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Monday, March 18, 2024

Kyle Franklin

Kyle A. Franklin is a recent graduate of Gonzaga University, where he earned his Master's in Religious Studies. He completed his bachelor's degree in history and religion at Pacific Lutheran University in 2007 and has worked in both the ELCA Lutheran Church and the United Methodist Church.

When symbols define us

Symbols are interesting things. Whether we recognize it or not, symbols play a role in almost every aspect of our everyday lives. For example, if the government decided to remove the word “stop” from (what we recognize as) our stop signs, it is likely that we would still stop when we arrive at a red octagon on a post at an intersection.

Sheep, goats, the pope, and the image of God

Several days ago, I read an article in which Pope Francis “declared that everyone was redeemed through Jesus, including atheists.” I clearly expected much backlash as his statements are bold (to say the least) and have the power to rock the foundations of both Roman Catholicism and enrage those who believe Jesus to be the sole way to God.

Through your faith, be joyous with others

Were you to walk through my home, you would find that I have a lot of photographs hanging on the walls, in albums and even displayed as coffee table books from trips I have taken to far off places. These photos show both people I love and joyous times with them. Accomplishments and achievements and risks I’ve taken solely for the purpose of crossing things off my bucket list — they are all there.

What is terrorism?

Yesterday, I read an article entitled “Please, God, don’t let the Boston Marathon bomber be a Muslim” and found it to be one of the best op-ed pieces I have ever read. And, unfortunately, the current reports show that the brothers involved in the Boston Marathon attack are, in fact, Muslim. The article as a whole, though, raises personal questions about the ideas of terror and terrorism.

Running toward the chaos

When I received word of the explosions that occurred at the finish line of the Boston Marathon today, I was very personally upset. Running a marathon takes months of training and extreme dedication. Even after all the training, crossing the finish line results in literal pain. And, to be completely honest, crossing the finish line means COMPLETE physical, mental, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. To complete a marathon feels like coming to the edge of death willingly.

Thoughts on SCOTUS hearings

UDPATE March 27,10:21 a.m.:

Yesterday, one of the Supreme Court Justices stated that the issue of racial inequality had to "perk" from 1898 to 1954. She went on to say that (maybe) the issue of gay marriage needs to perk a while longer.

God knows we need community

We want to have it all together and try to fool God — whatever form God takes in our lives — into believing that we have it all together. The truth, though, is that God recognizes that we are in need of healing, whether we make that clear or not.

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