Inappropriate Conversations

There is an old adage that says you'll be happy and successful if you "do what you love" for a living.  Don't believe what you hear.  That saying is only almost right.  "Love what you do for a living" is better advice, and the difference is not mere subtlety.  We should hold the things we truly love as intimate and not fully invest them in the pursuit of trade or commerce.  On the other hand, the things we do professionally must have some underlying passion if we are going to be successful. Different Drummer: Ira A. Robbins

The word "perversion" carries a more negative connotation than the word "diversion" despite the similarities in the concepts.  In both cases, something is turning away from an original or predicted course.  I would recommend caution rather than condemnation, though, when we either cannot explain the cause of the deviation or there is very little we can do about it in hindsight. Different Drummer: David Allan Coe

"Gospel" means "good news."  Easter is all about hope and new life.  Why, then, would any church devote this particular Sunday to a message about hopelessness and despair?  The worst Easter Sunday sermon I've ever heard did precisely that.  I think the reason has a lot to do with many Christians having no clue that Jesus came to save the world rather than condemn it.  If you have read John 3:16 (and didn't stop there), you should know this.  It is written. Different Drummer: Johnny Cash

When the Psalmist speaks of the Lord's name being declared throughout creation, that includes popular culture and secular music.  I reject the idea that some sort of "culture war" makes any sense.  As a Christian, I believe that all of creation declares God's glory -- all of it.  If we listen, we will hear. Different Drummer: Ed Ames

Did you hear the one about "V8® Nate"?  No doubt, it's offensive.  Have a happy April Fool's Day! Different Drummer: John S. Hall

When I first heard The Electrics' song "Party Goin' On Upstairs" on a bargain bin CD, the expression "RSVP" kept running through my head.  Some Christians, and some non-Christians, imply that Jesus places a large blockade in front of heaven's gate.  For them, the concept of a narrow way means that the path is hidden and the savior's calling is cryptic.  Actually, Jesus is quite clear about the obvious response he expects to his invitation. Different Drummer: The Electrics

Monogamy is not just a good idea in the sense we often hear about democracy or capitalism, with it being the "best system among many flawed choices."  From a purely sexual perspective, a deeply committed relationship is the best way to explore all that human sexuality has to offer.  The opposite approach is to merely skim the surface, and changing the topography might seem like a reasonable way to overcome familiarity.  It's much better, though, to truly dive in. Different Drummer: Don Ellis