Controversy continues to swirl around Bethel Church in Redding, California. I have written already about one situation involving their now former senior leader, Ben Armstrong, and the allegations–that I believe to be true–that he engaged in Clergy Sexual Abuse (CSA) of “Sarah.” He was restored years ago (although, he is currently on administrative leave), and … Continue reading “Bethel Church’s Dawna De Silva On CSA Victim Care”
Category: Musings
“There but for the grace of God go I” Response
“I see these church leaders fall, and I say to myself, ‘There but for the grace of God go I,’” says Pastor talking about Clergy Sexual Abuse situations. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or … Continue reading ““There but for the grace of God go I” Response”
Not Punishment or Piling On
2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. -I Timothy 3:2-3, NIV When a secular teacher violates trust and is convicted of abusing a minor, they are FOREVER banned from a teaching license. This secular requirement … Continue reading “Not Punishment or Piling On”
Unpunishable or unsafe? Bethel and Ben Armstrong Case
Bethel Church of Redding, California is currently embroiled in a leadership scandal. Once their poster child for a restored leader following moral failure, Ben Armstrong (BA), is back in the spotlight for alleged lies and Clergy Sexual Abuse allegations. To Bethel Church’s credit, they have put Ben Armstrong on administrative leave as they investigate these … Continue reading “Unpunishable or unsafe? Bethel and Ben Armstrong Case”
Do NOT date while still married, please!
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. -Hebrews 13:4, NLT When I was dating after my divorce, I was somewhat surprised by how many people were dating still married. For me, those people were a hard pass. … Continue reading “Do NOT date while still married, please!”
Late Blooming Rebellion
A theory I have about some cheaters is that they are simply behaving like adolescents who never felt free to rebel against authoritarian parents. Maybe they were always the “good girl” or “good boy” in the family to keep the peace? Then they grew up and married; however, they never really discovered what they believed as they … Continue reading “Late Blooming Rebellion”
No Hierarchy in One
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. -Genesis 2:24, KJV Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. -Deuteronomy 6:4, NIV No Hierarchy in Oneness In some theological circles, marriage is taught as a hierarchy where the … Continue reading “No Hierarchy in One”
So unseen!
14 “But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things: 15 “He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife. … He will not die for his father’s … Continue reading “So unseen!”
Lessons from a dead pet
Today, we said good-bye to one of our dear parrot buddies, Trip. He died from complications following a surgery. It sucks. It mystifies me how Cheaters can discard spouses so easily. I only had this little bird for a few years and am profoundly sad at his death. The lack of attachment to another human … Continue reading “Lessons from a dead pet”
Hobby Day – Bench Competition
I recently competed in a weight lifting meet as a bench only competitor. The day was a mixed bag. I succeeded on my opening attempt where I easily benched pressed 250kgs/551lbs. This was good enough to earn me a medal at the meet. Sadly, I missed at the weight I really wanted to hit in … Continue reading “Hobby Day – Bench Competition”