The Goings on and Work of Sam Mahlstadt

Our local newspaper ran the results of a new study that surveyed people regarding their religious convictions and/or spirituality. There were a few results that caught my eye:

• The term “atheist” is being used more than ever before.
• Many people referred to themselves as “spiritual” but did not belong to a particular religion.
• Those who claimed to be atheists had just as much potential to be satisfied with their lives as those belonging to a religion.
• The profile of those who had the least life satisfaction: single, white males who lived alone.

According to a 2007 study from The Pew Forum, which gathers information on religion in America:

• 16.1% claim to have no religious affiliation
• 1.6% claim to be atheist
• 2.4% claim to be agnostic

Is it becoming more socially acceptable for people to distance themselves from faith and religion than in the past? I wonder especially about the term atheist; is it more acceptable to make that claim, or are there simply more people than ever before who simply believe God does not exist? What does the Church do about this? Certainly the Church is the very reason that many find themselves unaffiliated – so what happens next?

How do we see restoration and reconciliation come to those who have walked away from their faith? Is it our responsibility to build systems and communities to seek this out, or do we focus on doing our best now, in order to prevent more individuals from stepping away from their faith communities?

I am from the great state of Iowa. Born and raise among the cornfields. A bit about the state:

Did you know Iowa was the first state to legalize interracial marriage? It seems crazy to think that it was once illegal, and I am happy that Iowa took a stand and overturned the law.

A few months ago, Iowa also became one of the first states to legalize gay marriage.

I had someone say to me the other day that common controversy over gay marriage is the same type of issue that previous generations faced with interracial marriage, and the intolerance of race.

So…

Is gay marriage the new interracial marriage – meaning that in a generation or so, our society will look back and shake its collective head at the very thought of withholding a marriage license to someone because of their sexual preference?

Or is this something entirely different? Obviously, Scripture has some harsh words for homosexuality – but right here, right now, in our society, what should be our approach?

I would like to know your thoughts. Go ahead…

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I have made a transition in the past few months from working in full-time vocational ministry to working in food service.

Here is something that has helped me: the church staff I served on maintained attitudes of servants.

Here is something that has stretched me: people who eat at restaurants are rude, inconsiderate and self-entitled.

They are human.

We all have these characteristics, and we can all get ugly. Some people do a better job at controlling their emotions, and remembering life is not all about themselves.

If you are a representative of Christ, please keep this in mind. The world doesn’t revolve around you. People are watching.

St Francis of Assisi: “Witness at all times and when necessary use words”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vFVnTMwt3w&hl=en&fs=1&]

You are having a blast, working away, getting ready for the reward of your labor, and then -WHAM! Not sure how it happened, but you can’t worry about that because you are groaning in pain while onlookers verify your failure with an awkward transition.

This is a great anology for what many have been through who take risks. That, and it’s hilarious. Have a good weekend!

For good measure…Family Guy’s version.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T-JfYYaBpA&hl=en&fs=1&]