Americans are religious and free.  It is the defense of personal liberties and faith that make us so protective. We feel these blessings are worth defending or keeping those without from gaining on us.

There is a lack of humanity in politics today.  Some would rather jump off the fiscal cliff than compromise their principles. I suggest that none of them are pure!

How do you define dying well?

Dying well is relative! I believe that is a concept for the living as they watch an individual die. Simply, those who remain evaluate the peace of the dying and their readiness in which they accept the inevitable. The living play a necessary role in preparing them.

What is your favorite verse of holy scripture and why? Micah 6:8 Reads, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Obviously, this is spiritual but practical Scripture in its approach. I [...]

What is your reaction to the Freedom from Religion Foundation suing the Memphis City Council? Dan Barker of the Freedom From Religion Foundation group said Memphis was more egregious! Yes! Social organizations are composed of individuals and the organizational structure and function of a group are normally determined by the participants. Function…[Read more]

Are you concerned about new voter ID laws? Are we doing enough to prevent fraud and other problems? How can we make voting as accessible as possible while still safeguarding the democratic process? David will my drivers license be acceptable? What if I didn’t drive? I think the law is hardly justifiable. There is little to [...]

The tragic mass shooting at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin, coming just a few days after the tragic mass shooting at the theater in Colorado, continues a deeply disturbing American trend. Since 1976, the U.S. has averaged 20 mass shootings a year – including 30 in 2003. Why is America such a violent place? Why are [...]

What accounts for our such low and declining confidence in ‘the church or organized religion’? The declining confidence in organized religion is paralleled with its secularization through the means of mass media. Televised, high profiled ministry is everywhere and their credibility is not biblical based but rather personality driven. Couple the…[Read more]

The Episcopal Church will now allow priests to conduct services blessing same-sex relationships. The denomination’s House of Bishops approved the policy Monday, and delegates to the national convention approved the measure on Tuesday becoming the largest U.S. religious denomination to approve such a ritual. What’s your response? Is this an…[Read more]

Who/what is an American? What does America mean to you and your faith? Who and what is an American? That is a question that should never be raised in this country. This country has been the Citadel of Hope for countless generations from the world over. However, there is an extraordinary politic being practiced in this [...]

Noted scientist and best-selling novelist Alan Lightman, a Memphis native, asks what are the boundaries between science and religion, the two greatest forces that have shaped human civilization. What are the different kinds of knowledge in science and in religion? And how do we come by those different kinds of knowledge? Members of the Faith in [...]

Memphis City Council member Shea Flinn wants the the city to study the idea of creating an ‘adult entertainment district’ for strip clubs and other sex-oriented businesses. He wants a committee to look into a possible location as well as answer the question whether “this is the right thing to do.” Is it the right thing [...]

The Bible is unequivocally against homosexual intercourse. The leader of the Church Of God In Christ has spoken about his commitment to Biblical principles and our traditional stand on marriage. I am just as opposed to fornication of any type but will respect the right of any individual to proclaim their position privately or publicly, [...]

In a world in which most religions begin with God the Father or some sort of male image of the divine, and are founded by male figures such as Moses, Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad, do we undervalue Motherhood or the role of women in faith? I don’t believe women are undervalued and especially Motherhood. Everyone born [...]

Is imposition of the death penalty a political/partisan matter or a religious/moral matter? Why is the death penalty largely being carried out in the South? Should Tennessee abolish the death penalty? The death penalty is a standard right vs. left issue. How can religious people demand the ultimate penalty? Easy, the death penalty has nothing to [...]

Gov. Haslam is expected this week to sign a new law that would require public schools to allow science teachers to discuss purported weaknesses of theories such as Evolution and Global Warming in their classrooms. What should we do about teaching evolution? Is the theory of evolution a scientific controversy or a social/religious controversy?…[Read more]

It is often said that you “can’t legislate morality.” Are saggy pants a morality issue or something else? The youth craze of wearing their clothing down is a cry for attention. This is not a morality issue. No, this is a give them love and attention protest. Youth are saying, “We know you don’t respect us. [...]

Times are tough. Money is tight. Unemployment is high. Consumer debt is high. It’s hard to save and harder to give. Offer our readers some faith-based financial counsel. What do you tell people about spending and debt and consumerism? What do you tell them about saving and giving? What are some faith-based principles for dealing with [...]

What do you think of the mayors’ Faith-based Partnership to End Homelessness? Will your congregation participate? Will you encourage your congregation to do so? Is this a good approach? The best approach? I addressed the gathering at Victory University where the mayors made their presentations. It was an extraordinary event and was well attended.…[Read more]

In a recent interview, Rev. Franklin Graham questioned the Christian credentials of President Barack Obama and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He apologized Tuesday for questioning President Obama’s faith. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, members of the NAACP’s religious roundtable called on Graham and all Christian leaders to “refrain from using…[Read more]