Born in Bethlehem

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Study cultures that have no word for war.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

At peace with you, I know peace with the world.
Forgiven by you, I can forgive others.
Loved by you, I can love others, including “enemies”.
Trusting you, I can overcome my fears.
Inspired by you, I can appreciate beauty, truth and humor.
Knowing you bless me, I can share with neighbors.
Aware of your presence, I enjoy life’s journey.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Guys, when you go shopping for the Passover meal, see if you can find some of those Dove chocolates to go with the wine – much better than some dry bread.”

[Dove, Jesus. They go together, but He never said this.]

D. Blog: Where Was Jesus Born?

A lifelong unchurched man suddenly develops a vague religious urge and decides to join a church--any church. So he sets out to find one. His first stop is a Roman Catholic church where he asks what he has to do to join. The priest mentions diligent study and the affirmation of the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, then--just to see how much the man knows--asks him where Jesus was born. "Pittsburgh," he answers. "Get out!" cries the shocked priest.
Next stop is a Southern Baptist church where the seeker is told he will have to learn Bible verses, swear belief in the Nicene and Apostles' creeds, swear off booze, and be baptized ("By immersion, not just some sissy sprinkling"). The Baptist preacher then, to see how much this man knows, asks him where Jesus was born. "Philadelphia?" he asks tentatively (once bitten, twice shy). "Get out, you heathen!" yells the preacher.
Our perplexed protagonist finally walks into a Unitarian church where he is told all he has to do is sign a membership card. "You mean I don't have to renounce anything, swear to anything, or be dunked in anything?" "That's right. We have no special tests for membership, no dogma. We support total individual freedom of belief." "Then I'll join! But tell me--where was Jesus born?" "Why, Bethlehem, of course." The man's face lights up. "I knew it was some place in Pennsylvania!"