Tag Archives: Christianity

A Certain Kind of Testimony

Posted on June 15, 2026 by smaxreisert

At the beginning of May, I traveled to New York City to attend the retirement party of a good friend. As the large group gathered before dinner, I realized that except for the retiree and her spouse, I knew only … Continue reading →

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Through the Ages

Posted on May 31, 2026 by smaxreisert

Confession:  I’m an audiobook addict.  I listen to a lot of them, using two separate audiobook apps.  I listen to a wide variety of genres—detective stories, spy stories, police procedurals, literary fiction, historical fiction, nonfiction, memoir, young adult, and even … Continue reading →

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The Public Face of Faith

Posted on April 17, 2026 by smaxreisert

I recently found myself in a lengthy conversation with a former parishioner, a man who left Old South in response to my “politics.” In the conversation, which was actually much less a conversation and much more of a monologue, this … Continue reading →

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Nearing the End of a Long Journey, and the Start of a New One

Posted on March 27, 2026 by smaxreisert

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through … Continue reading →

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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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Lessons I Should Have Learned at Div School: Cheerleading?

Posted on January 10, 2026 by smaxreisert

Many years ago, when Old South was set to embark on a process to discern whether or not to pursue “open and affirming” status (public welcome of those in the LBGTQ+ community), I gave a sermon or two in support … 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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Lessons I Should Have Learned in Divinity School: Mind Reading?

Posted on December 6, 2025 by smaxreisert

As Old South prepared itself for a major decision-making point and a special meeting of the congregation, the governing board thought it would be a good idea to offer a pre-game gathering, a time for people to ask questions and … 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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