"If we acquire knowledge before we are emotionally healthy, that is if we are insecure, we are going to use it to boost our own ego and compare ourselves to others. The desire for knowledge will be like a need for a drug, then, pacifying a wounded spirit through comparative associations. Entire theological camps have been built and bolstered by this needy, angry, gluttonous desire for knowledge. But if we have confidence, if we are secure, knowledge humbles us. We realize that we did not invent truth, we simply stumbled upon it like food on a long journey." (>>)

"I can’t imagine that any religion in the history of humanity has made as many clearly false claims and promises as evangelical Christians in their quest to say that Jesus makes us better people right now. With their constant promises of joy, power, contentment, healing, prosperity, purpose, better relationships, successful parenting and freedom from every kind of oppression and affliction, I wonder why more Christians aren’t either being sued by the rest of humanity for lying or hauled off to a psych ward to be examined for serious delusions." (>>)

"The revolution we now call the emerging church movement may not be as sexy as it once was. It may not be feeding our endless obsession for what’s new and what’s next. It may not have arrived in current form the way we had wanted or anticipated. It may not be stroking our egos as much as it used to, now that some random guy on the streets of Dallas can probably define 'missional' without our help. But it is far from over." (>>)

"More and more evidence points to what is simply common sense -- increased exposure to combat trauma increases incidents of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Within IVAW, we experience how multiple deployments are ravaging the lives of soldiers and their familes.

"More troops have committed suicide than have been killed in action in either Iraq or Afghanistan this year. This sad statistic does not even account for the number of veterans who have killed themselves, a number we may never know because the Veterans Administration only tracks suicides of those they have in their care (often less than 30% of eligible veterans). Currently there is one mental health specialist for approximately 1,100 troops in Afghanistan. The Army says it hopes to improve that ratio to one for every 700 soldiers."

(IVAW newsletter, no link available)

"[Pat] would never be chosen to teach a class or be a leader because of divorce and a history of substance abuse..." (>>)

" 'Mum!' he yells. 'Dad told me the worst swearword of all! I know what it is! Limone!' " (>>)