Faith Explored Posts

This new chandelier is bringing bright light into my house. We are called to let our light shine – to be a light for the world around us. How can you shine brightly today?

Hinduism and Christianity have core differences regarding who we are and where we are going. Are all people equal, or are we consigned to a system of higher and lower castes and worse? When we die, do we live on in a spiritual realm or are we forced to return to earth for additional cycles of life? These differences are central, not trivial.

To fulfill our mandate from God to cultivate and care for the natural world, we need regulations. Why? Because without them we tend to seek what is best for ourselves in the short run, which can hurt ourselves, others, and the planet in the long run.

On 9/11, we honor the courage of many people, including passengers and crew of Flight 93. Our government leaders need political courage today to deal with crushing deficits. Here is an example of political courage, and some devastating examples of its opposite.

People wonder how AI will affect workers. Even without AI, we have failed to treat workers fairly. Corporations and governments already have been devaluing humans in the workplace for centuries. They are violating these principles, which are based in the Bible.

It’s Back to School time for all of us, no matter how young or old we are. Everyone is invited to learn in the classroom of the greatest teacher the world has ever known: Jesus. How do we do that? His lesson plan is ready. We just need to show up.

There is no sacrifice you can make that will appease God. Fortunately, unlike the Greek gods, that’s not what God wants. The Bible has a much more surprising view of sacrifice. Will you join in, unite with God, and be a member of his team?

God allows bad things to happen – not because he wills or desires evil but because he believes so strongly in giving us free will. But he doesn’t stop there. He invites us to cooperate with him and allow him to bring good out of evil.

God sustains the universe even though bad things sometimes happen. Instead of ordering everything to happen by decree, he shows us his perfect will – what he desires to see happen – and permits people to respond by doing good or evil by their own free will. These are all facets of God’s “will.”

How often are you thankful for the things you are not in control of? Consider these wise words from a young man who is thankful for things he can't control. How can we respond to a God who lovingly gives us so many good things we do not control?

Now that the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence has passed, let’s take a look at what true freedom really is. It is more than just freedom FROM the rule of others. America’s founders saw it as freedom FOR something. But for what?

Many things might happen if humans encounter intelligent creatures from another world. Films and books have rarely considered how our spiritual nature and theirs might affect the outcome. Our track record is not good.

Would the revelation that aliens exist be a challenge to the Christian faith? In his new film “Disclosure Day,” Steven Spielberg ponders this question. A nun in the movie offers a clear answer.

Throughout history, enslaved people have been given little recognition despite making major contributions. In the New Testament, some of Paul’s letters may have been written down by slaves. Who are the unsung people of our time that we can see and acknowledge?

To be believed, some people need to make promises or swear they are telling the truth. Jesus has a better idea: Let your “Yes” always mean “Yes.” If you do that, you won’t need to swear that you are telling the truth.

The answer might surprise you. The first person to explicitly call Jesus “God” was someone who is better remembered for his doubt, not for his belief. But he is the first person every quoted calling Jesus “God” – and it happened 1,992 years ago.

One of my students asked me, “Mr. Faletti, how do you stay so calm?” I responded that “I know the end of the story.” “What do you mean?” the students asked. "How do you know the end of the story?" The answer begins with Easter.

Christians use the Stations of the Cross to explore the meaning of Jesus’s crucifixion and death. Explore how his suffering connects with the suffering of those who face injustice and racism in America today. Then ask yourself, “How can I take up my cross in response?”

In junior high, I used to shoot 100 free throws a day but could never make more than 57 shots. Elite athletes pour their heart and soul into the pursuit of excellence. What can we learn from them as we pursue our goals?

When a coworker, teammate, church member, student, or family member is not doing the right thing, what should we do? It is tempting to respond with anger. This expert on human relationships offers a different approach that is more effective in dealing with difficult people. Take a look at what to do – and what not to do.