Frank Mancuso's Blog (40)

The changing beauty and power of nature, the mystery of miracles, the pure innocence of an infant, inescapable death and the unmatched character of God, how could any person deny the existence of a higher power or not care about spiritual life? In my opinion, God has given us sure evidence of His life, yet He has also built into life possible explanations that could lead a person to conclude He doesn't exist. Thus, everyone has an equal starting position of being on a fence where the heart…

In 1996, Evertt L. Worthington's mother was brutally raped and murdered in her home. That horrific event tested his beliefs, teachings, writings and research about forgiveness that began in the early 90's.  As a Christian, his mother's words and his faith had set a foundation in his mind and heart about the gift of forgiveness. True to his beliefs and with the help of God, he was able to move out of his first impulse of violent rage fantasies toward forgiving his mother's…

The not always liberal Time magazine (April 16, 2012) published a thought-provoking article by a Christian man, Jon Meacham, entitled, "Heaven Can't Wait" with the subtitle, "Why rethinking the hereafter could make the world a better place."

The article contrasts a traditional view of heaven, which many Christians hold, with one that is not well understood, but well supported by Scripture. The author poses this question: "What if Christianity is not about enduring this sinful,…

Much of what I have written concerning forgiveness is about the morality of it--the rightness of doing it; when to and when not to. This is because I believe there is wide-spread heresy in the romantic and tempting belief that all Christians must forgive everyone for everything, whether or not the offender confesses or repents. (You can find more on this in my blogs (cccrd.org) and in my in depth article in our site's Shop, "Theologies That Wound: A Study of Biblical Forgiveness.")…

Anyone who has a conscience (a sense of right and wrong) and has thought about it knows the power it can wield over feelings, thoughts and behavior for good or ill. It is one's personal sense of morality or law and developed primarily by an individual's knowledge, experience and beliefs. It is also formed by God in that "the Law is written in their hearts" (Romans 2:15).  Scripturally, the conscience is meant to be the personal law that guides one beyond those issues about which the Bible is…

There was a brave man who saved another from drowning. When asked what he could do to repay him and show his great appreciation, the brave man thanked him and asked, "What do you own?" 

He replied, "Well, I have a few wet dollars in my wallet and a couple of credit cards. I'd like to take you to lunch and meet my family."

"Thank you, what else do you have?" said the brave man.

The saved man stumbled a bit and said, "I have a car that I used to…

How many commandments do we need? Aren't ten enough? Apparently not because Jesus gave us another. Really, it is a commandment of summation about all the laws, which can be seen in the original ten commandments.

Think about the spirit in which the ten commandments were written. Exodus chapter 20 reveals these laws to us: have no other gods before Him, do not make any idol, do not take His name in vain, keep the sabbath holy, honor your mother and father, and do not murder,…

Sometimes I listen to the O'Reilly Factor on Fox News. Today, I am borrowing the words he uses to start each show--"Caution, you are about to enter the no spin zone." In other words, what you about to read is not edited for your comfort, tamed for easy reading or spun so I will be liked. Without apology or reservation, this is the hard truth as I see it. 

What most any Christian would tell you is people who are sincere about their faith do their very best to follow the example…

The fictional character was created in the 1939 short story, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. He is a rather timid protagonist with an overactive fantasy life who is ineffectual in his earthly life. The story resonated with people then, as it does today. Who does not ask if there can be more to life than what one has, sees or experiences? Whether or not there is something beyond ourselves? The story's popularity led to the idea of the Walter Mitty Phenomenon, which refers to a…

As a nation, America has its share of problems and imperfections, be it institutions or systems of justice, finance, politics, government, or religion. We can easily lose perspective on our standard of living when we compare ourselves with neighbors, celebrities, media’s view of the “good life,” and what we want and strive to own.

Please read this sobering, brief article by Annalyn Censky retrieved from CNNMoney.com:

The United States holds a…

Brene Brown, DSW eloquently spoke about The power of Vulnerability (20 minute video), which can be seen at TED.com. I found it to be an excellent presentation and the content challenging.

Many initially think of being vulnerable as a sign of weakness, which leaves one open to physical and/or emotional harm, and that's how it is defined. It comes from a Latin word meaning to "wound." Our natural instinct is toward self-protection and, to many, being personally wounded…

What we believe is critical to how we feel, what we decide, how we behave and our view of all of life. Consciously and unconsciously, from cradle to grave we introject others' beliefs and make them our own, and these from parents, teachers, siblings, friends, TV, radio, published writings, the Holy Spirit, and our own thoughts. Taking a moment to ponder this thought, it does not take long to imagine how many of our so called truths are not completely true and some are not true at all. It is…

Many non-Christians will tell you they think they are good people because of their good works or deeds, while the majority of conservative Christians would likely say that people are intrinsically bad and might even say evil. What do you say? 

Why is it important to know the essence of who we are? Because self-esteem and mental health await an answer, respect and love for others is on the line and eternity lies in the balance. 

Numerous Scripture verses paint a horrific view of…

"God won't forgive me, if I don't always forgive others. Besides, I need to forgive so I can be released from anger." I have repeatedly heard these words from so many Christians, whether in person, in print or in a sermon. Only once have I heard that forgiveness is not absolutely unconditional, and that was from author Gary Chapman in a radio interview with Focus on the Family. It is also fairly briefly mentioned in his book The Five Languages of Apology. I have not heard the same…

Most every driver has experienced the action of an altered state of mind. Many times over the decades of driving my car I have traveled a few blocks while so engaged in thought I didn't recall doing the driving.  I've asked myself: "How did I safely get through those last two lights without an accident? Who drove the car because it was not my conscious mind?" It's scary and feels a little like being out of control when it's critical to be consciously in control. The same unconscious part can…

Praise and worship of God is the order for Sunday mornings and really anytime for those devoted to God. Those who are His, know He is the only One worthy of our adoration. The church is ordained by Him and is special enough to be called His bride. Its value is unmatched, except by God Himself. Yet, according to George Barna research, with 10's of millions of born-again Christians who have left the traditional or institutional church and the million or so that is added to their ranks each…