverends Hagee and Parsley have been spreading. As someone who previously voted as a Republican, it is distressing to see how Senator McCain has embraced these men and welcomed their endorsement, but yet has failed to denounce their messages--as Obama has with Pastor Wright.

I actually met Rev. Wright about ten years ago. He was a very pleasant man. He was doing all that he could to empower young blacks in his community and to encourage them to continue with their education and respect themselves and others.

Discussion Topic #8: Hell--What is it? Where is it? Do you believe in it? by Carla G.

Sep 16, 2007 | comments: 70

Paul G. Sep 25, 2007, 7:22pm EDT

I decided to check back in with our little group and see what was happening. Brian, I admire your patience, and your willingness to reach out to Adam. As you have said, it is sad. As you remember, I did caution you all to not waste your time trying to reason or have a discussion with someone who is caught up in the web of religious fundamentalism.

Brian, I believe that your observations about Adam are probably very accurate. He is a troubled young man filled with a lot of anger, hostility and judgment. From some of his other comments, I would venture to say that he also has some significant issues with women. But I digress. I think that maybe prayers for Adam are warranted and I am quite serious about this.

Discussion Topic #8: Hell--What is it? Where is it? Do you believe in it? by Carla G.

Sep 16, 2007 | comments: 70

Paul G. Sep 24, 2007, 6:00pm EDT

Adam, I am not surprised that you do not want to tell me where you received your theological training because you probably have had no formal education.

As far as me being New Age...that is quite funny young man. I am a retired Methodist minister with a degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School.

Discussion Topic #8: Hell--What is it? Where is it? Do you believe in it? by Carla G.

Sep 16, 2007 | comments: 70

Paul G. Sep 24, 2007, 9:59am EDT

Adam, I see that you were evasive about answering my question about your theological training.

Discussion Topic #8: Hell--What is it? Where is it? Do you believe in it? by Carla G.

Sep 16, 2007 | comments: 70

Paul G. Sep 23, 2007, 8:52pm EDT

What an interesting discourse. Adam, I'm sure that you are well-intentioned, but you really leave me scratching my head. Where did you get your theological training?

And Carla, I have tried to debate fundamentalist Christians before and I don't recommend it. They immediately begin quoting scripture verses one right after the other. They do this rather than have an intelligent conversation. Adam talks a good game throwing around words like "exegesis" (critical explanation of the text). But the sad thing is, people such as Adam generally have no personal relationship with God/Christ because they are so caught up in the literal (yes, literal) interpretation of scripture.

Anyway, I suggest that you and Jerry spend your time responding to those that really have an open mind and want to have a discussion and not receive a sermon. By the way, I heartily recommend the book "Misquoting Jesus" by Bart Ehrman. He is the chairman of the religious studies department at the University of North Carolina.

Oh yes, Carla, I see that you are a Unity minister. I am not that familiar with Unity although I have had the chance to look through the Metaphysical Bible Dictionary written by your co-founder Charles Fillmore. It is an intriquing work that I think could help shed a whole new light on scripture. I plan to purchase a copy for my library.

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Paul G.
Washington State

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