I have a confession to make. I’m a Pastor, and I’m not that into Christmas. I know I am supposed to be super excited about Christmas, but I’m just not. Don’t misunderstand me. I love Jesus. Jesus is the best. It’s just this fake, made-up birthday party that I just feel weird about. I would … More What I Hate/Love about Christmas
This is the age-old question of science fiction. What’s more likely? Mad Max or Star Trek. Or is it more likely that it’s something in-between like Star Wars where some people have space ships and light sabers and laser blasters; while others live in sand igloos and are slaves to the ugliest creatures in the … More Terrorism, Racism, Natural Disasters: Is the Future Better or Worse?
These last few years, I’ve noticed a change in sexual acceptance. I don’t know if there’s been a change in sexual activity, but definitely acceptance. I’m specifically writing this to Christians. I don’t expect non-Christians to care what the Bible has to say. But I think I’m at least somewhat surprised at the shift in … More The New Sexual Morality
I get asked often on advice for new Believers in beginning their journey of faith. In this post I may interchange the word “new” for “young” but I’m not referring to numerical age, but rather simply referring to someone’s lack of experience in their Christian walk. I actually think Americans have some unique challenges when … More Digital Discipleship 101: The First Steps for the New American Believer to Take
Everything I share here will be my personal thoughts. I’m not speaking for Christianity in general or born-again believers or even my own church. I’ll just share my own thoughts. I’m actually kind of surprised that Halloween is still controversial. I’m not even stating opinion yet, I usually just feel like Christians (whether right or … More Is Jesus Powerful Enough to Redeem Halloween?
Well I don’t think Gene Rodenberry tried to predict trends in missiology, but just like many of his predictions of the future, we are now starting to actualize his ideas. The History Channel even had a multi-episode documentary on this phenomenon of whether Star Trek actually predicted the future, or if Star Trek simply made … More Star Trek Taught Me about the Future of Missions
I wrote a drama when I was like 18 or 19 years old called Paranormal Schizophrenia. It basically was a quasi-humorous story about a teenager who was put in an insane asylum by his parents for being a Christian. Here’s an excerpt: Doctor Well, Christopher, we haven’t heard from you this whole time. Chris … More Paranormal Schizophrenia: The Next Reason Why Christians Might Be Persecuted
Let me make this clear. I’m not your therapist and especially not your psychiatrist. I guess I’m just your (online) pastor. So in no way take my discussion of addiction to mean that if you are in need of any type of counseling or prescribed medication that you should alter anything without consulting a doctor … More Time to Rethink How the Church Addresses Addiction
School is about to start. As a kid, that meant waking up way too early, not getting to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, and way too much school work. As a parent, it means that finally I can go to the bathroom in peace, I get to do … More So What the Heck Is “Quality” Family Time?
When it comes to marriage, both arguing and not arguing can be very destructive. You might argue a lot and have a great marriage. You might never argue and have a terrible one. And vice-versa. Arguing is more of an art than a science. Now this list is for 3 types of couples. And … More Rules for Allotta Arguing
Joe Allotta 