Category Archives: current-events

Mercy for Me, But Not for Thee

Posted on January 31, 2026 by smaxreisert

In our current state of affairs in the United States, it’s hard to know how to make sense of it all, in striving to appreciate various facets and layers of what makes it into the news, and in attempting to … Continue reading →

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Next Holiday on the Chopping Block: Christmas?

Posted on December 16, 2025 by smaxreisert

The Trump Administration recently announced that, through the National Park Service, two days on the United States calendar that enjoyed “free admission” status have been removed. The two days that are now no longer free admission holidays for the National … Continue reading →

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Ridiculous, Stupid and Incredibly Scary

Posted on November 1, 2025 by smaxreisert

“We’re saving Christianity. We’re saving God. We’re saving the family unit. We’re saving the nation.” Eric Trump, on the podcast, “The Benny Show” (October 2025) It was a shocking moment, to be sure, when Eric Trump declared that the Trump … Continue reading →

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What Kind of “Christians” Are These?

Posted on October 15, 2025 by smaxreisert

There’s a certain pastor who’s having his big moment in the spotlight. I’m reluctant to spell out his name because I don’t want to add to that spotlight. But, what he is preaching and sharing is deeply disturbing and unsettling. … Continue reading →

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What Wondrous Hate Is This

Posted on September 24, 2025 by smaxreisert

At the five-hour mashup of memorial service, evangelical Christian revival, and political rally for Charlie Kirk this past Sunday afternoon, President Trump articulated several incredibly troubling sentiments. The most important of these: his musings on hate. As part of his … Continue reading →

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Confession, What Is It Good For?

Posted on August 24, 2025 by smaxreisert

As any good Christian ought to know, confession is in integral part of the faith experience. While I don’t think confession ought to be focused on beating oneself up for every shortcoming, especially to the point of mental, emotional and/or … Continue reading →

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Let a Whole New Era Begin!?

Posted on July 12, 2025 by smaxreisert

“Pastors who endorse political candidates shouldn’t lose tax-exempt status, IRS says in filing” [AP, 7/8/25] “Churches can endorse political candidates to congregations, IRS says” [Reuters, 7/8/25] According to a story in the New York Times this past Monday, the days … Continue reading →

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The DEI Program Instituted by Jesus Christ

Posted on June 14, 2025 by smaxreisert

The current Administration in Washington appears to revel in dismantling DEI programs in as many aspects of American life as it can get its hands on— legitimately or not. Other conservative leaning politicians and leaders are also extolling the necessity … Continue reading →

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That Helpless and Hopeless Feeling

Posted on April 16, 2025 by smaxreisert

A week ago Saturday, I attended the Augusta, Maine version of a Hands Off Rally. Everyone seemed so awed by the thousands of people who showed up on a overcast, chilly and raw day. In applying for a permit, the … Continue reading →

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Losing Our Humanity

Posted on March 17, 2025 by smaxreisert

In the ceaseless barrage that has become an element of our everyday lives since the inauguration of the current president, it’s been difficult to figure out how to respond, how to cope, how to think about it all, how to … Continue reading →

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