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Yes, God Wants You to be Happy.
One of the most pernicious lies in the Christian community comes in the oft repeated aphorism, “God cares more about your character than your happiness”. Added onto this particular gem is the assertion that as Christians, we are commanded to feel joy even when we are not happy. Next comes a tortured attempt at defining joy apart from happiness. Joy is apparently an emotion located in our spirit while happiness is shallow and only for those weak enough to seek the gratification of the flesh. Joy is lasting, while happiness is fleeting. To all these things, I say, “Bosh.” I blame Immanuel Kant in part for the angst-filled separation of…
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God, Man, and Animals: A Kind of Paradise Explored
That bulls are dangerous animals is without question. So when one attacked my friend, Mike, I was hardly surprised. After all, I lived in Kentucky and witnessed firsthand a bull taking out the corner of a neighbor’s brick house in a frenzied rage. When his dairy cows had acted as a unit to save his life, Mike entered the Dairy Farmer’s Hall of Fame (Well, he would if there was one). His girls, as he called them, were docile and affectionate. His farm was small enough that he knew each of his cattle by name. Theirs was a relationship of cooperation as he relieved their swollen udders twice a day,…
Healing Through Art & Words
