Category: Story

America, Bible, Christianity, Culture, Ethics, fear, Jesus, Love, Parables, Parables, Politics, Poverty, Race, racism, Selfishness, Story

Jesus, the Samaritan Woman, and Toxic History

Gary Furr

Reading the Bible Amid the Culture Wars When we come to the gospels, we meet a nearly nonstop array of the crossing of barriers. Jesus eats with sinners (as defined by the culture as much as the Law itself). He touches the “unclean” (defined by the pious) and welcomes them back into the people of God. Tax collectors join the disciple band along with Zealots. Women are recognized and sinners forgiven. Regarding consideration of cross-cultural relationships, it is a problem of where to begin. The welcome of the outcast, the stranger, the sick and the downtrodden is a feature of … Continue reading Jesus, the Samaritan Woman, and Toxic History

America, Bill of Rights, Citizenship, criminal justice, Culture, Ethics, fear, First Amendment, Story1 Comment

The Bill of Rights is More Than Two

Gary Furr

Since we all claim to know what the first and second amendments of the Bill of Rights mean (although I have severe doubts about that), let’s reconsider and reacquaint ourselves with amendments 3-8.  Amendment III No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon … Continue reading The Bill of Rights is More Than Two

Story

How Will We Be Remembered?

Gary Furr

Since retirement, I have shifted from leading a wonderful congregation in suburban Birmingham, Alabama to working with partner organizations to provide food pantries in schools and communities, buy beds for children who slept on pallets, or shared a bed with a sibling, fund programs that deliver food, and build up people in vulnerable communities with great ideas. Our organization, the Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers and Children, also works to find and support maternal and child health. The struggle to feed your family and pay for health care are among the most challenging in the state, but certainly not limited … Continue reading How Will We Be Remembered?

Story

Squanto’s Kindness

Gary Furr

How can you not like the story of the Pilgrims?  They came to America to find freedom, we remember.  Religious freedom.  They were Puritan “separatists,” believing that the True Church must separate itself from the corruptions of the world, in particular the Anglican church and its state-supported status as an established church.  They were known as “non-conformists,” as in non-conformity with the state and with the book of Common Prayer as its guide.  As in, “Hey, one of us needs to watch for the sheriff.”  First they went to Holland, where there was greater religious freedom.  Amsterdam was a bit … Continue reading Squanto’s Kindness