The Practical Parson

 This past week, the state of Georgia was gripped with what is always a horrific tragedy whenever it occurs: a school shooting.  While we pray for the recovery of those injured, the repose of the souls of the victims killed, and justice on those responsible for this crime; it is worthwhile to remember that crimes such as these are never an appropriate time nor place for political propaganda-ing.  In the wake of any school shooting, there always seems to be the eternal argument between the Left and the Right; one side arguing for increased gun control, the other opposing it as unconstitutional.  Perhaps ironically enough, both sides are correct and incorrect in equal measures.   While it is true that our founding fathers gave us the 2nd amendment in order that we might be able to defend ourselves against enemies, both domestic and foreign; it is untrue that they would have likely intended people to carry large rifles into public eateries and grocery stores o...

 In a seemingly endlessly repeated story-line, we see headlines across the country proclaiming "books banned"; and subsequent outcry from (usually) the progressive side of politics, calling such things "un-american" and "Anti-freedom".   But what is the true issue behind the scenes here?   Well primarily speaking, virtually all of the accused "book-bans" have taken place in locations that are elementary and middle school libraries, or libraries that cater to adolescent children.  Now the progressive ideologues will go to war to proclaim that all books need to be available to all children regardless; but do they really mean that?   Does this mean we will soon be having Kama Sutra for Kindergartners?  Sun Tzu for second grade?  Mein Kampf for Middle Schoolers?   Of course not.  Not because there are not some who aren't crazy enough to push for them; but because at the end of the day those books do not reinforce the 'progress...

Since 2021, International media outlets have breathlessly reported on allegations that ground penetrating radar researchers had 'discovered' hundreds upon hundreds of unmarked, mass grave burials at several former residential schools in Canada.  Of course the first people to jump the gun and start demanding the church apologize for the purported discovery were the politicians, many of whom made teary-eyed trips to the sites so they could have photo-ops.  We heard for nearly 3 years about how this discovery was absolute, that it was absolute fact; the Bishop of Rome even addressed the situation as though it were absolute fact, and people began hounding the Archdiocese where the schools in question were located to 'do the right thing' and 'honor those lives'.   This year, the Diocese of Winnipeg, Manitoba began the process of trying to do just that.  And what has been the result of the vast amount of time, effort, and money that the diocese poured into an attempt ...

 Many years ago, when I was but a young child, my parents decided to send myself and my older brother to a private, christian school in North Carolina.  They were promised an academically inclined, superb learning environment for their children, one in which college preparation was well in hand and all students were equipped to succeed after graduation.   What they got, was sadly none of what they were promised.  Instead, their children were mistreated, bullied, abused, and even suffered academically because of that hellhole's agenda.  You see, the agenda of that particular so-called school was not so much to educate young minds for the future, as much as it was to condition our minds into their perfect, ideal, cookie-cutter little evangelical christian soldiers; who would never oppose them and always do whatever they say.   From the time I was in the seventh grade, until halfway through my junior year; I was brutally bullied, abused, and merciles...