My goodness, I thought salvation would be tougher than this...

I was searching for something online today when I mistakenly came across a website for a church. The kind of church you might call a "real" church. And it just so happened that it was the very church in Texas that turned yours truly solidly away from organized religion for ever. That's right, Cavalry Cathedral in Ft. Worth Texas. Weird huh?

Well out of some sense of nostalgia or blatant curiosity I began poking around and came across a page titled "Salvation". Well I thought, "Oh yes? This might be good..." so I opened it and nearly choked! Not only was the path to everlasting salvation spelled out here in less that three paragraphs, (who knew that it was so simple?), but they spell out exactly what you must do.

"If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and would like to receive the gift that God has for you today," (but wait, NOW how much would you pay?! Well don't answer yet...) "then pray the following prayer from your heart and out loud with your lips:" (Ah, I wanted to use my neighbor's lips, they're so much fuller than mine...)

That's right, they have printed a specific prayer that guarantees your salvation! Wow! Can you imagine?! A whole paragraph that will guarantee your trip to heaven that you must recite, never mind letting your emotions just come from inside you or your belief to dictate how to proceed, we know the exact words that God wants to hear you parrot back. That's right, set aside your free will folks and come to Jesus, we'll tell you everything you need to know. So just sit back and be saved...

It goes on to say "If you have prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God. All your sins are forgiven." Wow, just like that, poof!

And people wonder why I think religions are bogus.

Memorial Day

It is the third largest holiday for the consumption of alcohol, behind New Years and St. Patrick's Day. School is out and people are enjoying the warm weather and the freedom to do what they choose to do. All fine traditions indeed!

But it's called Memorial Day for a reason. This is the day our nation sets aside to honour the men and women who have lost their lives in the service of our country. This is an important tradition, a touchstone that should never be put away or trivialized. So I would like to propose a new tradition, I would like you all to consider adding this to your personal pantheon of traditions and to keep it each year. Pass it along so your children keep the tradition as well.

This Memorial Day, before the BBQs and the boating, the picnics and the baseball and yes even the racing, take a moment to consider what this day represents. Not a moment of silence while you consider your to-do list, but true reflection on the meaning of the word Memorial. It is a time when we should take a few moments and remember those Americans that have paid the price for our freedom to grill and boat and play baseball and go racing. Because freedom must be bought over and over again with blood and sweat and tears otherwise it will vanish, like a summer shower.

So this Memorial Day, play and have fun and enjoy your freedoms. But remember those that have provided them for you and perhaps say a prayer or lift an ale for those that are out there defending them even now!