Christian Piatt's Blog, page 59
February 25, 2013
Donor, Know Thy Charity: The Best, Biggest and Worst Nonprofits
Nearly everyone has felt the pinch of the economic slump in the past five years. But despite tough times, Americans tend to be a remarkably generous nation of people. According to Grantspace.org, based on recent reports from Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, “Total charitable contributions by individuals, corporations, and foundations was [...]
February 23, 2013
Church Sign Epic Fails, “Surgically Altered” Edition
There are only two things I can’t stand: people who are intolerant of other cultures, and the Dutch… Church Sign Epic Fails, “Show Me the Money” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Family Values” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” [...]
February 22, 2013
VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Show Me the Money” Edition
You know what Jesus says about the almighty dollar: “Mo money, mo problems.” Or was that Notorious B.I.G.? Anyway… VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition VIDEO Church [...]
February 21, 2013
Calling People “Nones” is a Mistake
I’ve heard a lot about “The Nones” lately. No, they’re not crusty ladies in penguin-like habits, tormenting kids with rulers. Basically it’s the new “spiritual but not religious.” The Pew Center, a major force in the socio-cultural research world, issued a report last fall that found one in five young adults in the U.S. chooses [...]
February 20, 2013
Into the Shadows: The Origins of Hell and Satan (Part 2 of 2)
Yesterday, I discussed some of the historical bases for our contemporary understanding of Satan. Today, I’ll consider how hell evolved as part of the Christian faith. In Old Testament scripture, the resting place for the dead is called Sheol. While some believe this is the same as hell, there are indications to the contrary. In [...]
February 19, 2013
Satan and Hell: A Brief History (Part 1 of 2)
(I was invited to take part in a debate about hell at a university recently, but unfortunately, the dates don’t work with y schedule this time. But since it’s an interesting topic, and one about which many folks have questions, I thought I’d share a couple of short essays I’ve written on the subject.) While [...]
February 18, 2013
Stuff White People Like with Christian Lander (HB CultureCast)
This week, Jordan and Christian go way outside of their sphere of personal experience and into the world of white folks. Specifically, we chat it up with author and screenwriter Christian Lander, best known for his bestselling book, “Stuff White People Like.” We talk about white privilege, why humor is sometimes the best tool for [...]
February 17, 2013
Church Sign Epic Fails, “Show Me the Money” Edition
I got a visit from my pastor recently asking me to give more. Then it occurred to me; my wife is my pastor! And what the heck is she doing with that new Lexus? Gah! Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition Church Sign Epic Fails, “Family Values” [...]
February 15, 2013
VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Apocalypse Now” Edition
The end is near, kids. Better make sure you have on clean underwear. VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Mormons Rock” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Pass the Ammo” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “We Serve Minors” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “God Likes Weed” Edition VIDEO Church Sign Epic Fails, “Big Ass” [...]
February 14, 2013
Why the Next Pope Should Be a Poor Woman of Color
For the first time in six centuries, the head of the Catholic Church is stepping down. Some, like Huffington Post Religion’s Senior Editor Paul Raushenbush, have suggested this is an indication that the stodgy religious institution is creeping its way toward modernism. Could it be that the role of Pope will be considered to be [...]
