don't forget to think.

I've been finding a whole bunch of articles lately that center around religious themes, not a surprising thing when I myself work in a ministry setting and have such things often on the brain, and I'm friends with quite a few religion nerds, seminarians, religion majors, and assorted social-justice-minded people.

Many of these articles are thought provoking, challenging in ways that the norms of society would scoff at or dismiss.  In an age where people are so surrounded by outlets of information of varying opinions, angles, and levels of credibility, I urge you:
remember to think.
You have been given a wonderful brain
and it is meant to be used.
Do not let yourself define your world with stereotypes, generalizations, and popular opinions.

Decide for yourself what you believe.

Why Christ Doesn't Need Christianity
"The truth is that Christ is able to do his work with or without Christianity or recognition.  This doesn't mean he's against Christianity, only that he doesn't require it.  Just because my religion bears his name doesn't give me the ability to wield or withhold the saving or healing power of Christ as I see fit."

Why our church is taking heat for opening our doors to Muslims
"Jesus and all the other founders of the world's religions emphasized the importance of not sleepwalking through life -- to stay awake, sane and hopeful when the world around us is changing."

Why Mormon women are wearing pants to church this Sunday
Mormon women wearing pants love the Gospel
Mormon ‘Pants Day’ — debate heats up as women prepare to dress down
Mormon women to wear pants this Sunday in an effort to support each other and bring forward the conversation of women's rights and women's equality.

War on Christmas? Sign this Minister Up!
"The Christmas story has been hijacked by a dominant culture.  Places of power and positions of prestige have warped the comeuppance sensibilities of the original Christmas story.  God's vision of liberating the oppressed, the downtrodden, has been slowly replaced year after year with a story that no longer brings fear to the Powers that Be, but rather supports the big business agendas of profit and mass consumerism.
...
Does the way we celebrate Christmas bring light into the darkness?  Does it bring hope to the hopeless?  Does our modern-day Christmas celebration bring justice to those who have been treated unjustly?"